Power without surrender becomes force. Surrender without power turns into collapse. Real freedom lives in the ability to hold both with awareness and choice.
BDSM is often reduced to rough sex or kink, yet at its heart it is a consensual exploration of power dynamics. It may involve dominance and submission, sensation, and restraint, but what truly matters is trust, communication, and the willingness to feel deeply.
In this experiential workshop, we will approach power and surrender as embodied experiences rather than abstract concepts. Grounded in the Wheel of Consent®, we will look at how these dynamics appear in desire, boundaries, and everyday interactions. Through guided exercises, movement, and close attention, you will be offered practical tools to meet these energies with clarity and confidence in both erotic and daily life.
You’ll be invited to:
This workshop is somatic and participatory, with opportunities to learn through touch and simple props such as rope or blindfolds. Participation is always optional, and your consent remains the guiding principle throughout.
Please Note: This workshop will not include:
This workshop includes an additional $50 of faculty tuition.
Recommended Reading: The Art of Receiving and Giving: The Wheel of Consent, by Betty Martin
Lead Photo: Emily Miller
Page photos: Rick Borutta, Sam Nichilo, Stephanie Lewis, Sadia Bruce, Kodiak Greenwood, Cristopher Nolasco, Emma Barry.
Designed for shared stays, this room type accommodates four to six guests in a welcoming, gender-inclusive setting, with a maximum stay of seven consecutive days. It’s a practical choice for retreat participants who value comfort, simplicity, and a sense of community during their time away.
Each bunk room includes twin-size bunk beds and a private bathroom with a shower, offering the privacy and convenience guests need throughout their stay. Fresh towels, bath soap, and bed linens are provided, so you can settle in with ease and focus on your experience rather than the details.
With its straightforward layout and thoughtfully provided essentials, this accommodation supports a restful and uncomplicated stay, making it well suited for those looking to share space while still enjoying comfort and functionality.
Ideal for guests who want a more social stay without the atmosphere of a dorm, this cozy shared room offers a comfortable and practical setup for up to three people of the same gender. The space is arranged with three beds: two on the main floor and one tucked into a sleeping loft, creating a simple, welcoming environment that still feels private and restful.
Each room includes an in-room bathroom with a shower, making daily routines easy and convenient. To help you settle in with ease, towels, bath soap, and bed linens are all provided. Whether you are traveling for a retreat, a wellness stay, or a peaceful getaway with others, this room offers a warm balance of connection, comfort, and simplicity.
Designed for guests seeking a little extra privacy, this inviting room offers a peaceful place to unwind within the charming, Big Sur-inspired motel atmosphere of the property. Thoughtfully located for convenience, it overlooks the main campus and garden, giving you a calming view to return to throughout your stay.
Inside, you’ll find a private bathroom and a comfortable setting that supports rest, simplicity, and easy access to the wider retreat experience. It’s an ideal choice for solo travelers or couples looking for a quiet, well-situated space to recharge between wellness activities, meals, and moments of relaxation.
If you’d like to share the room, one additional guest may join for an extra $250 per night.
Settle into a relaxed stay surrounded by the charming motel-inspired atmosphere of Big Sur. This Standard Two Double Beds room offers a comfortable, unfussy space designed for easy rest and shared travel. With two double beds and a private bathroom, it is a practical choice for friends, couples, or family members looking to enjoy time together while still having room to unwind.
The room’s simple, welcoming feel makes it easy to slow down after a day of exploring, reconnecting, or simply enjoying a peaceful break. Whether you are traveling for a quiet getaway or a shared adventure, this space provides the comfort and privacy you need for a restful stay.
With more than 40 years of professional experience working hands-on with people, Dr. Betty Martin brings a rare depth of insight to her teaching. Her background spans chiropractic care, certified surrogate partnership, and somatic sex education, giving her a broad and integrative perspective on the body, touch, and relational awareness. Her long-standing explorations in somatic-based therapy became the foundation for The...
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Marcia Baczynski is a coach, educator, and facilitator whose work centers on sexual communication, boundaries, consent, and desire. With a warm and practical approach, she helps create space for honest conversation, deeper self-awareness, and more respectful connection. Her teaching is grounded in clear communication and the skills needed to navigate intimacy with confidence and care. She is the co-author of Creating...
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Mon, Jul 27 – Fri, Jul 31