Remembering Wholeness: A GBTQIA+ Wellness Retreat
With John Jacob Mubarak, River Michaels and Rocky Heron
April 21 - 28, 2024
Embark on a Transformative Journey in the Diamante Valley!
Welcome to “Remembering Wholeness,” a unique 7-day retreat crafted for the queer community. Nestled in the majestic landscapes of Costa Rica’s Diamante Valley, this experience is designed to reconnect you with your intrinsic wholeness through a blend of sacred plant work, immersive encounters with nature, and holistic wellness practices.
This retreat is open to all GBTQIA+ men (cis and trans) of all ages, racial backgrounds, body shapes and sizes – and all levels of practice and experience with yoga, meditation, and sacred plant ceremonies.
The practices, experiences, and ceremonies will weave three key themes throughout the retreat:
- You are already whole (no need to seek validation or approval through love, success, money, or adventure)
- We are inextricably tied to nature and ultimately connected to all things
- We thrive in community
We will explore these themes, and will invite exploration of how these concepts ring true in our lives, and where these ideas are blocked. As a part of this exploration, we will explore our relationship with sex and sensuality, and how these manifest in healthy and unhealthy ways in our lives. (Please note: while touch, sensuality, and topics of sexuality will be discussed, sexual activity will not be permitted in order to create the safest container possible for deep work and exploration.)
Awaken to Your True Self:
Profound Sacred Plant Ceremonies
- Delve deep into your inner world with two (optional) powerful sacred plant ceremonies guided by our guides JJ Mubarak & River Michaels.
- Find release and allow for the discovery of profound personal insights and deep healing.
- There is a lot more to share about the experience and impact of these ceremonies; please feel free to email us at hello@junglegayborhood.com with questions or for more information.
Trauma-Informed Integration
- Our experienced facilitators, specializing in trauma-informed therapy and sacred plant ceremony integration, will provide a supportive and nurturing space for your journey.
Nourish Mind, Body, and Spirit:
Holistic Wellness Practices
- Engage in daily Kundalini yoga, meditation, and movement sessions to align and energize your being.
- Embrace organic, farm-to-table meals prepared by our private chef, tailored to nurture your body and soul.
Nature’s Healing Embrace
- Experience the cleansing power of waterfall purification rituals and deepen your bond with the earth in our nature reciprocity ceremony.
Foster Community and Connection:
Building Bonds
- Prepare for your journey with our pre-retreat Zoom meetups, setting intentions and fostering community bonds.
- Continue your growth and integration post-retreat with supportive group calls, ensuring the insights and breakthroughs achieved are woven into your daily life.
Inclusive Sanctuary for All. “Remembering Wholeness” is a celebration of diversity, welcoming all GBTQIA+ men (cis and trans) from varied backgrounds. Here, every individual is encouraged to explore and express their authentic selves in a space of acceptance, understanding, and mutual respect.
All sacred plant ceremony experiences are optional. This retreat is open to all levels of practice and experience with sacred plants. For the health and safety of all participants, we will have each participant complete a health screening questionnaire and conduct a conversation with the facilitator before being accepted to the retreat.
Reconnect. Rediscover. Reclaim the life you were always meant to live.
Sign Up for Remembering Wholeness today!
- Accommodations
- 3 meals / day
- All workshops and practices
- Group Shuttle Airport transfer to and from the Jungle Gayborhood (at specific dates/times)
- Flight
- Any visas that may be required
They will be able to access the course at a greatly reduced price. Accommodation will be in a camping tent rather than a cabin.
In order to qualify for this, a participant needs to send us an email speaking of their motivation for joining the course as well as describing the nature of their difficult financial situation.
PRECIO TICO
For Costa Rican nationals we offer a 50% discount on listed prices. Please email hello@junglegayborhood.com for further information. A Costa Rican passport or identity card is required.
Doggo Notice: We have two very loving and friendly pups – Bodhi & Luna – who live here at the Gayborhood. Aside from the occasional barking spree at incoming cars, they are quiet, harmless, and very sweet. If you have any concerns about dogs being onsite, please reach out to discuss.
About the Facilitators
John Jacob Mubarak
John Jacob Mubarak is a passionate advocate for holistic healing and integrates the power of sacred plants, breathwork, psychology, philosophy, science and ancient wisdom teachings into his retreats to guide individuals towards profound personal and professional growth. With a background as an Agape Licensed Spiritual Therapist, Elemental Rhythm Breathwork Facilitator, and Teacher in Residence at […]
Learn more about John Jacob MubarakRiver Michaels
River has been a student of sacred plants since they were 19. Most recently they apprenticed San Pedro/Huachuma under Javier Reguiero, one of the few sacred plant teachers who was, (RIP), openly gay. River has assisted and led more than 50 San Pedro/Huachuma ceremonies focused on returning to wholeness. River created the Awake Forward coaching […]
Learn more about River MichaelsRocky Heron
Rocky Heron is an artistic wonder—a singer, songwriter, yoga instructor, and alignment coach with an ability to weave together community through devotion and skillful embodiment. Known for his open-minded approach to synthesizing ideas and communicating wisdom pertaining to human movement, anatomy, and subtle body physiology, Rocky’s teaching is informed by years of study in many […]
Learn more about Rocky HeronCategories : All Retreats, Men's GBTQ+ retreats, Sacred Plant Ceremonies