Please join us for a contemplative retreat and gathering of friends held in beautiful Sedona, Arizona. There will be silent meditation, guided practices, walking meditation, hiking, and breath-work, and more.

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Breathwork for Transformation and Peace

Join us for a unique retreat centered on clearing stagnation from the body and inviting peace and clarity into the mind through powerful breathwork practices. These sessions are crafted to help release the burdens we hold onto—those mental, emotional, and physical blockages that no longer serve us. Both breath techniques are simple yet profoundly effective. Studies have shown that mindful breathwork can reduce stress by up to 60%, improve focus, and create a greater sense of calm and well-being.

The 9 Round Breathing method balances the energy channels of the body, releasing tension, enhancing relaxation, and preparing us to delve into deeper mindfulness practices. Circle Breath gently opens up space in the heart and mind, fostering clarity, inner balance, and a natural rhythm of release and renewal.

As we explore the themes of compassion and forgiveness, you’ll learn how to embrace yourself fully and cultivate a sense of freedom and joy. This retreat offers you a safe space to work through and let go of what no longer serves you and allows you to ignite your own inner wisdom. Experience breathwork as a tool for self-forgiveness and emotional healing, and discover how compassion—both for yourself and others—can lead to profound inner peace.

Amanda Russell

With over 14 years of dedicated study in Tibetan Buddhism, Amanda has had the immense privilege of being guided by her root teacher, Lama Zopa Rinpoche. Her journey has taken her across the globe, blending ancient Eastern wisdom with modern Western practices. She hold a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and is a licensed massage therapist (LMT), with a deep passion for the body-mind connection.

Over the years, she spent extensive time in the Himalayas, participating in and leading silent mantra retreats. These immersive experiences profoundly deepened her meditation practice, helping her connect to the heart of spiritual teachings.

In addition to her studies and retreats, some of you may recognize her from the Relic Tour, where she had the honor of sharing sacred relics that inspire peace and mindfulness. Her work bridges traditional healing modalities and modern public health perspectives, offering a holistic approach to wellness for both body and mind.

Rooms may not not available for this retreat. You are welcome to book a room at any hotel or rental in the area. 

Meals will be provided and consist of soups, sandwiches, pasta, and meat options. Vegetarian and vegan options can be made available upon request. If you have any dietary concerns please indicate this with your registration.

Included below are prayers we will use at the retreat. It is recommended to study them in advance so they are more familiar.

His Holiness Dalai Lama’s Daily Prayer

Excerpt from Shantideva’s Way of the Bodhisattva

“May all beings everywhere

Plagued by sufferings of body and mind

Obtain an ocean of happiness and joy

By virtue of my merits.

May no living creature suffer,

Commit evil, or ever fall ill.

May no one be afraid or belittled,

With a mindweighed down by

depression.

May the blind see forms

And the deaf hear sounds,

May those whose bodies are worn with

toil

Be restored on finding repose.

May the naked find clothing,

The hungry find food;

May the thirsty find water

And delicious drinks.

May the poor find wealth,

Those weak with sorrow find joy;

May the forlorn find hope,

Constant happiness, and prosperity.

May there be timely rains

And bountiful harvests;

May all medicines be effective

And wholesome prayers bear fruit.

May all who are sick and ill

Quickly be freed from their ailments.

Whatever diseases there are in the

world,

May they never occur again.

May the frightened cease to be afraid

And those bound be freed;

May the powerless find power,

And may people think of benefiting each

other.

For as long as space remains,

For as long as sentient beings remain,

Until then may I too remain

To dispel the miseries of the world.”

4:00 PM: Guest Arrival and Check-in
5:00 PM: Dinner & Brief Introduction
6:00 PM: Welcome Folder Distribution & Review of Itinerary

10:00 AM – 10:30 AM: Introduction

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Guided Breathing Meditation with Rita

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Rest and Integration

3:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Healing Sessions & Group Activities

5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Closing & Dinner

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Arrival & Orientation

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Sitting & Walking Meditation

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Sitting & Walking Meditation

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Sitting & Walking Meditation

12:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Mindful Lunch & Personal Reflection

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Sitting & Walking Meditation

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Sitting & Walking Meditation

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Closing Sit & Reflection

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Welcome & Opening Circle

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM: The Ikigai Framework - A Guided Reflection
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Main Activity – The Ikigai Discovery Journey

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Nourishing Lunch & Nature Reflection

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Embodying Your Ikigai – Action Planning

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Creative Expression – Vision Board Activity

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing Ceremony & Sharing