The context
In recent years, a growing number of individuals have responded to their heart’s calling, stepping into the realm of sharing their unique expertise in the healing arts. Workshops, seminars, classes, immersions, and retreats have become prevalent, offering diverse opportunities to enrich our lives. This trend is not only a chance for clients but also a personal growth avenue, aligning with the old saying:
“What we most need to learn, we should teach.”
Yet, amidst this surge, the importance of proper training and awareness in effectively guiding groups through the realms of knowledge or practice cannot be overstated. Ensuring psychic and physical safety is paramount, alongside the vital question of how to optimize the impact of one’s work through mastery of group facilitation. The success of your offerings hinges, to a considerable extent, on your grasp and execution of the art of facilitation. It is disheartening when groups veer off course, collapse, or are hindered by unfavorable dynamics, jeopardizing the impact of your teachings
It’s a pity when groups get derailed or sidetracked or even collapse altogether and the impact of your teaching is undermined by unfavorable group dynamics and/or your own triggers.
The experience
The Art of Facilitation workshop is a transformative learning journey that equips participants with essential skills to excel as workshop facilitators. Throughout this program, they’ll learn to create a strong group container, handle group dynamics, resolve conflicts, and ensure ethical facilitation.
Participants also receive practical feedback and a powerful facilitator presence assessment to enhance their skills. This comprehensive training prepares facilitators to confidently guide transformative experiences for their participants.
The Facilitator
Stefan Hermann
Futurist, Author & Social Entrepreneur
The workshop will be led by Stefan Hermann (64), a German born futurist, author, and social entrepreneur who resides for the past 2 decades in Santa Barbara, California. He has led hundreds of self-development weekends across the globe and received the “Ron Hering Award” for exceptional leadership in 2004. Additionally, Stefan founded his more-than-for-profit organization GenDerations Mentoring (www.genderations.org) to support communities in mentoring their youth, both boys and girls, into healthy, mature adulthood. He has taken this work to South Africa, Europe, Mexico, and now India. His work was scientifically evaluated by Dr. Sadhana Natu, head of the Psychology Department at the University of Pune.
The Art of Facilitation is a workshop tailored for those delivering workshops or contemplating doing so but are hindered by apprehensions about potential pitfalls.
This workshop is for:
— Experienced workshop facilitators
— Individuals considering workshop facilitation but facing fears
— Individuals who have encountered challenges in group facilitation and wish to address their apprehensions
— Individuals looking to elevate their facilitation skills to the next level, ready to provide truly transformational experiences
— Individuals working with groups, irrespective of the discipline or modality
— Coaches, therapists, teachers and practitioners aspiring to extend their work beyond one-on-one settings
— Facilitators keen on broadening the impact of their teachings through a framework encompassing shamanistic rituals, ceremonies, and a deeper connection to the land and divine trust
Key learning objectives:
— Building a robust group container capable of withstanding significant challenges
— Practices and rituals for honoring the land, grounding our bodies, and enhancing our capacity to hold space
— Expanding awareness of personal triggers and acquiring reset techniques
— Preparation and cleansing practices for facilitators
— Understanding the phases of group dynamics
— Recognizing and addressing group shadows and individual shadows that can disrupt efforts
— Developing effective communication skills
— Implementing conflict resolution strategies.
— Establishing safety protocols and a code of ethics for facilitators.
— Identifying potential “container busters” among participants before the workshop.
— Creating protocols for online follow-ups via Zoom.
— Proactively avoiding issues before they escalate.
— Assessing your personal facilitation style and engaging in shadow work to optimize performance.
— Incorporating meaningful games and methods to infuse enjoyment into group dynamics.
What is included
– 3 days and 2 nights in one of our traditional Tuscany Farmhouses
– Daily nourishing vegetarian meals from local & seasonal products
– Nature walk in the 330 hectares land of Forci
– All teachings & training
– Assessment of your facilitator skills
– Zoom afterwards for integration
– Daily movement practice
What is not included
— Transportation to and from Forci
— Medical insurance
— Alcoholic beverages
Adds-on
* Inquire during your reservation process about “The ShadowToGold Weekend” happening April 11-13 and get a special package to join both experience
Accommodation
* Please note that prices are per person
Shared room and shared bathroom (price per person)
Shared room and private bathroom (price per person)
Private room and shared bathroom (price per person)
Private room and private bathroom (price per person)
FAQ
While we adore children, unless the retreat is specifically designed as a family retreat, we encourage you to take this opportunity to focus on yourself, distancing from daily responsibilities, and fully engaging in the retreat program. This ensures a conducive environment for everyone to immerse themselves in the transformative experience we offer.
We have a deep appreciation for pets, and our expansive property is perfect for them to enjoy nature. However, given the shared living areas and occasional communal bedrooms at Borgo Pastore in this phase, we kindly discourage bringing pets to respect the privacy of all retreat members. We appreciate your understanding in creating a harmonious atmosphere for everyone.
Forci embraces inclusivity and community, setting boundaries that respect individual needs. Prior to your arrival, you can communicate your dietary requirements. Our chef will tailor meals and provide alternatives. The majority of our food is plant-based, locally sourced from our garden or nearby farms. To ensure a seamless experience, please communicate your dietary needs at least 3 weeks before your arrival, allowing our chef to prepare accordingly and provide you with a nourishing experience, including our exquisite olive oil.
In this phase of our project, you can expect essential amenities in the rooms, including towels, linen, and organic soap and shampoo in the bathrooms. Each room is equipped with a wardrobe or drawer for your clothes, and for those in need of laundry facilities, there's a shared washing machine in each apartment.
Yes, we offer transfer services for your convenience. Please let us know during your booking, and we can schedule a transfer from the pickup location that makes the most sense for you. You also have the option to share a transfer with another retreat member. Given the high demand for summer services in Tuscany, it's advisable to contact us early to secure this service.
Pisa Airport is the nearest airport, just a 30-minute drive from Tenuta di Forci.
If you're flying to Tuscany, Pisa Airport is the closest. From Pisa, you can easily reach us by hiring a car (30 minutes away), booking a transfer (we can assist with this), or taking a train to Lucca train station and then arranging a transfer to Forci (20-minute drive). We are also accessible easy from Florence Airport (approximately 1 hour away), where you can choose similar options or take a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Lucca and then book a transfer to Forci. Before check-in, you'll receive an email with a Google Maps link, guiding you through a picturesque panoramic road in the Lucca hills for the best route to reach us.
Pack comfortable attire for yoga and nature walks, gym shoes, and, during summer, don't forget a hat and sunscreen. Bring a journal for note-taking during the retreat. Depending on the specific retreat, facilitators may request additional items; please check your email for advance notice.
To maintain focus on meditation and practice, we recommend refraining from bringing laptops to the retreat. Use this time to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
We understand that circumstances may arise leading to the need for cancellation, and we strive to accommodate our guests to the best of our ability within the framework of our policies.
Please note our cancellation policy:
* Cancellation 60 days before check-in: 50% refund
* Cancellation 59 to 30 days before check-in: 30% refund
* Cancellation within 29 days before check-in: No refund
To cancel, please email [email protected]. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to hosting you.
About us
The Art of Living a Regenerative Life
This immersive retreat takes place amidst the enchanting beauty of Tuscany, at the soulful sanctuary of Forci, a stimulating place to understand how to live a regenerative and more conscious life. Forci is a multifaceted family project — a Regenerative Farm and forthcoming Holistic Healing Sanctuary, an Event Space blending Agriculture & Cuisine, a Gallery Space with an Artist-in-Residence Program, and an inspiring living community of sustainably developed Tuscan farmhouses.