Each weekend is different, so we encourage you to come in with an open mind. Our workshops are experiential, which means that we provide a platform where organic reactions and responses can arise, so you see yourself more clearly. We will be going beyond a conceptual discourse into an experience where ideas are blended with feeling and emotion, providing a more holistic experience. The workshop uses a variety of modalities: one-on-one and group sharing, movement, breathing, music, release work, etc. Strong emotions may surface and that could look like crying, anger, grief, etc. People will be coming to the workshop who are ready to change old patterns and begin trusting in the flow of life. This requires an objective look at why and how we shut down. For many of us, coping has become so normalized, that we don’t see it until we’re in this kind of workshop setting.

We have found that participants benefit most when they stop using recreational drugs and alcohol a few days prior to (and of course during) the workshop.

We also encourage daily journaling and provide a list of optional supplemental reading after you register for the workshop. This isn’t required reading, but the book list provides a good primer for better understanding your personal makeup and what it takes to break free from your conditioning. These books are also helpful to read after the retreat to help integrate what you learned.

The retreat begins on Friday evening and ends on Sunday evening. We ask that participants carpool to the retreat location; you will be contacted the week of the retreat to make arrangements. Plan to arrive in the Sacramento area on Friday evening to meet your carpool around 5:00 p.m. We’ll eat dinner together at the workshop.

Please bring, along with your usual toiletries and travel items, a sleeping bag, pillow, bath towel, journal and pen/pencil, slippers or socks, and a mug. Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable, and bring layers as it may be warm during the day and cool in the evening.

Our goal is to be responsible and do what we can to keep our community healthy. For workshop volunteers and participants, that means a requirement to take two tests: one each on Thursday and Friday afternoon of the workshop week, and texting a photo of each test result to one of our workshop coordinators. If you test positive, have a recent known exposure, or have any cold/flu/rsv/Covid symptoms, we will talk with you about potential options. Masks are welcome, but optional.

Although workshop registration payments are non-refundable, under certain circumstances the funds may be transferable to the next scheduled retreat or workshop, minus an administrative fee of at least 10%.

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@awarenessinstitute.org.