(To be read and agreed upon before participating in the 14-day retreat)
Introduction
The From Survive to Thrive retreat offers a unique opportunity to reset the body, mind, and nervous system through a combination of silence, wholesome food, natural rhythms, and ethical living. The program is rooted in simplicity and draws inspiration from the Vipassana tradition, traditional food wisdom, and holistic principles of well-being.
This is not a vacation or a health spa. It is a space for personal transformation, where participants leave behind distractions and dependency to rediscover what it means to truly thrive.
During the 14-day reset, participants commit to a disciplined lifestyle focused on food simplicity, mindful action, inner stillness, and respectful community. By following a clear set of precepts and agreements, each individual supports the retreat as a space of peace, purity, and presence.
To benefit fully from this rare opportunity, participants are expected to stay for the full duration of the retreat, abide by the code of discipline, and honor both the silence and structure provided.
The Technique
The core of the retreat is based on five interwoven pillars:
1. Nourishment through simplicity
Participants eat two daily meals consisting of organic whole foods: a combination of rice, legumes, vegetables, and fresh fruit. Food is medicine, fuel, and ritual — not entertainment.
2. Morning silence (noble silence until brunch)
Silence is maintained each morning from waking until the start of brunch. This includes no speaking, writing, reading, or gestures. It is a time for personal stillness and reconnection to the senses.
3. Daily rhythm of purpose
Guests engage in light service (such as cooking, gardening, or trail maintenance), rest, community, and mindful activities after brunch. Work is joyful and aligned with your ability.
4. Ethical and mindful living
Guests follow the Five Precepts of conduct and the Four Agreements to protect the mental space of all involved and support deep inner reset.
5. Connection to nature
Time is spent barefoot (not required, only encouraged) on the land, resting in hammocks, walking meditative paths, or observing the wildlife. This connection grounds the body and helps re-regulate the nervous system naturally.
Purpose of the Code of Discipline
The Code of Discipline is designed to support all guests equally. When each person commits to the same rhythm and guidelines, the group can live together in harmony, and individuals can go inward without disruption.
The rules are not religious or punitive — they are practical. They exist to reduce stimulation, create safety, and allow for deeper insight to arise.
Breaking these agreements not only disrupts your own process — it affects everyone in the shared space.
The Precepts
All participants are required to observe the following Five Precepts for the duration of the retreat:
To abstain from killing any living being. This includes insects, animals, or harming plants unnecessarily.
To abstain from stealing. Nothing should be taken that is not freely offered, including tools, food, or resources.
To abstain from all sexual activity. No romantic contact of any kind. We focus inward during the retreat.
To abstain from intoxicants. No drugs, alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, or stimulating substances are allowed.
To observe noble silence from 10 p.m. until brunch. No speech, writing, gestures, or nonverbal communication during silent hours. Phones are not permitted. The silence creates a powerful field of stillness for healing.
The Four Agreements
All guests also commit to these core behavioral foundations, inspired by Don Miguel Ruiz:
Be impeccable with your word Speak truthfully and kindly — and only after silence ends. (10 p.m. – 9:30 a.m.)
Don’t take anything personally Everyone is on their own journey. Let others be.
Don’t make assumptions Ask respectfully if something is unclear — and only at appropriate times.
Always do your best Whether eating, working, or resting — give your presence to the moment.
Daily Schedule Overview
Sunrise — Wake, drink water, gentle movement or personal time
Morning silence — Begins upon waking, lasts until brunch
Brunch (10am–11pm) — Seated meal (rice, legumes, vegetables)
Post-brunch — Light service, connection, nature time, rest
Rest and interviews (12pm-1pm) with the Instructor
Fruit available — Seasonal and harvested from the land
Dinner (5–6pm) — Shared meal in community
Evening — Quiet reflection, stargazing, optional gentle group activity
Nightfall — Quiet time, lights out, rest. Silence begins at 10 p.m.
Food Practices
All meals are organic, whole, plant-based
Food is served with love and consumed while seated on the ground
No snacking outside of meal times
Meals are prepared in gratitude and eaten with awareness
All guests may help with preparation and cleanup
There is no gluten , caffeine, or processed food served
Accommodation & Facilities
Guests will sleep in tents or rustic cabins, off-grid and surrounded by nature
Solar power and rainwater catchment are used for energy and water
Compost toilets and simple showers are provided
All structures are hand-built from local, sustainable materials
You are asked to respect and care for the land as sacred
Prohibited Items & Activities
To protect the simplicity of the space, guests may not bring or use:
Cell phones, laptops, smartwatches, cameras, or electronics
Drugs, alcohol, tobacco, stimulants, or supplements
Music, media, or entertainment
Weapons of any kind
Pets or outside food
Phones will be safely stored and returned at the end of the retreat. If an emergency arises, staff will help you communicate with loved ones.
Length of Stay and Departure
Participants are expected to stay for the full 14 days, from orientation to departure. Leaving early without a serious reason disrupts the retreat flow for yourself and others.
Exceptions may be made for emergencies, but please arrive with full commitment.
Your Responsibility
You are not here to teach, critique, or advise others.
You are here to listen, observe, feel, and reset.
Each participant is responsible for:
Honoring the silence and precepts Communicating respectfully when appropriate Respecting the land, staff, and other guests
Doing their own inner work, without drama or disruption
Returning tools and supplies after use
Asking for support when needed
Conclusion
From Survive to Thrive is a rare opportunity to remember what matters:
A still mind. A nourished body. Clean air. Clean food. Honest community.
These simple elements are the foundation of a thriving life.
By honoring the code of discipline, you honor your own transformation.
We welcome you to the land with open hearts and grounded presence.