Designing & Leading Life-Changing Workshops: Creating the Conditions for Transformation in Your Groups, Trainings, and Retreats by Ken Nelson

Designing & Leading Life-Changing Workshops: Creating the Conditions for Transformation in Your Groups, Trainings, and Retreats Reviews

• 
  G. Crooks

  I had the great luck to participate in Ken Nelson and Lesli Lang’s course at Kripalu a number of years ago so when I heard about this book I was delighted. I was also deeply curious.
  
  Why delighted? Their course was so informative, comprehensive and high quality I wanted people who could not make the trip to the Berkshires to nonetheless have the benefit of their experience. In that regard, this book is a winner.
  
  Why deeply curious? I wondered whether they could translate such skill and depth of heart onto the printed page. ‘Modeling’ the best way to lead a workshop, in person during a workshop, is one thing; could they ‘show up’ on the printed page as well? In fact, they did. This book ‘transmits.’ Though not in the same room, you’ll meet these authors as the authentic, honest, wise people they are. Just like those of us in the workshops knew we were in good hands, as you read, you’ll sense that, too.
  
  Even better, unlike a weekend workshop, reading this book is like having a private tutorial with people who are the masters of their craft for as long as you care to keep at it and as often as you'd care to come back to is.
  
  As one who’s taken their workshop, I’m deeply grateful they chose to write this book. It is far comprehensive than any weekend could offer. In addition, they’ve improved a set of materials we received at the workshop. Those materials are now far comprehensive and provide any workshop leader with a running head start on every phase of planning and execution.
  
  I’ll never lead a workshop as well as they do. In fact, given the current pandemic state of the world, it will be a long time before I ever lead a workshop again.
  
  In the meantime, this book has given me a framework for thinking about how to improve other types of interactions with people in my work. Whether it’s an email, a Zoom meeting or a phone call, these authors have provided me with an approach to leadership that is transferable to those encounters, too. With luck, if I’ve learned their lessons well enough, even a Zoom meeting might well be transformational.
• 
  LDL

  While I do have attentional challenges when reading, I've found this masterful compilation of neuroscience of connection, spiritual principles, ethics, education, creative self expression, and body mind transformative practices to be riveting thanks to this team’s art in story telling, clarity and precision in outlining the essential elements for transformational education and the resulting magic they create when they bring this material to life in their workshops.
  
  When I took this workshop series, I began not as a leader, but as a personal growth mega enthusiast (aka junkie). To learn about the elements necessary to create transformation while having an in vivo experience of personal transformation, while also witnessing others in their respective process, was revelatory and life changing.
  
  Now, reading this guide, shared with such authentic desire to spread the wisdom gleaned from decades of awareness, development, practice, and refinement, I am enthralled by the interconnectivity between storytelling, group process, grounded principles and mystical wisdom from the lineage of kundalini yoga masters. Not only are the principles easy to grasp, but we are shown how they work their magic, through the personal stories of various workshop participants. The checklists and resources are an invaluable addition, offering a structure to help motivated readers become competent leaders in their own right.
  
  The overarching mantra – “Everything you need, you already have,” is beautifully seeded, nurtured, strengthened and eventually experienced as real by the people who read this material and put it into practice.
• 
  TOBIN SCHERMERHORN

  This book is designed for anyone considering hosting a transformational workshop…even if you have no idea what the focus of the workshop will be.
  The book is laced with testimonials by professionals with different interests. Lessons from each testimonial are discussed and woven into the teachings
  The process of workshop development is broken down into manageable bites. Each bite is explained thoughtfully. Sections are included that I didn’t know I needed. Beyond the why, the subtleties of the how are so helpful. Guides on holding safe space, balancing the roles of both teacher and facilitator, listening and reflecting, are supplemented by sections on how to deal with challenges and group dynamics.
  The book is filled with numerous worksheets. They are comprehensive, including initial development and planning, checklists, agendas, and exit tickets.
  Having read through the book once, I am curious to read it again with new purpose and understanding.
• 
  goodreads Customer

  The best workshop experience I’ve had was with the creators of this book. And now I know why! It’s in the details. It’s in the heart and mindset. As I prepared to do my first Zoom teaching, this toolkit was invaluable. Who do I want to reach? How about fine tuned content, goals, email lists, times, refunds, CEU’s, creating safe & sacred space, honoring students and myself? The checklist of possible scenarios is here for you. Save your energy for teaching and use the logistical layout found in these pages. Thank you for this thorough and thoughtful work.
• 
  B Sedgwick

  Over five years ago, right before I was going to lead a retreat, I attended a workshop on leading transformational workshops taught by three of these authors. So when I heard this book was becoming available, I expected a compilation of my long lost handouts. Instead, I found a comprehensive look at definitions, theory, best practices, and dealing with the inevitable mine fields encountered within groups. There are a few suggested exercises, but the main focus is how to claim the mindset and presence of an effective leader or group mentor. I think it would be a valuable resource for anyone doing group work.
• 
  Maren Gube, PhD

  Even for those of us whose workshop topics are perhaps pragmatic than 'life changing', the book offers a wealth of tips and tools for creating a immersive experience for our participants. While it's certainly possible to read it from cover to cover, it's organized in such a way that readers can access what they need, when they need it. It is thoroughly researched, and those of us with an academic bent can find proper references (which is, sadly, not always the case with non peer reviewed literature). The table of contents is well structured and it is easy to find prompts, lists, suggestions, and food for thought about every aspect of your workshop.
  
  As a former executive and part time academic, I have 'presentations' under my belt than I can count. This book was just what I needed to start transforming those into engaging and transformative experiences.
• 
  Shelly Copoloff, long time grateful student of Ken's

  Reading this book was a wonderful reminder of my own experience and all the gifts I have received participating in transformational workshops led by Ken and his colleagues!
  Written with grace, respect and inspiration this is a treasure of knowledge, an incredibly generous practical
  step by step guide to support growth, leadership and creation!
  A MUST READ!!!