THE JOURNEY
THE JOURNEY
Meditation, breathwork and plant medicine are tools for living.
A retreat is both a powerful shared experience and an intensely personal one. Meditation, breathwork and plant medicine in a retreat setting has the potential to offer you transformational insight into every facet of your life.
The beautiful thing about all of these tools is that you bring whatever is uniquely yours to work with, and in return you receive exactly what you need. Through our histories, our conditioning and our traumas, we develop well worn patterns that play out in our day-to-day lives. At some point we may desire deeper insight into these patterns, or we may realize that some of them no longer serve us.
Meditation, breathwork and plant medicine can all provide openings to an inner wisdom that - if cultivated - can lead us exactly where we want to go, with less fear and more love. These experiences are not undertaken to escape or to remove you from your life, but rather to allow you to live more fully in it.
This retreat experience welcomes and supports those who are…
interested in what lies beyond the everyday— curious about expanded consciousness and spirituality.
experiencing a big transition or life change and seeking more clarity and confidence about how to move forward.
seeking a new perspective on old thought and relational patterns and behaviors.
looking for alternative treatments for drug resistant depression and anxiety.
desiring to strengthen their intuition for more clear, embodied decision making.
looking to live in a more wholehearted, authentic and aligned way.
Why all three?
We know meditation is good for us. People across cultures have been practicing various forms of meditation for thousands of years in order to cultivate inner peace and wisdom. Scientifically validated benefits of meditation include increased happiness, focus, self-control and memory. Meditation can increase a sense of equanimity and compassion, and can help bring awareness to and release from old narratives that keep us stuck. Through the mind-body connection, meditation can regulate the nervous system, allow deeper and more restorative sleep, and may even prevent age-related dementia.
During this retreat, you will be guided through daily meditations that explore mindfulness, body awareness and loving kindness practices. Having “sangha” or community with whom to begin or deepen your personal practice is a foundational support as old as the practice itself.
Breathwork has gained increasing popularity in the past recent years but like meditation, has been used for thousands of years. In the 70’s, Stanislov Grof developed a style of full, controlled breathing called “holotropic breathwork.” Holotropic breathwork has since inspired many variations of circular breathwork, often referred to as “conscious connected”, “somatic”, “neurodynamic” and “rebirthing” breathwork. This type of breathwork taps into the body’s innate wisdom to release emotional blocks and allow experiences of non-ordinary states of consciousness. Each individual experiences breathwork differently, even from session to session, but some common experiences include a spiritual sense of oneness, intense emotional opening, and/or physical or cathartic release. The potency experienced with breathwork can be surprising, because we breathe all the time and think nothing of it. But when we harness our breath in this specific way, it transforms from an automatic bodily function to a powerful life force energy that allows our bodies to connect to innate wisdom that can be difficult to access in our mind-oriented society.
We will dedicate a full day to a facilitated plant medicine ceremony, including intention setting, preparation and integration. Plant medicines have been used for millennia by ancient cultures across the globe for healing, to access non-ordinary states of consciousness, for enjoyment, to better understand the nature of mind, and to receive spiritual guidance. Though research begun in the ‘50s and ‘60s was halted for a few decades and work went underground, as of the early 2000’s research programs started up again. Over the last couple of decades, research conducted by prestigious medical and academic teams at institutions such as Johns Hopkins, the University of California at Berkeley, Mount Sinai, Stanford, Harvard and many others have come away with unequivocal data showing specific psychedelics' effectiveness in treating conditions including anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction. Whether you are approaching it from the perspective of neuroscience, psychology or spirituality, working with plant medicine at a high dose can engender an experience unlike anything we can know of in our regular life and thus, can offer unique and powerful healing and insight. The preparation prior to and the integration afterwards are as important as the journey itself, and will be offered through one-on-one meetings with our counselor, group sharing and a post-retreat Zoom session.
Meditation, breathwork and plant medicine offer a full spectrum experience.
What you will experience & learn:
Daily guided meditations, including Insight or vipassana style meditation, visualization, and loving kindness “Metta”
The history and landscape of meditation
What is meditation? How can it help us in our lives? How do we cultivate our own practice?
One 2 hour breathwork session. (One hour is dedicated to learning about the breath in both a spiritual and physiological context. One hour is dedicated to a guided breathwork session)
Morning and evening breathwork. These will be short pranayama based sessions, paired with meditation
Learn how breathwork can reset and regulate our nervous systems
Resources on how to create a daily breathwork practice
Everyone’s experience is different but one MAY experience: deep spiritual insight through an altered state of consciousness, an embodied sense of knowing, clarity, catharsis and intense emotional states.
How to prepare and navigate through your own journey
Group integration and resources to continue integrating your insights when you leave the retreat
Clarify your intentions, reflect on your experiences and learn why integration is so key to getting the most out of your journey
Our framework is founded on:
Co-creation of trust, connection and bonding in the group (which is its own powerful medicine in a disconnected culture).
Supported preparation, navigation and integration for plant medicine work.
A commitment to doing no harm and providing psychological and physical safety.
What attendees are saying.
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“One word… transformational! People have seen a difference in me and I have proactively recommended this retreat to my nearest and dearest, even to my 80 y.o. mother! I describe my journey as two years of therapy condensed into 3 days. When I started, my life felt stuck, bogged down by vague lingering emotional challenges compounded by recent unexpected life transitions. I had read about the lasting therapeutic benefits of plant-based medicine, however the personal benefits far exceeded my expectations. I attribute the enduring power of my experience, first, to the deep thought and care that went into the pace and flow of retreat activities. Second, it was obvious that all three guides were open, loving, and experienced practitioners, which provided the essential foundation of trust, making emotional breakthroughs possible. These caregivers facilitate a retreat that provides insights (inaccessible otherwise) to safely work through fears and traumas. It has allowed me to actively course-correct the direction of my life with more courage and open heartedness."
Dave S.
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Post-journey I was connecting with a friend who had also gone on a journey and they said "it's an ineffable experience." The definition of ineffable is "too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words" and that feels like such a fitting way to describe The Journey. The things I can describe in more depth and texture are the feelings of trust, care and connection that I felt with everyone throughout this experience. Tiffany, Sarah, and Darren created a container that provided space to land, to explore and to heal. There was so much intention and thought put into this retreat - from the prep work, the breathwork/meditations, the group gatherings, the food, and the integration calls. This experience was brought to me by one of my best friends, and the set and setting felt like an immediate full body "yes" for me. I'm forever grateful that my higher self called me to this journey. Lessons and glimmers continue to be revealed to me even a month later.
Claire
Meet your Facilitators
Tiffany Ju
I have been a lifelong artist and creative and for the past 11 years, a business owner. As a creative, I've found these tools to be transformational in reconnecting with my creative intuition. As a business owner, these tools have been incredibly helpful for self-awareness, compassionate leadership and embodied decision making. I don't have the traditional training for someone on this path but I've always been a “seeker” for meaningful work, happiness in the present and understanding the big questions in life.
My strength has always been my creative intuition and so, in a way, my role here is the one who puts the puzzle pieces together. In the retreat, I fill the role as medicine sitter, meditation and breathwork guide, and schedule holder :)
I began my relationship with therapeutic psychedelics in 2021 with ayahuasca and psilocybin. It has opened me up to so much healing and inner discovery that I was inspired to share the experience with others. I am a certified Psychedelic Peer Supporter though PsiloHealth and have completed Level 2 Breathwork Facilitation training with Tai Hubbert of Sword & Lotus. The foundation of my meditation practice takes from Insight Meditation or “vipassana” meditation.
Sarah Frey, LICSW
My spiritual and healing journey began when I was introduced to Vipassana meditation in college, jumping into the deep end with a 3-month silent retreat at Gaia House in England. This led me to two years of practicing and studying in India, Nepal and Burma/Myanmar and subsequently managing large retreats at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA.
Eventually I completed post-graduate work in the Contemplative Psychotherapy Program at Naropa University in Boulder, CO. In 2011, I received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Washington. Along with community mental health work and clinical research at the University of Washington, I have been in private practice as a therapist since 2015.
My relationship with psilocybin began recreationally and evolved over the years into a sacred annual experience with a close group of friends. After Tiffany and Darren invited me to my first therapeutic psilocybin journey retreat in 2022, which was incredibly powerful, I knew I wanted to include this work in my therapeutic offerings. So in 2023, I completed an intensive year-long certification program to practice psychedelic assisted therapy through the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. My training includes working with ketamine, psilocybin and MDMA, in individual and retreat settings.
I embrace the concept of inner healing intelligence, referring to the innate wisdom and power within all of us to move toward wholeness and wellbeing. We have heightened access to this wisdom when in the non-ordinary state of consciousness brought about through practices such as holotropic breathwork and psychedelic journeys. With the support of therapeutic preparation and integration, you will better be able to integrate the insights, wisdom, and visions for your life that are revealed in the magic that occurs in the unique synergy between you and medicine. I am honored to support your ability first to receive and then to manifest whatever wisdom you find within, out into your ongoing voyage through this one precious life.
Darren Metta
Welcome! I'm Darren, and for the past two decades, I've been deeply committed to providing critical care as a paramedic during some of people’s most challenging moments. This role has been a profound and rewarding journey and helped in my understanding of the human experience. My passion, however, extends far beyond the realm of emergency care.
I've always had an interest in self-discovery and exploration, which has driven me to become a passionate advocate for mental health and personal growth. I believe our past experiences shape our present and influence our future. My own journey with self-discovery and healing stems from a natural curiosity about what it means to be human, and I am honored to help guide others through this journey with clarity and purpose.
I hold a firm belief that our unique perspectives act as lenses through which we view and interact with the world, significantly shaping our experiences and our very well being. Psychedelics have been an instrumental part of my journey, enabling me to transcend conventional boundaries and embrace the boundless potential of the human spirit. This understanding greatly informs my approach at the retreat.
Combining my extensive background in emergency medicine with my passion for mental well-being and self-discovery, I am deeply committed to supporting and accompanying you on your transformative journey. Whether you are seeking a significant change or are simply curious about exploring the depths of your consciousness, I am honored to facilitate and be a part of your exploration.
Whidbey Island Retreat, Seattle, WA
INVESTMENT:
Bunk bed (in shared room) - $1000 (4 available)*
Full bed (in shared double room) - $1200 (2 available)
Queen bedroom - $1800 single occupancy, $1200 per person for double occupancy
King bedroom with Ensuite bathroom $2200 single occupancy, $1500 per person for double occupancy
*inquire about 1 available BIPOC spot priced at sliding scale
To register, get in touch via contact form or send an email to tiffanyju@gmail.com.
This retreat welcomes those who are—
experiencing a challenging life transition and looking for insight, guidance and supportive practices.
interested in what lies beyond the everyday— curious about expanded consciousness and spirituality.
seeking a new perspective on old thought patterns and behaviors.
looking for alternative treatments to drug resistant depression and anxiety.
wanting to strengthen their intuition for more clear, embodied decision making.
looking to live in a more wholehearted, authentic and aligned way.
This retreat includes—
daily meditations to support you through the rhythm of the weekend — based on mindfulness, self compassion, and grounding— and to help you develop or deepen your own individual practice
daily breathwork practices, informed by both western and eastern philosophy and physiology. A 2-hour breathwork session, offering an hour of informative learning and an hour experiential breathwork session.
A full day dedicated to be in plant medicine ceremony. Individualized sessions with a licensed counselor, guidance through preparation and navigation, trauma and health informed intake and screening prior to attending, and virtual post integration session after the retreat.
Intentional community building and bonding. Throughout the weekend, there are group times dedicated to creating trust with fellow attendees and together, creating a safe physical and emotional space.
Nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals, accounting for any dietary restrictions.
Roles of the facilitators: Tiffany Ju (organizer, meditation/breathwork facilitator), Sarah Frey (licensed counselor for psychedelic integration, meditation guide) and Darren Metta (medicine sitter and licensed paramedic).
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Thursday) —
4:00 Check-in & Welcome Talk (intros, safety, expectations)
6:00 Dinner
8:00 Group time (agreements, guided discussions)
9:30 Evening Meditation & Breathwork (grounding pranayama, meditation introduction and mindfulness practice)
Day 2 (Friday) —
8:00 Outdoor Movement / Tea time
9:00 Breathwork Workshop & Session (1 hour learning through both Western and Eastern lenses, 1 hour long holotropic inspired circular breathing session)
11:30 Brunch
1:00 Individual work & Free Time (a big block of time for a 30 minute 1-on-1 session with Sarah and choice to enjoy free time or participate in further group discussion and intention setting)
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Group Time (Flight Instructions! Get prepared for your journey ahead)
9:30 Evening Breathwork & Meditation (exploring different breathwork techniques to calm the nervous system, guided meditation)
Day 3 (Saturday) —
8:00 Outdoor Movement / Tea time
9:00 CEREMONY (incorporation of spiritual and indigenous traditions to honor the medicine)
6:00 Dinner
8:00 Group time & integration
9:30 Evening Meditation (grounding pranayama, meditation)
Day 4 (Sunday) —
9:00 Closing Ceremony & integration information
9:30 Breathwork & Meditation (energizing pranayama and ‘Metta’ loving kindness meditation)
11:00 Checkout
Whidbey Island, Seattle
Update: Registration is now open. Currently, we have 4-5 spots available. Please email tiffanyju@gmail.com to register.
This retreat welcomes and supports those who are:
experiencing a challenging life transition and looking for insight, guidance and supportive practices.
interested in what lies beyond the everyday; curious about expanded consciousness and spirituality.
seeking a new perspective on old thought patterns and behaviors.
looking for alternative treatments to drug resistant depression and anxiety.
wanting to strengthen their intuition for more clear, embodied decision making.
looking to live in a more wholehearted, authentic and aligned way.
This retreat includes—
Intentional community building and bonding. Throughout the weekend, there are group times dedicated to creating trust with fellow attendees and co-creating a safe and sacred physical and emotional space.
Daily meditations based on mindfulness, self compassion, and grounding to support you through the rhythm of the weekend and to help you develop or deepen your own individual practice.
Daily breathwork practices, informed by both western and eastern philosophy and physiology. One 2-hour breathwork session, offering an hour of informative learning and a one-hour experiential breathwork session.
A full day dedicated for a plant medicine ceremony. Preparation includes a trauma and health informed intake and screening prior to the retreat and individual sessions with a licensed counselor. The journey will be guided and navigated with the support of all three facilitators, and integration will begin after the journey and continue with a group zoom session after the retreat.
Nourishing and delicious vegetarian meals, accounting for any dietary restrictions.
Roles of the facilitators: Tiffany Ju (organizer; meditation, breathwork and journey facilitator), Sarah Frey (licensed counselor for screening, preparation, facilitation and integration; meditation guide) and Darren Metta (medicine sitter, licensed paramedic and chef).
Cost: $800-1400 per person
Shared bunk room: $800
Shared double room: $900
Queen room: $1100 single occupancy ; $800 shared occupancy
Master king w/ ensuite bathroom: $1400 single occupancy ; $1000 shared occupancy
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Thursday) —
4:00 Check-in & Welcome Talk (intros, safety, expectations)
6:00 Dinner
8:00 Group Time (agreements, guided discussions)
9:30 Evening Meditation & Breathwork (grounding pranayama, meditation introduction and mindfulness practice)
Day 2 (Friday) —
8:00 Outdoor Movement / Tea time
9:00 Breathwork Workshop & Session (1 hour learning through both Western and Eastern lenses, 1 hour holotropic inspired circular breathing session)
11:30 Brunch
1:00 Individual Work & Free Time (a big block of time for 30-minute 1-on-1 meetings with Sarah and the choice to enjoy free time or participate in further group discussion and intention setting)
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Group Time (Flight Instructions! Get prepared for your journey ahead)
9:30 Evening Breathwork & Meditation (exploring different breathwork techniques to calm the nervous system, guided meditation)
Day 3 (Saturday) —
8:00 Outdoor Movement / Tea time
9:00 Plant Medicine Ceremony (incorporation of spiritual and indigenous traditions to honor the medicine)
6:00 Dinner
8:00 Group Time & Integration (optional sharing, light integration)
9:30 Evening Meditation (grounding pranayama, chakra meditation)
Day 4 (Sunday) —
9:00 Closing Ceremony
9:30 Breathwork & Meditation (energizing pranayama and ‘Metta’ loving kindness meditation)
11:00 Checkout
Seattle, Whidbey Island
Cost: $700
This trip will be held in a home property on Lake Goss, Whidbey Island, about 90 minutes north of Seattle. Fresh made meals and accommodations included in cost. This group will be capped at 8 participants. This retreat includes guided meditations, a holotropic inspired breathwork session and a plant medicine ceremony with a trained sitter.
To register, email tiffanyju@gmail.com
Itinerary:
Day 1 (Thursday) — 4:30 Welcome Talk (safety and expectations) — 6:00 Dinner — 8:00 Group time and intention setting — 9:30 Evening Meditation
Day 2 (Friday) — 8:00 Morning Meditation — 9:00 CEREMONY — 6:00 Dinner — 8:00 Group time and integration — 9:30 Evening Meditation
Day 3 (Saturday) — 9:00 Light Breakfast — 11:00 Breathwork session (optional) — 1:00 Lunch — 2:00 Free time — 4:00 Integration with therapist — 6:00 Dinner — 8:00 Group time and integration — 10:00 Evening Meditation
Day 4 (Sunday) — 8:30 Light Breakfast — 10:00 Meditation — 11:00 Checkout