The Seven Flames: Winter Solstice Ritual Retreat
Description
Winter Solstice offers a sacred threshold, a moment when darkness begins to soften and the light slowly returns. As the season turns inward, we are invited to pause, move more gently, and reconnect with the steady flame that lives within.
Rooted in the wisdom of the chakra system, this immersive retreat explores the seven chakras as radiant fires and gateways of awakening for our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Over the course of our time together, we move through these inner landscapes, meeting both the bright gifts and the shadow aspects held in each energy center.
Each day brings a flow of transformative practices, including meditation, kundalini kriya, asana, dance, yin and somatic movement, sound healing, writing, creativity, and seasonal ritual. These offerings are designed to support the body, encourage restoration, open the heart, calm the mind, and rekindle the sacred fire within.
Sound and voice are also central to the experience. Guest musician and teacher Daphne Tse joins us to share SoulSongs through live music, seed mantras, chakra toning, guided vocal meditation, and gentle vocal exploration. Together, we will discover how sound moves through the body’s energy centers, awakening the flame in each chakra and giving voice to what has long remained beneath the surface.
This retreat includes:
- Dynamic and restorative chakra-inspired yoga
- Somatic movement and guided + freeform dance
- Crystal bowl sound journeys
- Live music and SoulSongs vocal immersions with guest musician Daphne Tse
- Voice activation, chakra toning, and guided vocal meditation
- Breathwork, mantra, mudra, and meditation practices
- Guided contemplations inspired by The Radiance Sutras
- Winter Solstice ritual
- Time in nature, deep rest, and the healing waters
In yogic philosophy, radiance is not something we earn; it is something we reveal. Like a flame protected beneath ash, our inner light remains present even through seasons of challenge, transition, and uncertainty.
As we gather at Winter Solstice, we honor both the darkness and the returning light, tending the sacred flames within and opening more fully to the joy, mystery, vulnerability, and wonder of being alive.
About the faculty
Cristi Christensen, a former elite gymnast and diver, overcame a severe injury and advanced-stage cancer, inspiring her teachings on resilience and healing. Author of Chakra Rituals, she leads global programs emphasizing body-rooted practices and women's empowerment.
Daphne Tse is an international recording artist and yoga teacher. She has toured globally merging her Bhakti yoga teachings with her signature SoulSongs music. She has released five albums and has been featured on music compilations in the US, Japan and China.
What's included
- Housing accommodations
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Coffee, tea, snacks
- Access to the hot springs and other Campus Features
- Classes on the Open Schedule
What's not included
- Healing Arts sessions including Esalen Massage or Holistic Services
- Hand-crafted specialty coffee and tea or alcohol purchases from the bar
- Bookstore purchases
Accommodation Options
Bunk Bed
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.
Standard Shared
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.
Standard Queen
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.
Standard Two Beds
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.
Teachers
With a background as an elite gymnast and diver, Cristi Christensen brings a rare depth of lived experience to her work. After navigating both a severe injury and advanced-stage cancer, she transformed personal adversity into a powerful approach to resilience, healing, and embodied strength. Her teachings invite participants to reconnect with the body as a source of wisdom, stability, and...
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Daphne Tse is an international recording artist and yoga teacher whose work beautifully bridges music and spiritual practice. Through her global touring, she shares Bhakti yoga teachings alongside her signature SoulSongs, creating an experience that blends devotion, movement, and melody in a deeply uplifting way. With five albums to her name, Daphne has built a distinctive musical voice that resonates across...
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Contact Information
Mon, Dec 14 – Fri, Dec 18