Retreats for the Nature of the Mind
My retreats support students in exploring the nature of the mind, settling the noise of thought, and reconnecting with a quieter, clearer way of being. Through meditation, contemplation, Traditional Japanese Usui Reiki Ryōhō, and therapeutic psychedelic work, each immersion is designed to help unwind patterns held in the body, reduce suffering, and deepen presence. Below you'll find the upcoming retreat offerings in Japan, and South America.
Sacred Roots Pilgrimage
Sacred Valley, Peru
October 11–19, 2026
This pilgrimage was created for you, if…
- You've reached a point where surface practices no longer feel enough, and you want to meet the deeper layers of yourself.
- You're curious about stepping into traditional plant medicine ceremonies held with care and integrity.
- You feel ready for a journey that reshapes how you see yourself, your healing, and your path forward.
Your Journey
- 2× Ayahuasca Ceremonies
- 1× Wachuma Ceremony
- Rapeh and Sacred Tobacco Work
- Deep Integration and Healing Time with Reiki and Shamanic Support
- Movement and Flow Practices
- Zen Meditation and Mindfulness Practice
Traveling to South America and entering a space where the plants are teachers. Days shaped by ceremony, preparation, and integration. Evenings spent in circle, supported by community, opening to the medicines of the land. Guidance from Carman Santillan and me, alongside local shamans, facilitators, and medicine experts, all rooted in these traditions.
This is not a getaway.
It is a pilgrimage — a chance to sit with the roots of sacred practice, and to walk away changed.
Do you have questions or would you like to arrange a time to talk with me directly about The Sacred Roots Pilgrimage? Please complete the form below and I'll be in touch!
Carmen and I look forward to welcoming everyone to the first Sacred Roots Pilgrimage – coming Fall 2026!
The 2027 Deep Roots Pilgrimage
Spiritual Pilgrimage to Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan
May 12–20, 2027
The Deep Roots Pilgrimage is not a tour of sacred places. It is an invitation to live them. Over nine days in Kyoto, you will walk Mt. Kurama alongside its head priest, receive private blessings from the Ajari on Mt. Hiei, sit in Zen practice with monks in temples closed to the public, and stand under the May full moon as the ancient Uesaku fire ceremony unfolds around you. Every teaching, every ceremony, every moment of access on this pilgrimage comes directly from the spiritual leaders and lineage holders who carry these traditions forward. This is the path Usui Sensei walked, offered to those ready to walk it themselves.
Highlights of the tour include:
- 👺 A private talk, teaching, and blessing from Ajari Sama on Mt. Hiei. (An individual revered as a living god in Japan — curious to see why?)
- 👺 Exclusive teachings, ceremonies, temple access, and a guided hike through Mt. Kurama with the head priest of Kurama Temple.
- 👺 Zen practice and teachings from Tosei Shinabe in a private zen temple in Kyoto.
- 👺 A private tour of Shogo-in Temple in Kyoto, the headquarters of Shugendo and former Imperial Palace — including access to restricted areas and cultural treasures fully off limits to the public.
- 👺 Full Uesaku Full Moon Fire Ceremony at Mt. Kurama with exclusive access.
- 👺 Exclusive access to sacred temples and spiritual sites on Mt. Hiei, Mt. Kurama, and the Deep Kurama Mountains.
- 👺 Ongoing teaching and learning opportunities on Reiki and esoteric Japanese spirituality.
- 👺 The ability to see rural and traditional Japanese life in the Deep Kurama forests.
- 👺 Plus so much more! (See full itinerary on the tour landing page.)
Do you have questions or would you like to arrange a time to talk
with me directly about The 2027 Deep Roots Pilgrimage to Kyoto?
Please complete the form below and I'll be in touch!
