Hugo House

Leadership for the Hugo House in Seattle was seeking to weave together several groups with very different needs and ambitions so they could make better decisions with limited resources going forward.  I was not able to interview all the participants of this half-day session, but we broke through some very stuck places anyway and found more synergy by the end.  

“Lisa is an excellent retreat facilitator, particularly gifted at helping groups of people navigate through fraught situations.  She has an uncanny ability to ferret out the source of tension – which can be unvoiced yet palpable in a group – then adeptly address the anxiety, resentment or dissatisfaction in a way that does not accuse, shame or lay blame on any individual.  Lisa’s calm and generous demeanor conveys to groups wrestling with difficult situations an optimism that inspires people to work together on finding a way forward that includes everyone.  I cannot recommend her highly enough.”

–Tree Swenson, Director, Hugo House

Lifelong Recreation

Brenda Kramer was poised to retire after many years as Director of the Lifelong Recreation Division.  She was looking for a consultant who could work with her team – a team with great passion for their work but at the same time needed to heal and just focus on themselves.  We spent the day with that as our primary intention.  

“Lisa and I worked together on a possible agenda for the day leaving room for spontaneity.  To lift the lid on our ‘over thinking,’ Lisa got us using our creative and imaginal intelligence. We cried, we laughed and found meaning in the symbolism hidden in the stories told through our art projects. Lisa led us to a safe space where we felt anchored as a team.  I am so grateful for Lisa’s ability to really listen and respond to our needs in such a creative and graceful way.”

–Brenda Kramer, previous Director, Lifelong Recreation & Special Populations, Seattle Parks Department

Creating with Others

After leading group process for years, I came across an essential book I wish I had found earlier in my career.  Creating With Others: The Practice of Imagination in Life, Art & the Workplace by Shaun McNiff.  The book explores “the genesis of human creations in a reciprocal world of inspirations and collaborations…Communities and relationships committed to the mutual creation of new forms will change the world as we know it.”

Sitting in the Fire

Arnold Mindell has written more than 20 books on leadership, healing, shamanism and group process.  His Sitting in the Fire: Large Group Transformation Using Conflict and Diversity is an important one from his selection.  His philosophy aligns closely with my own as we both value the tensions and conflicts within a group to be key to liberation and transformation.  I have found this to be true again and again so am no longer daunted by deep divisions but see them as nothing more than love wanting an outlet.  

Beautiful Retreat Locations

Whether it’s a Board of Directors needing to learn more about what makes each other tick or a team needing to get clear about their strategic objectives for the upcoming year, taking time away from the press of institutional demands is an essential investment for people seeking to collaborate.  

After 15 years, I have facilitated too many retreats to count.  Retreat facilitation is now one of my sweet spots.  I always spend time in advance getting to know all the participants, even for just a bit of time.  In this way I can combine what I know about their aspirations for the time together with the real-world challenges of the individuals sitting in the room.  I have witnessed a single day-long retreat catalyze significant change in a group with sustained and positive repercussions for their future together.

Here are just a few of my favorite retreat locations near Seattle, Washington where I live:

Whidbey Institute

I have led several retreats at Whidbey Institute on Whidbey Island located on the territory of the Lower Skagit, Swinomish, Suquamish, and Snohomish tribes in Washington State.  It’s surrounded by 100 acres of mature Pacific Northwest forest, has a diverse array of spaces for convening and sleeping, and puts a primary emphasis on healthy food, some of which is grown from their own garden.  I have retreated there on my own for a solo retreat and found the serenity on this bit of land to be unique. 

Seward Park Audubon Center

The Audubon Center at Seward Park in Seattle is a gem.  Tucked away on the building’s second floor is a warm library complete with working fireplace, to convene a smaller group of up to 12 people.  The staff are exceptionally welcoming and the park and lake surrounding the building provides a perfect escape for solo meandering between sessions.  

Mt. Baker Rowing & Sailing Club

Another prime Seattle-based day-long retreat location is the second floor of the Mt Baker Rowing & Sailing Club.  With a fabulous view of the lake, two balconies, a fireplace and plenty of space for a larger (up to 40 people) group, Mt Baker is a wonderful container for bringing groups together to learn and grow surrounded by the beauty of the PNW.