Mindfulness

ALIGN YOUR LIFE with Christa Russo

Quiet the mind and move into the heart. In order to create powerful shifts and live an aligned life, we must first build a deep connection within ourselves. Ignite your spirit through connecting with mother nature’s medicine, play, meditation, movement, stepping out of your comfort zone, standing in your courage, journaling, connecting with your ancestral roots and transforming challenges into fuel for growth. Be it finding clarity on unfolding the next chapter, navigating an unknown road, moving through loss and challenges, embarking on a project, or exploring what your soul is calling for, together we will shake up your energy in order to reconnect to your truth and internal joy.

A MINDFUL WEEK with Fitness Specialist and Mindfulness teacher, Carol Tibbetts

Learn the basics of mindfulness and meditation, and also go over 10 tips to practice during your visit that you can continue at home to help you cultivate a more mindful life.

ASTROLOGY & YOU with Astrologer, Alex Bunshaft

Different signs of the zodiac express different qualities. Some signs are energetic and passionate; others practical and material; some social and curious; and others are intuitive and private. We will look at which signs of the zodiac are prominent in your chart, and how they blend together to make you unique.

ASTROLOGY FOR THE CHANGING TIMES

The astrology of this time is bringing major changes to our world and to us. It’s been called the Great Awakening. Find out which planets are creating these changes, and how they affect you.

BIOFEEDBACK FOR STRESS with Behavioral Therapist, Cindi Peterson

Achieve a deeper understanding of emotions, stress, performance, and health with the HeartMath® Stress Relief Program. See how shifts in emotion affect heart rhythms, then learn a simple technique to help reverse damage caused by stress.

BREATHE CONNECT & REFLECT

A mindfulness group to practice slowing down the nervous system + life using our breath and awareness so we can be grounded, present and aware in all relations of life.

CHAKRA MEDITATION

A guided imagery session using the chakra system and corresponding colors and philosophy as a map to guide guests through a balancing and healing inner journey.

CLAY SCLUPTURE

A soothing, sensory delight of touch and texture. Use your inspiration and imagination to create a small sculpture from air-dry clay. No experience needed!

DHARMA CHAT

Join Life Coach, ChristaRusso for an inspirational & real chat on life, spirituality, challenges & growth. Being human is a complex experience. In any given moment we can be anxious and excited, angry & grateful. In these sessions we explore different relatable life themes (ex. relationships, unconditional love, self-worth, courage, boundaries, self-care, health, balance, authenticity, time management, unfolding the next chapter, being comfortable in the uncomfortable, death & rebirth) that we all experience. Together we join in community to connect, explore, release, and grow.

FIND YOUR BALANCE

What does your life look like now? Using a life chart, we will clearly see where you are and where you can spend more time and energy to create a balanced lifestyle. This mind awakening class helps to bring awareness to the areas of your life you are satisfied with and areas you would like to work on. This will identify where you feel overwhelmed and find clarity in areas to start new goals.

HAIKU with Francine Hoffman

Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry which captures, within 3 brief lines, one fleeting moment that reveals nature in all its beautiful simplicity. Learn to capture the essence of an experience in 17 syllables and bring it to life.

HEALING BREATH

Oxygen is the elixir of life. Breathing fully and deeply ignites the body’s natural healing capacities. Improved breathing skills help to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance concentration and emotional stability, and assist in the improvement of a myriad of health issues. Enjoy a session of mindful breathing practices that will leave you inspired!

JOURNALING

Writing prompts relevant to your visit will be provided, and you will have time to journal your responses to help you capture your week and gain insight to your life path. A review of basic journaling tips is included; no experience necessary.

LABYRINTH

Learn the history of this ancient design and how this walking meditation quiets the mind and allows access to your inner voice—the source of personal insight and clarity. Shoes: not required.

MATCHA MEDITATION

The Japanese tea ceremony is a cultural activity involving the ceremonial presentation of matcha, a powdered green tea. Zen Buddhism was a primary influence in the development of Japanese tea ceremony. In this class, you will learn the history, nutritious benefits and making a cup of matcha. You will learn how to incorporate this transformative practice in your daily routine, to help reset your mind with a touch of spirituality.

MEDITATION

Daily meditation during your stay helps fortify your desire to maintain a daily practice at home. Sessions meet Tuesday through Saturday at 6:00 p.m. with a guide available to answer questions and offer a variety of meditation methods.

MEDITATIVE PLAY

How do you move through the world? In this class we explore and experience movement as it authentically emerges from self, and in healing, playful partnership with others. This offering provides an opportunity to explore new patterns of moving through the world. This somatic practice is a moving meditation based on Contact Improvisation (originally developed at Oberlin College by Steve Paxton, with roots in Buddhist philosophy). Together we will explore our relationship with Earth, gravity, momentum, play.

NATURE-BASED EXPRESSIVE ARTS with Luka

The Earth is an incredible teacher and healer. You will have a new experience of self and our planet as we connect with nature through sensory, and metaphoric, pathways, learning to re-pattern existing beliefs and patterns with Nature as your guide. This session provides the opportunity for a personal journey of exploration through sensory experience, deep listening, and creative expression. No experience necessary, beginner’s mind encouraged. You may come to class with a specific question/challenge to work through or proceed spontaneously with emergent topics. In this session, you may experience an increased sense of peace, self-awareness, compassion, understanding, empowerment, sense of connection, and connection with Nature.

SAY YES TO SELF-LOVE

You are more than enough just as you are. Learn to believe and boldly step into that beautiful truth with the support of a Certified Transformational Life Coach. We’ll create a sacred space to forgive your past self, honor your current self and empower your future self. Yourself love journey begins here; all you must do is say yes.

SELF-HYPNOSIS FOR SLEEP with Behavioral Therapist, Cindi Peterson, MA, C.Ht.

Experience the power of your unconscious mind to relax your body and quiet your mind. Learn a simple yet powerful technique to help you sleep deeply and wake up ready to embrace the day. Leave this class feeling refreshed and renewed.

SUMI-E

The Japanese term “Sumi” means black ink. “e” means painting. It is an art form in which subjects are painting in black ink with a range of lightest to the darkest shades, achieved by dissolving ink in water. While painting you will notice your breathing more even, your posture more upright. Painting helps reset your spiritual psychological equilibrium. In Zen, zazen is not just about learning a new meditation technique but rather, it is about establishing direct contact with the origin of everything “Buddha Nature”. In the same way, Sumi-e goes beyond a simple painting technique.

T’AI CHI

A form of Qigong that was developed in China in the 17th century that is comprised of a system of slow, deliberate, dance-like movements that are performed in a continuous flow. T’ai Chi is based on the principles of Yin & Yang and emphasizes the balance of opposing forces to create a harmonious and unified whole. The practice of T’ai Chi is aimed at increasing awareness, improving balance and overall physical health, enhancing mental clarity, focus, and providing a sense of calm & relaxation. All levels welcome. Shoes: not required.

TRANSFORMATIVE MEDITATION

Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis creates a calm and peaceful mindset. To achieve your highest self, we will focus on being in the present moment, to heighten all your senses and calm your nervous system down. This is a guided meditation that will allow you to go deep, help to let go of the old and bring in a new, lighter, highest version of yourself.

TWELVE MINDFUL MONTHS with Fitness Specialist and Mindfulness teacher, Carol Tibbetts

Wrap up your week with a session designed to help you sum up highlights of your visit and what you’d like to take home with you. Learn how to let go of old habits, while cultivating healthy rituals; the difference between goals and intentions; and how to integrate them in your daily life to create sustainable and attainable changes that will enhance your health and well-being. (Some journaling will be done in class; bring journal & pen.)

ENERGY ALIGNMENT AND INNER FOCUS

OUR EXPERTS

Alex Bunshaft has studied astrology for over 40 years with the best master teachers. She is a certified member of the astrology organization NCGR, and has worked with thousands of clients. Since 2005 she has been the resident astrologer at the golden door. Her clients appreciate her positive attitude and consider her work practical and uplifting.

Brooke Feldman is a certified Transformational Coach and self-love advocate empowering others to transform their relationship with themselves.

Danielle Hering, M.S. is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 27 years of experience. Danielle now travels internationally leading healing circles and teachings on the breathwork, in addition to her private practice in Encinitas, California.

Nancy Paik is a mystical somatic hands-on healer, health intuitive and spiritual guide coming from a family of traditional healers in the Philippines. She uses her highly empathic and psychic gifts along with her vast experience from over 20 years of teaching yoga. She combines different energy healing techniques along with vocal sound therapy for real healing results. Nancy is described as a “gentle powerful force” who honors the numerous ways the divine human technology system may naturally return to its graceful, physical, emotional and spiritual harmony. This inspired her to create a blended system for wholeness called “sacred sound chakra healing”.

Luka Spear holds certifications in massage therapy, trauma-informed yoga instruction, and the clinical applications of ecopsychology and nature-based expressive arts therapy. She earned a Bachelor of Science from uc Berkeley, a research-based Master of Science from Texas A&M University and completed a fellowship at the us EPA with a focus on the intersection of mental health and water quality. Luka is dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of humans and our planet as a whole.

Tiana D’Amico has 20 years of devotion to the healing arts and spa industry. Certified in various modalities, including the profound realm of spiritual rituals, Tiana’s expertise is a testament to her commitment to holistic well-being and the well-being of others. Her genuine love for people and nature forms the heart of her therapeutic approach, creating an environment where true healing can unfold. Beyond hands-on treatments, Tiana uniquely connects with individuals through divination, adding a personal and insightful dimension to her transformative sessions.

ASTROLOGY & YOU with Alexandra Bunshaft

Astrology is a tool for self-knowledge. Your astrological chart is a “blueprint” of your potential, your character, and your unique worldview. Our destiny is not fixed. We have choices and the power to change our lives for the better. Discuss your chart and identify opportunities for positive change. Receive an audio file of your session.

SELF-LOVE COACHING with Brooke Feldman

You are worth the time and space it takes to love yourself well. In this session, your certified self-love coach will hold sacred space for you to share your story and offer custom tailored tools and practices that empower you to show up for yourself. From befriending your inner critic to choosing faith over fear to stepping into your highest self’s shoes, the opportunities for transformation are endless.

BREATHWORK with available staff

Learn to harness the breath as a potent tool for healing, growth, and self-discovery. Through gentle yet profound techniques, you’ll explore the innate wisdom of your body and mind, releasing tension, stress, and emotional blockages along the way.

CRYSTAL SINGING BOWL SOUND HEALING with available staff

Discover the transformative energy of alchemy crystal singing bowls, crafted from 99.992% pure quartz crystal for unparalleled resonance. As their tones permeate the body, they balance chakras and align the auric field. Immerse yourself in the luminous frequencies of these bowls and experience a journey of mystical healing.

BREATHWORK & CRYSTAL SINGING BOWLS with available staff

The combination of these two powerful healing techniques creates a life changing experience.

DEEP HEALING JOURNEY with Danielle Hering

We begin the session by identifying the origin of the problem. Next, we will use EMDR to process the memory or disturbing thought that is causing pain or discomfort in your life. Then we move into the breathwork to completely release the pattern from your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual body. By the time we are complete you will feel freer, happier, lighter, refreshed, renewed, and unstuck.

ENERGY HEALING SESSION with available staff

A sacred occasion to relax and bathe in the high frequency of divine energy. In an energy healing session, an energetic field is activated and infuses deep relaxation to the physical, mental-emotional, subtle body systems and heart center. Client’s report feeling a release of stress and tension, deep tenderness and love, calm and peacefulness. Some experience heat, cold, or sensations of ripples, cascades or waves of energy rippling throughout the body. Further, it is entirely possible for changes to occur beyond the session as time moves onward.

TEA LEAF READING with Tiana D’Amico

Embark on a journey of divination with tasseomancy, the ancient art of tea leaf reading. Each teacup becomes a canvas, unveiling a tapestry of symbols that offer profound insights into your life’s path. Engage in the contemplative practice of interpreting these symbols, unlocking hidden stories, and deepening your connection to the mystical and your inner wisdom.

AURA READING with Tiana D’Amico

Dive into the world of aura harmony, where our unique service unveils the colors of your energy and their meanings, drawing from ancient medical wisdom. Explore the intricate connection between your aura and chakra system to gain insights into your holistic wellbeing. Through personalized guidance, discover how to achieve balance and deepen your connection with your inner self for enhanced overall wellness.

EMDR & THERAPEUTIC HEALING with Danielle Hering

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one the most effective technique for resolving trauma and grief. Through a combination of talk therapy and eye movement, EMDR therapy helps the brain process disturbing memories releasing the emotional charge. It is also effective in healing phobias, fear of flying, public speaking, etc.

PSYCHOTHERAPY CONSULTATION with Danielle Hering

Not quite sure what you need or where to begin? Spend a session with Danielle as she helps you figure out why your life isn’t working the way you’d like it to. An empathic compassionate listener, Danielle is masterful at discerning what steps are needed to create the changes that will bring more peace, joy, and love into your life.

REIKI with available staff

Practitioners channel universal life force energy to promote deep relaxation and healing. During your session, gentle hands-on techniques are combined with the subtle energy work of Reiki to balance your body, mind, and spirit. Feel tension melt away as you are enveloped in a soothing atmosphere, leaving you refreshed, rejuvenated, and restored.

SACRED SOUND CHAKRA HEALING with Nancy Paik

Uncover a new level of harmony as the powers of sound and light are harnessed to realign the chakra system, aiding in spiritual growth and healing. Through intuitively emitted highfrequency vocal sounds, blockages in the body are cleared, promoting a sense of lightness, increased mobility, and a positive mindset.

MEDITATION with available staff

Begin or fine-tune your meditation practice. Clear away the information overload that contributes to stress. Enhance your mental focus and achieve a deeper level of relaxation by using focused breathing techniques to lower anxiety, reduce blood pressure, and increase immunity.

SOMATIC JOURNEYS with Luka Spear

ECO-SOMATIC JOURNEY

Unique sessions blend personalized bodywork with tailored visualization and meditation techniques to explore and reshape the neuro-emotional roots of pain. Drawing from nature-inspired, shamanic, and trauma-informed practices, guests engage in somatic techniques intertwined with teachings from polyvagal theory and neuropsychology. This holistic approach equips participants with tools for continued progress and fosters increased self-awareness, compassion, empowerment, and inner peace.

STRUCTURAL SESSION

Proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching, myofascial work, active release exercises, and craniosacral techniques are used to address physical symptoms. This offering is appropriate for acute pain and long-term chronic postural and pain patterns.

EDUCATION and CREATIVITY

OUR EXPERTS

Francine Hoffman, M.A. is registered as an expressive arts therapist & creativity coach with over 15 years of experience facilitating artful experiences for renewal and for therapeutic processes as an adjunct to other forms of therapy. In addition, she is a certified labyrinth facilitator and a yoga instructor with over 30 years of experience teaching a variety of styles.

Jodie Block- MS, RD, CDN is founder of the Health Institute of Nutrition — a private practice, an active member of the academy of nutrition and dietetics, on-site dietitian at the golden door spa, and on staff at Scripps Whittier diabetes institute. Jodie is recognized for her work in women’s health and weight loss nutrition.

ART SPARKS with Francine Hoffman

Revitalize your senses and spark your imagination as you ignite the artist within. Gentle guidance into an intuitive process of art making will move you from your head to your heart to discover your creative resources. You will come away with a unique aesthetic expression.
Select from one of the following when requesting this session: Watercolor play • Small clay sculpture • Haiku poetry • Abstract string painting • Soul vision collage

NATURE-BASED EXPRESSIVE ARTS with Luka Spear

The Earth is an incredible teacher and healer. Sessions will take place outdoors (weather permitting). You will have a new experience of self and our planet as we connect with nature through sensory, imaginal, and metaphoric pathways, learning to re-pattern existing beliefs and patterns with nature as your guide. This session provides the opportunity for a personal journey of exploration through sensory experience, deep listening, and creative expression.

NUTRITION PRIVATE with Jodie Block

Do you have some specific questions or health issues that you want to discuss? Sign up for a private session to talk about how to reach your specific nutrition and wellness goals.

GARDEN TOUR with available staff

You set the agenda for your stroll through our very own garden accompanied by one of our agriculture experts. Choose to spend your time in the greenhouse, with our chickens, in the flower or vegetable gardens. Bring questions about a particular area of gardening interest or our entire agricultural operation. Shoes: closed-toed required.