Illumina is a ceremonious welcoming of the slowly returning light that the post-solstice new year brings, and the illumination of the shadows it offers to us.

It’s a bridge for the people that want to integrate the previous year’s lessons, and set the tone for an abundant year to come, surrounded by nature and community, at a pace that’s in harmony with subtler rhythms of the winter season.

Held by high-desert hills and crisp open skies, we gather to go inwards. We honor the darkness we find through our introspective journeys. And as we emerge, we receive the sustenance of loving community – we allow it to rejuvenate us, and fuel our expansion.

Illumina is for those who:

• Are looking to start 2026 integrated and rejuvenated
• Are desiring the aliveness that authentic community brings
• Are ready to anchor in the New Earth in the new year
• Are wanting to follow their own intuitive rhythms into this new beginning
• Are tired of hollow “resolutions” and are wanting to actualize their intentions by grounding them in a strong “why” and community support

The Experience

Your Retreat includes:

• Sacred medicine meditation
• Sunset mapacho ceremony
• Cacao ecstatic dance
• Facilitated authentic connection
• Communal meals
• Dorm sleeping accommodations (private room/cabin addon available)
• Immersive nature experiences
• Integration circles
• Amenities: sauna, cold plunge, jacuzzi, outdoor showers, 165 acres of nature
• Morning embodiment practice
• Song circles/vocal activation
• … and a lot more

Outdoor showers with a view

Hot tub, sauna, cold pool, and 165 acres of nature

Private cabin upgrades available

The Itinerary

Friday:

3:00 PM – Arrive, nature exploration, hot tub/sauna
5:00 PM – Communal dinner
7:00 PM – Cacao, facilitated connection/relating, ecstatic dance
10:00 PM – Fireside songs, hot tub/sauna, early bed time

Illumina Facilitators

Ivan Durst

Ivan Durst is a ceremonialist and life-long musician who loves creating spaces that invite playful expression and vulnerable connection.

Alexander Schimmel

Alexander guides people back home to themselves and their inherent aliveness using somatics, storytelling, and ceremony. 

Amy Bichajian

Amy Ruth Bichajian is a 500+ hour Registered Yoga, Somatics and Meditation teacher who specializes in deepening her student’s connection with their own bodies.

Isabelle Rose

Isabelle is a song weaver who supports others in reclaiming their sovereignty by meeting the edges around their voice and awakening their most authentic expression.

Q&A

• Where is this retreat located? What is the space like?
  
  • The retreat is located in Boulevard, CA, about 1 hour east of central San Diego. The space is 165 acres of high desert nestled amongst hills and trees. There is a shala, dorm, kitchen, indoor and outdoor toilets, indoor and outdoor showers, a hot tub, a jacuzzi, and more.
    
• What are the sleeping accommodations? Are private rooms available?
  
  • A dorm bed is included in the accommodation price. Private rooms and cabin beds available – please reach out with any questions.
    
• What is the refund policy?
  
  • Refunds will be offered on a case-by-case basis. No refunds will be given after early bird closes.
    
• How many people will be joining?
  
  • We anticipate 20-30 people total, including facilitators.
• Can I bring my child? Can I bring my pet?
  • Adult humans only for this one.