Forgiveness & Renewal:
A Science-Based Immersive Retreat

Location: Big Sur, California
Established: 3-Day Weekend Immersion, Esalen Institute
Type of Facility: Oceanfront Wellness & Retreat Center
Size of Facility: 120-acre coastal sanctuary with natural hot springs
Guest Rooms: Shared and private guest cottages overlooking the Pacific
Length of Involvement: 2015-2017

Description:

In collaboration with Fred Luskin, Ph.d this three-day wellness retreat explored the scientific principles of forgiveness, integrating evidence-based research, somatic awareness, and experiential practice based on the 10 week course we taught together at Stanford’s Center for Integrative Medicine. This was an immersive format designed for all levels of participants seeking emotional renewal and greater resilience.

Guests experienced a balance of guided reflection, movement, ocean-view meditation, and interactive dialogue, culminating in measurable improvements in wellbeing. The experience was structured to evoke both inner peace and connection — a restorative model now echoed in many luxury hospitality wellness offerings.

My role has included:

  • Co-design and facilitation of a multi-day curriculum grounded in forgiveness science, compassion, gratitude, and meditation
  • Program flow development and integration of somatic, contemplative, and group-based learning
  • Translation of academic material from Stanford into an embodied, retreat-ready experience
  • Partnership coordination between Esalen programming, marketing, and crafting pre-arrival, on-site, and post-stay communications