When we think of what makes a truly memorable workshop or retreat, it’s not just the techniques or teachings we offer – it’s how people feel while they’re there. It’s the sense of belonging, the unexpected connection, and the softening into a shared experience. This is where the art of circle holding comes in. For yoga teachers, learning how to facilitate a circle can gently elevate your classes, deepen the learning, and inspire students to return again and again.

In this workshop, I talk to Tessa Venuti Sanderson and we’ll explore how circle facilitation can transform your offerings – from regular classes to full retreats – creating meaningful, lasting impact.

Creating a Brave Space for Sharing

The heart of circle holding lies in creating a brave, held space where participants feel safe enough to show up authentically. In our fast-paced world, we rarely get the opportunity to be fully seen and heard without interruption or judgment. As yoga teachers, we already hold space in our movement classes – circle holding is simply an extension of that container.

Circles as Tools for Integration and Reflection

Circle time offers a crucial moment for integration – an often-overlooked piece of learning. After a meditation, story, or new movement practice, asking a simple reflective question like “What do you observe in your body now?” gives participants a chance to process their experience.

This doesn’t need to be lengthy. A one-sentence check-in or a minute of journaling followed by partner sharing can go a long way. It’s not about performance or fixing – just space to witness and be witnessed. This kind of reflection helps students internalise the practice and feel more connected to both themselves and the group.

Encouraging Authenticity & Meaningful Connections

One of the most powerful outcomes of circle holding is the way it encourages authentic connection – not only between teacher and student, but peer to peer. When students feel like they’re part of a community, rather than just attending a class, their engagement and loyalty grow.

Time Boundaries & Gentle Facilitation

One of the biggest hesitations teachers have when starting to introduce circle sharing is the fear that it will eat into yoga time or that one person might dominate. This is where skilled facilitation and gentle structure come in.

Clear parameters make all the difference. Try saying, “Let’s share just two sentences,” or use a timer for one-minute shares. You can also explain up front that this is a “no-fix” space – no advice, no solutions – just witnessing. These soft boundaries help create a respectful and balanced experience, even in shorter workshops or weekly classes.

Why Community = Repeat Bookings

People don’t just rebook your workshop because of what they learned. They return because of how they felt. The feeling of being part of something, of being gently held and truly seen, is what lingers long after the class ends. When students leave feeling connected, they’re not just booking a yoga class next time – they’re returning to a community.

RELATED: Running a Yoga Day Retreat: The Do’s, Don’ts & How-To’s

Explore More Resources: Get the book Circle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles by Tessa Venuti Sanderson & Julia Davis – Available via Singing Dragon & Amazon (CIRCLEHPOD10 (Code can only be used on the publisher’s website: https://uk.singingdragon.com/products/circle-holding)

Join Our Community

For more support and FREE resources, join our Facebook community, The Yoga Teacher Collaborative. Connect with other yoga teachers, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights on how to make your classes more inclusive and accessible.

Connect With Laura:

• Instagram: [@lauragreenyoga]
• Facebook: [@lauragreenyoga]
• Website: [www.lauragreenyoga.co.uk]

Tags: #YogaTeaching #YogaTeacherSupport #CircleHolding #YogaCommunity #YogaWorkshops #TeachingWithConnection #YogaTeacherTraining #YogaFacilitation #HoldSpace #TeachingTipsYoga

Conclusion

The art of circle holding isn’t about being the perfect facilitator. Just like teaching yoga, it’s a practice that evolves as you do. Start small – a one-word check-in, a brief reflection after a new practice – and see how your students respond. The smallest of shifts can begin to build a community that feels warm, supportive, and magnetic.

As you deepen your skills and confidence, you’ll find that circle holding doesn’t take away from your teaching – it enriches it. It bridges the gap between yoga and life, between personal growth and collective experience. And most importantly, it helps your students feel like they truly belong.

Make your workshops more than just an experience – create a space where real transformation happens.