Awakened Heart: A GBTQ+ Sacred Plant Journey
With Ash Ruiz and Teo Chapelier
May 18 - 24, 2025
Awakened Heart is a 7-day retreat set in the breathtaking Diamante Valley of Costa Rica, designed to help you reconnect with the truth of your intrinsic wholeness. Created specifically for the queer community, this experience weaves together sacred plant ceremonies, immersive experiences in lush nature, and holistic wellness practices to guide you toward healing, self-discovery, and a sense of profound connection. Here, in a supportive and inclusive environment, you’ll explore the themes of wholeness, our bond with nature, and the power of community while gently examining areas of life where you may feel blocked or fragmented.
This retreat welcomes GBTQIA+ men (cis and trans) of all backgrounds, body types, and experience levels. Through yoga, meditation, nature excursions, and trauma-informed integration, you’ll deepen your relationship with yourself, your community, and the natural world. Together, we’ll explore our connections to sex, sensuality, and intimacy, creating a safe and non-sexual container for open reflection and personal growth. Whether you’re experienced with sacred plant work or entirely new to this journey, you’ll find a space here to reconnect with your authentic self and reclaim the vibrant life that’s always been yours.
What to Expect
- Sacred Plant Ceremonies: Three optional guided plant ceremonies (two nighttime and one daytime) for deep personal insight and healing, supported by trauma-informed facilitators.
Holistic Wellness Practices: Daily yoga, meditation, and movement sessions to align body and mind. Satsang (heartfelt discussions and guided reflections) to be offered two-three times during the week. - Nature Immersion: Waterfall purification rituals and a nature reciprocity ceremony to strengthen your connection with the earth.
- Supportive Community & Integration: Pre-retreat Zoom preparation for connection and intention-setting, plus post-retreat group meetings to ensure long-lasting integration of your experience.
- Nourishment: Organic, farm-to-table meals crafted to support your body and spirit.
- Non-sexual space: Open discussions on sexuality, but an agreement to refrain from sexual activity, fostering a secure space for deep introspection.
Who Is This For?
This retreat is for GBTQIA+ men (cis and trans) seeking:
- Personal growth through plant ceremony and mindfulness practices.
- A deeper connection to nature and their authentic selves.
- A supportive and inclusive community of like-minded individuals.
- Whether you’re experienced with yoga, meditation, or sacred plant ceremonies—or entirely new to these practices—you are welcome. Health screenings and consultations ensure this retreat is safe and supportive for all participants.
To create a safe environment conducive to healing and community development, we will ask all participants to adhere to these agreements throughout the week. While we will explore topics of sexuality, we will ask participants to refrain from sex during the retreat. This helps to create a safe environment, and encourages deep connections without the motivation of sex.
About the Facilitators
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Ash Ruiz
Ash Ruiz is a seasoned guide in self-realization, nonduality, and trauma informed plant medicine facilitation, with over 30 years of experience. From performing for millions as a teen in Menudo to experiencing deep immersions with Curanderos in the Amazonian Rain Forest, his journey has been one of profound healing and transformation. Having lived in Peru […]
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Teo Chapelier
Teo is a native from France and is a well-loved Yoga teacher in Los Angeles. His travels and studies have helped him to find his true power: to help others find their inner wisdom. His attentive approach and his deeply rooted desire to care for people is exactly the guidance you’re looking for. Whether you […]
Learn more about Teo ChapelierCategories : All Retreats, Early Bird Discount, Men's GBTQ+ retreats, Sacred Plant Ceremonies