Soma & Soul Retreat at Esalen
March 13-15, 2026
Come Home to Self through Somatic Wisdom, Embodied Relating, Voice & Dance
Somatics · Embodied Relating · Dance· Expressive Movement · Vocal Activation · BreathworkLonging for experiences that nourishes your body, stir your soul, and transform how you connect—with yourself, others, and the world?
Craving deeper intimacy and fuller expression—in your relationships, your creativity, and your everyday life?
Want tools to build and sustain connection that meet you somatically, emotionally, and energetically?
Then join us for:
Soma & Soul:
Transformational experiences in somatics, embodied expression, voice and dance
Relationships are the foundation of our lives.
Soma & Soul sessions combine some of the most robust, impactful, and potent frameworks for expression and connection out there.
Through a rich blend of conscious relating, embodiment practices, dance, and vocal activation, Soma & Soul experiences offer a unique, holistic curriculum for full-spectrum intimacy.
In service of personal and interpersonal expansion, we’ll learn, practice and play in somatic, emotional, and relational connection.
This is an intimate journey into the heights and depths of what it means to be human together.
Immerse in Relational & Personal Expansion:
“This combination was really genius. The whole thing together was like psycho-emotional surgery…
It was just masterful.”
- Sascha, Ayurvedic TherapistHighlighted Testimonials
“I grew so much, experienced more joy and connection than I thought possible in a week, and made life long friends.
This retreat was an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
- Olivia, ActressThe fusion that makes Soma & Soul so potent—and so transformative…
Why we weave relational and embodiment practices together
Authentic Relating (AR) and conscious connection frameworks invite us to engage in deep, meaningful, soulful connection with anyone, anytime, anywhere. In learning the principles of Authentic Relating and Somatics, we arrive at Embodied Relating: a whole-self approach to relating.
Through this work, we move beyond unconscious habits and step into empowered, integrated ways of being.
Through Embodied Relating practices:
We gather the capacity and skill for full self-expression.
We access the wisdom of the body for real-time knowledge, resource, and true intimacy.
We welcome more parts of ourselves and in turn welcome more each other and the world.
We enable ourselves to practice courageous vulnerability, growing beyond our comfort zone as we dance along our Tender Edge.
We learn the potency of deep listening and empathy, developing the ability to truly Be With and meet people at their core.
We increase our access to present moment awareness and relational attunement.
How do movement and dance enrich this experience?
Movement and dance unlock the wisdom of the body, providing a powerful avenue for whole-self access and authentic expression that transcends words, fostering deeper connection to self and others.
Through these movement practices:
We learn the trust and artistry of moving in connection.
We develop embodied listening and embodied presence.
We find strength and possibility in counterbalance and shared movement.
We celebrate the potential of the human body and our bodies' combinations.
We learn the mechanics of our forms, and how to creatively express somatically for ourselves and in connection to others.
We increase our access to present moment awareness and relational attunement.
We unfurl the core humanness and magic of creative, playful connection that goes beyond words.
ENTER: the Soma & Soul Experience
As we practice together in these ways, we open ourselves to the potential of deeper trust, more beauty and creativity, increased fulfillment in connection, and rewarding relationships to ourselves and others as we expand into personal and relational potential.
Amazing, Right?
“This was a unique, magical, holistic movement and relating experience unlike anything I’ve ever experienced…
I can say with 100% confidence that I experienced a profound shift in my connection to myself.”
- Marie, TeacherFAQ
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Whether a half-day workshop or a 6-day retreat, Soma & Soul experiences are intentionally designed to blend connection, embodiment, and nervous system support.
Shaped by a mix of:
Authentic Relating & Embodied Relating
Authentic Movement, Freeform Dance, and other expressive movement practices
Song Circles and Vocal Activation
Breathwork, meditation, and group rituals
If we had to break it down, Soma & Soul experiences are:
½ Somatic practices & Embodied Relating
½ Expressive practices through through vocal activation, movement, & dance
This is truly a full-body, full-heart journey—and the magic happens in how it all weaves together.
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Soma & Soul is for seekers, feelers, and curious humans who want to live—and relate—more fully.
It’s especially resonant for folks who:
Are drawn to embodiment, presence, and aliveness
Crave depth in community, not just connection
Are LGBTQ+, BIPOC, neurodivergent, or otherwise tired of contorting to belong
Want to feel at home in their body, voice, and truth
You do not need experience with movement or relating practices to attend—just a willingness to explore at your own tender edge.
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Vocal Activation is an invitation to connect with the essence of your voice in a playful, welcoming, and liberating space.
We’ll explore a range of vocal practices—from warmups and harmonies to improvisational group singing, vocal play, to Circle Songs.
You’ll be guided to let go of inhibition, tap into your authentic sound, and experience the power of your voice in community. Whether it’s through creative sounding, layered rhythms, or co-creation, we’ll unlock the voice as a channel of self-expression and collective connection.
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Yes. We believe these experiences are enriched by diversity, representation, and accessibility.
Depending on the event, varying scholarships or discounts are offered. Please reach out to inquire about what’s available per event.
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Want to contribute to the Scholarship Fund?
You can donate here: https://www.ashwitham.com/support-scholarships