Context:

The relationship between group interaction and the places in which they occur is the subject of extensive research & study. Many group leaders consider the land or location where they meet to be an active partner in their hosting or facilitation.

Intructions:

Rural and urban settings offer specific and different qualities for group process, and there are many versions of location within both settings, each with significant further levels of distinction.

Rural settings set your interactions within the greater backdrop of nature, and the human connection to our natural selves. Being in the country together can foster intimacy and provoke a sense of community, especially if the meeting includes one or more overnight stays. If you want to go deep with your group or use your meeting as a way to evolve community, to initiate new working groups, or to heal damaged relationships or address difficult questions, a rural setting may be a valuable aid in supporting your intent.

Urban locations more often have the advantage of convenience and proximity to culture, other people, and a variety of technological and practical resources. An urban location may also add excitement and energy to your gathering.

Urban locations tend to be more distracting, and people will be more likely to come and go from the event at times the convenors may not have planned on.  Because a rural setting is harder to access, once people get there they tend to stay put for the duration.

In any case, location covers a variety of elements including area/meterage, architecture, space layout, seating capacity, facilities (pool, hot tub, etc.), food (internal food service, in-room cooking capacity, or nearby restaurant, organic or locally grown, etc.), light, scenery/view and type of landscape (i.e. desert, ocean, mountain, river, mountain, city, village), etc.

Cautions & Caveats

The place where you choose to gather, no matter how amazing, will not be enough to create a container on its own.

Sometimes a place that is too interesting can even be distracting and run counter to your intent for the gathering.