Befriending Ourselves

Access the infinite compassion at your core, transforming your relationship with yourself and the world around you. In this immersive retreat, discover how two profound wisdom traditions—Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the Buddhist concept of bodhichitta—unite to awaken your innate capacities for healing and wholeness. IFS is an evidence-based approach that recognizes the multiplicity within us, helping you befriend all your internal “parts” while accessing your essential Self—the compassionate core presence that can heal and harmonize your inner world. Bodhichitta, the awakened heart-mind of Buddhist teachings, beautifully reinforces this understanding of Self, revealing our fundamental interconnection and capacity for genuine compassion.

As part of our journey, we’ll also engage in a Feeding Your Demons® session, a guided five-step visualization process that transforms painful or uncomfortable feelings into allies.

This enriching, experiential retreat is designed for both newcomers seeking personal growth, and practitioners (therapists, coaches, and healers) looking to deepen their work. Through a thoughtfully balanced program of guided meditations, movement, experiential practices, teachings, and demonstrations, you’ll explore practical techniques to access the open-hearted wisdom that already resides within you.

In a world often filled with turmoil, both within and around us, this retreat offers time-honored pathways to meet life’s challenges with genuine compassion, curiosity, and creativity—empowering you to move from patterns of suffering to healing. You’ll discover practical IFS techniques complemented by dharma teachings that you can immediately apply to partnerships, parenting, work dynamics, and family interactions.

Schedule (Subject to change): 

FRIDAY

• 3:00PM Check in
• 4:30 Meditation
• 5:30PM-6:15PM: Dinner
• 7PM-8:30PM: Opening Circle

SATURDAY

• 7AM: Morning Meditation (optional)
• 8AM: Breakfast
• 9:15AM-10:15AM: Introduction to Internal Family Systems
• 10:30AM-12PM: Bodhichitta teachings and practices
• 12:15PM-1PM: Lunch
• 1PM-3:30PM: Break
• 3:30PM-5:30PM: Integrating IFS and Bodhichitta,  Kum Nye, and Feeding Your Demons Session
• 5:30PM-6:15PM: Dinner
• 6:30-8PM: Dancing with Your Parts

SUNDAY

• 7AM: Morning Meditation (optional)
• 8AM-10AM: Parts Mapping & Closing Circle
• 10AM-11AM: Brunch
• 12PM: Checkout

For directions to Ratna Ling – Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421

Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included – carpooling encouraged
• Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling retreat
• Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace, spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. 
• Vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.

 

What people are saying about our retreats:

“The accommodations were great along with the beautiful surroundings – everything was so peaceful and nurturing”	“It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit.”	“It was exactly what I needed – to disconnect, get in tune with my soul and recharge my spirit. .”
“Space for reflection while also giving me anchor points through teachings.	“Space and time for meditation and movement classes were truly wonderful.”	“Being able to move at my own pace is a luxury. And of course the food was delicious.”