Setting the Container
In the last couple of years I’d heard the word “container” used frequently in the community, small group, and wellness realms. I love words and I often weigh them so I became curious about its definition beyond a vessel meant to hold something. It wasn’t until our first Goddess Circle that I more fully understood what this phrase meant.
According to Ashanti Branch at the Hive Global Leaders Program, “setting the container” is defining the rules, expectations, and intentions of an interaction so participants know how to make a quality contribution. More simply, telling people what to do in order to have a deeper experience.
In a way, it absolutely still is a vessel meant to hold something, it’s just a metaphorical vessel instead of a physical one. And this approach can build a valuable community and create interactions that have greater purpose.
When we set a container we allow people to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable to whatever depth. It lets them know how they can act towards the person sitting next to them. It invites them share vulnerably, listen actively, or sit mindfully by. It lets them know they are safe and seen. In a secure container, people often feel open to sharing things they’ve never told others. The level of trust and connection can be unprecented.
As I grow in my work as a Health Coach, I’m learning to set the container for our individual or group sessions:
Everyone deserves to be heard. What your heart has to say is important.
Show up exactly as you are no matter your mood, appearance, energy level, or whether you got your “homework” done or not. Showing up is the hardest part.
I invite you to breathe and let your spirit arrive more fully.
This is your space to share. I’m primarily here to listen and, when feeling so moved, ask high-mileage questions to move you along your path to your goals and a deeper understanding of yourself.
It’s okay to cry; I may cry with you.
I am here to offer hugs with your consent.
You need not share anything you are not ready to offer.
You need not feel like you must shoulder all of your challenges alone.
I am on you team; I want to see you succeed. This is not a place to blame or shame.
You got this!
I start somewhere when I set this container and it continues to evolve. It’s my dharma to create a space for people to fully express, build trust, and find safety and security on their journeys. I invite you onto the path. I set the container and welcome you to step into it. Namaste.