The retreat is intentionally designed to blend connection, embodiment, and nervous system support.

Our days are shaped by a mix of:

• Authentic Relating & Embodied Relating

• Contact Improv, Authentic Movement, Ecstatic Dance, and other movement practices

• Song Circles and Vocal Activation

• Breathwork, meditation, and group rituals

If we had to break it down, the retreat is roughly:

• ⅓ Relational and connective practices

• ⅓ Movement and embodiment

• ⅓ Expressive (vocal activation) and integrative (soundbath, comedy night, etc.)

This is truly a full-body, full-heart journey—and the magic happens in how it all weaves together.

Soma & Soul is the evolution of ARCI—think: same heart, expanded vision.
Here’s what’s new and noteworthy:

• A deeper dive into embodiment & connection.
  Rather than focusing on teaching the fundamentals of Authentic Relating and Contact Improv, we now use these practices (alongside others) as pathways into embodied intimacy, authentic expression, and human potential. AKA more time doing the thing, instead of learning about how.

• An expanded curriculum.
  Soma & Soul weaves in additional movement and connection modalities—including specifics from our movement lead, somatics, breathwork, and ritual—to create a more integrated and transformative experience.

• More co-creation among facilitators.
  Our team is in closer collaboration than ever, intentionally blending the movement, connection, and vocal components into a cohesive arc that supports your transformation throughout the week.

• A stunning new venue.
  We’ve leveled up the location—still nestled in nature, now with upgraded amenities and an atmosphere that supports deep rest and inspiration.

• New talent on the team.
  While you’ll see familiar faces, we’re also bringing in new energy to enrich the experience. Stay tuned for the announcement!

• More inclusive food options.
  For the first time, we’re offering additional meat options alongside our nourishing plant-based meals.

A Rhythm Designed for Depth, Play, and Integration

Each day is carefully designed to balance deep relational work, embodied movement, expressive practice, and rest.

You’ll move between immersive sessions, nourishing meals, open time in nature, and soulful or playful evenings—all held in a steady, spacious rhythm to support your unfolding experience.

EXAMPLE SCHEDULE
Exact timing subject to change each year:

Arrival Day
2:30 - 3:30: Arrivals + Settling Time
4:00 - 6:30: Opening Session
6:30 - 8:00: Dinner
8:00 - 9:30 Evening Activity

Day 2-5
8:00 - 9:00: Vocal Activation
9:00 - 10:15: Breakfast
10:15 - 1:00: Morning Session
1:00 - 3:30: Lunch & Daily Break
3:30 - 6:30: Afternoon Session
6:30 - 8:00: Dinner
8:00 - 9:30 Evening Activity

Departure Day
8:00 - 9:00: Vocal Activation
9:00 - 10:15: Breakfast
10:15 - 1:00: Closing Session
1:00 - 2:30: Final Lunch + Departures

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 Authentic Relating to attend—just a willingness to be real.

Great question—we’ve got you.

Because our application process includes key questions about movement experience, we’ll have a clear sense of the group’s range before the retreat begins.

Our Movement Facilitator will design sessions with this in mind—meeting you exactly where you are and creating an experience that supports both newcomers and seasoned movers alike. Expect a mix of foundational guidance, advanced invitations, and spaciousness for exploration—no matter your level.

Absolutely.

We’ve had seasoned practitioners and total newcomers alike say this retreat was the most profound Authentic Relating experience they’ve ever had.

As one participant shared:
“This Retreat was a life-changing experience for me. I had been to other Authentic Relating events before, but this one was by far the most profound, healing, and meaningful—thanks to the people who were there, the skillful facilitation, the pairing with Contact Improv, and the time spent in nature.”

During the application process, we ask about your AR experience level. This helps us design a shared language and thoughtful arc that meets the group where they are.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned relater, we promise:
You’ve never experienced Authentic Relating quite like this.

Offered every morning before breakfast, these sessions are an invitation to connect with the essence of your voice in a playful, welcoming, and liberating space.

Led by an experienced facilitator, we’ll explore a range of vocal practices—from warmups and harmonies to improvisational group singing, vocal play, and Circle Songs.

You’ll be guided to let go of inhibition, tap into your authentic sound, and experience the power of singing in community. Whether it’s through creative sounding, layered rhythms, or co-creation, these sessions help unlock the voice as a channel of self-expression and collective connection.

[scroll up on this page to see the venue/location for specifics]

Nature isn’t just the backdrop—it’s an active part of the retreat.

We choose venues intentionally immersed in the natural world because we see nature as a powerful ally in grounding, integration, and transformation.

Here’s how you’ll connect with the land:

• Daily free time to rest, wander, or soak in the surrounding environment

• Access to trails or natural spaces for solo or shared exploration

• Facilitated moments of nature connection and grounding woven throughout the week

• Movement sessions held in both indoor and open-air spaces, often with expansive views or direct connection to the elements

Whether it’s lying on the earth, dancing beneath the sky, or walking in quiet reflection—nature will meet you exactly where you are.

Yes! All meals are vegetarian and prepared by our private on-site chef.

Want meat with your meals? Our chef is happy to accommodate for an additional $45—just select this add-on at checkout.

You’ll also be invited to share any dietary restrictions in your application. We’ll do our best to accommodate, and we encourage you to bring any specific items or supplements you need to feel fully supported.

Yes!
We help organize carpools to support wherever our attendees are coming from.

After you’re registered, we’ll send out details to help you self-organize rides with other attendees. The Soma & Soul team will support the process to make coordinating smooth and accessible.

Yes. While the schedule is full and immersive, integration and rest are essential parts of the design.

There are spacious breaks each day to nap, journal, socialize, enjoy the spa and grounds, or simply be.

And remember: everything is optional. You’re encouraged to honor your own rhythm.

We believe this retreat is enriched by diversity, representation, and accessibility.

To support this, we offer financial assistance—while funds last—for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled folks, and those facing financial hardship. Support includes:

• Partial Scholarships ($100–$700 off)

• Work for Trade positions ($500 off)

for camping, shared King, or in some cases, other shared accommodations.

*Funds are limited and awarded on a rolling basis, with priority given to financial need, marginalized identities, and overall impact.

To Apply:
Complete the application and describe your need in the relevant section. Each request is reviewed with care.

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Want to contribute to the Scholarship Fund?
Email us at: soma.soul.retreat@gmail.com

We understand that life happens—and we do our best to balance flexibility with care for the container.

Cancellation Policy

• Before August 1: Refundable, minus a $250 admin fee

• August 1–September 13: 50% of fill ticket refundable

• After September 13: Non-refundable, but transferable to a new, approved participant

We uphold this policy across all circumstances to maintain the integrity of this offering and to cover non-refundable retreat costs.

If you find someone to take your place at least 2 weeks before the retreat—and their application is accepted by the Soma & Soul team—you’ll receive a full refund once their payment is received.

This policy helps us protect the integrity of the container and honor the energy it takes to plan something this special. Thank you for understanding and supporting the process.