Here's something that doesn't often get talked about in the world of spirituality, wellbeing and personal growth... When investing in a workshop or training, part of what you are paying for is the soothed and stable nervous system of the facilitator.

It takes a lot to facilitate a space for others with true care and an intention towards impeccability. Not only in the moment of the event itself - which is often the easiest and most joyful part - but in everything that goes into the process before and after. All the behind-the-scenes pieces.

If you've never organised an event for a diverse group of folks all coming with their different needs, want, agendas and perspectives, you could not possibly imagine what's required. Or at least what is required if done well.

Most of my teachers along the way worked to relentless schedules - travelling from workshop to workshop, retreat to retreat, and country to country. Often with little downtime in between. There was a kind of badge of honour in doing things this way. Yet looking back I can see how this lack of spaciousness bled into the workshop in unhelpful and sometimes even harmful ways.

As a participant, there was a sense of urgency in the space. That we had to squeeze every drop from that moment. There was very little transition from the everyday world into the space and very little integration back out into our wider lives.

The work of unpacking this paradigm has been a big piece for me personally. Releasing the model of what a facilitator looked like - not only from my mindset but from the very cells of my being. It's an ongoing process as under pressure it's so easy to drop back to defaults. Trying to give more, do more, be someone. Rather than allowing and trusting in the unfolding of it all.

It takes dedication and devotion to be the difference that makes a difference.

Part of the motivation in writing this post is to shine a light on the unseen elements of facilitation. There is a part of me that feels that somehow I shouldn't be saying this. Like I'm breaking some unwritten rule. That as a facilitator this should just be part of the sacrifice that one makes. I'm done with sacrifice. I believe that sustainability leads to true service.

In these times where many are feeling under the crunch financially, it's understandable that you might want a workshop or event to be cheaper. Yet, at what cost? This is part of the wonkiness of the system we live in. I want to live in a world where goodness is rewarded with goodness.

When you are considering booking a workshop or training, you might want to consider the following for the facilitor(s)... What support do they have in place? What kind of infrastructure? How do they resource themselves? Ultimately, when it comes to their emotional and energetic wellbeing, how well do they walk their talk?