When you gather in a group, do you arrive anxious and disconnected? Are you stuck in your head and unable to truly show up for the collective experience? Do you struggle to trust the natural flow of energy that emerges when people come together?
"Creating healthy huddles isn't about controlling the experience. My role is simply to create presence and witnessing—like the goddess Bhuvaneshwari who holds space in the cosmos—and then everyone else co-creates what happens next," explained Tina Bruce, intuitive mentor, co-founder of Soul Wander retreats and author of Big Little Breath when we interviewed her recently. "I've learned over the years that when I step back and surrender my need for perfection, that's when the magic actually happens.”
Based on what we learned from Tina—whether it's a team meeting, a yoga class, a family gathering, or a circle of friends—here are three of our favorite ways to help each huddle better together:
Shiatsu Swings: Before gathering, try this somatic practice which activates the parasympathetic nervous system - that "rest and digest" state that helps us feel safe and present.
Begin by standing with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width. Soften your knees slightly and let your arms hang loosely by your sides.
Start to gently twist your upper body from side to side, allowing your arms to swing freely like weighted pendulums. As they swing, let them softly thump against your torso. Breathe gently through your nose.
There's no need to force the movement - imagine your arms are simply responding to the rotation of your trunk. You can keep your eyes open or closed, whatever feels most comfortable. You might like to imagine your arms are branches swaying in the breeze.
As you continue these gentle swings for about 1-2 minutes, focus on your breath and notice how your body begins to loosen with each swing.
Acknowledgement Of Country: This isn’t just a formality—it's a profound opportunity to connect ourselves and the group to place, history, and purpose. The act of recognition creates a container that's big enough to hold whatever work we're about to do together, whether that's yoga, conversation, or collaboration:
As you gather in your huddle, take a moment to truly connect with the acknowledgment rather than seeing it as a formality or something to get through quickly.
You might do this placing a hand on the ground or by kicking off your shoes, connecting the feet to the earth, as you imagine the many generations who have stood on this same earth before you, bringing a sense of timelessness to whatever we're about to do.
If you’re leading a huddle, you might like to verbally say, “I want to acknowledge that we are gathered on [insert indigenous land title], and pay my respect to the traditional custodians of the land.”
Reflect on how your purpose for gathering connects to the deeper wisdom and care for place that First Nations people have demonstrated for countless generations.
Allow this wider perspective to gently release some of the pressure you might feel to perform perfectly in this space.
3S’s Of Holding Space: Explore these when you gather or lead a huddle to help yourself and others create environments that are inclusive, accessible, and authentic:
Skip the "Safe Space" Label - Instead of declaring a space "safe," which can create pressure and isn't always honest, focus on creating a space that is intentional and respectful. Instead of declaring, “This is a safe space to be yourself”, try "We're creating this space together, and you’re welcome to participate in a way that works for you today." This acknowledges that safety is something we build together rather than something we can guarantee.
You're Not Stuck - This simple reminder grants permission to honor personal boundaries and needs, which is especially important for those of us who've been conditioned to push through discomfort to please others. Whether you’re huddling for a meeting, a women’s circle or a social gathering, remind others they can wiggle, move, leave the room or a conversation whenever they like.
Slow It Down - Our nervous systems need time to process and integrate. Try to deliberately build in moments of pause and reflection rather than filling every second with instruction. These aren't empty moments - they're vital spaces where insights can land and integration can happen.
We took away so many aha insights and practical tools from our conversation with Tina about honoring the energy of huddles. For more of Tina's wonderful work, visit her website and grab a copy of Big Little Breath. You can also explore her international Soul Wander retreats here.
Remember, the next time you find yourself in a huddle, ask as Tina might: "How can I step back and let the divine co-creation happen rather than trying to force a perfect experience?"
Please note: We are mindful that 'girl' and 'woman' are socially constructed ideas of gender that can fall painfully short of defining the fabulous complexity of who we each are. If these words resonate with part of how you have previously or currently identified yourself, we'd love to hear about your lived experiences.
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