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Embrace Transformation
In the rush of everyday life, the voice within us—calling for growth, healing, and transformation—often goes unheard. Our four-part retreat series is a clarion call to those seeking profound change. In an environment where tranquility meets self-discovery, each retreat becomes a passageway to your awakening.
Head the Call: Four Transformative Retreats
Pause and picture a sanctuary where your story is honored, traumas are transformed into strength, shadows are explored with compassion, and where many perspectives lead to self-realization. Here, it's not merely an escape but an expedition to the heart of your being.
Retreat, Not Rehab! Embark on a Journey of Awakening
From the peaceful embrace of morning yoga to the shared wisdom of group sessions, from the silent introspection of meditation to the liberating acts of ceremonies, every aspect of our retreats is meticulously curated for your growth and transformation. Here, you don’t just find relief; you unearth a new way of being. Integral theory isn't just a backdrop; it's the canvas upon which you'll paint your future, with mindfulness, personal growth, and shadow work as your brushes.
Embark on Your Quest
Join us. Answer the call that echoes in the quiet moments. It’s time to step away from the noise and into a space of growth. It’s time to leave behind the habits that bind you and embrace the freedom of a life reimagined. It’s time to retreat from the world, not to escape it, but to return stronger, centered, and with a new story to tell.
Welcome to a Turning Point
Know it or not, your life is a series of stories, each marked by its struggles and triumphs. At our Change Your Story, Change Your Life retreat series, we focus on what truly matters: your journey towards a healthier, happier self. These aren't just retreats; they are stepping stones to a new life and story, designed to help you gain clarity, heal, and grow.
A Year of Transformation with Four Cornerstone Retreats
Join us on a purposeful journey spanning four transformative retreats over the course of a single year. Each retreat serves as a pivotal point, a step forward in your personal evolution.
Retreat 1: "Our Stories"
Begin the year with introspection, crafting the narrative you choose to live by. It's about owning your past and reshaping your future.
Retreat 2: "Our Traumas"
As spring heralds renewal, confront and soothe the wounds that hold you back, turning vulnerability into power.
Retreat 3: "Our Shadow Selves"
In the autumn, acknowledge and integrate the parts of yourself kept in the dark, bringing them into the light of acceptance.
Retreat 4: "Our Many Perspectives"
Conclude the year with a broadened view, integrating all you've learned to form a well-rounded perspective on life.
Each retreat is intricately designed around the three transformative processes of Integral Theory: Waking Up, Growing Up, and Cleaning Up.
You'll learn the art of mindfulness, embrace personal growth, and confront the unconscious, setting the stage for a brighter, more self-aware future.
Join us on this journey through the year, engaging with each retreat designed to challenge and change you, fitting the pieces together to complete the puzzle of 'you' at your best.
Retreat Details: Dates and Themes
We are taking applications for the inaugural series. The dates will depend on who is accepted for participation. Below are the themes for our upcoming retreats:
Retreat 1: "Our Stories"
Dates: TBD Early 2024
Explore the narratives that shape your life and set intentions for a new chapter.
Retreat 2: "Our Traumas"
Dates: TBD Late Spring 2024
Confront and transform past wounds into sources of strength.
Retreat 3: "Our Shadow Selves"
Dates: TBD Early Fall.
Embrace all facets of yourself with compassion and self-acceptance.
Retreat 4: "Our Many Perspectives"
Dates: Early 2025
Synthesize your learning into a prismatic view of life, expanding your horizons.
Prepare to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal growth as each retreat unfolds.
Detailed Retreat Breakdown
3-5 PM: Arrival and settle in
Record the first video journal, "Hopes and Fears"
5:30 PM: Dinner and introductions
7:00 PM: Orientation and Opening Ceremony (Back to the Past)
6 AM: Coffee and tea
8 AM: Morning Program (Yoga and Meditation)
10 AM: Breakfast
11 AM to 2 PM: Befriending Our Defenses
2 PM: Break and Late Lunch
5 PM: Why Doing Good Feels Good
6-7:30 PM: Film: "Is Your Story Making You Sick?"
8 PM: Late Dinner and Discussion
6 AM: Coffee and tea
8 AM: Morning Program (Yoga and Meditation)
10 AM: Breakfast
11 AM: The Quest Within: The Hero's Journey
12 PM: "This is My Racket"—The Story Marathon I
1 PM: Break
2 PM: Lunch
3-4:30 PM: Film: "Finding Joe"
5 PM: Family Systems—The Many Voices of Our Story
6 PM: Partner Work
5 PM: "This is My Racket"—Story Marathon II
6:30 PM: Group Sharing and Integration Time
7:30 PM: Dinner
8:30 PM: Fire Ceremony—Killing the Threshold Guardians
6-8 AM: Coffee and tea
8 AM: Morning Program (Yoga and Meditation)
10 AM: Breakfast
11 AM: SMART Goals, Accountability Partners, Weekly Zoom Meetings and Daily Practice Commitments
12 PM: Closing Ceremony
1 PM: Final Video Journal, Departure, Sack Lunch
Prepare to immerse yourself in a journey through your life’s story, where every moment is an opportunity for reflection, growth and self-discovery.
3-5 PM: Arrival and settle in
Record the first video journal, "Speak to your future self, summarize the break, challenges, hopes, and fears."
5:30 PM: Dinner and Reconnection
7:00 PM: Reorientation and Creating a Safe Space
7:30 PM The Narrative Nature of Trauma and Its Resolution
8:00 PM The Effauses of Healthful Change
8:30 PM Opening Ceremony: Activating the Warrior and Artist
6 AM: Coffee and tea
8 AM: Morning Program (Yoga and Meditation)
10 AM: Breakfast
11 AM: Trauma School
1 PM: Q&A and Group Discussion
2 PM: Break and Late Lunch
5 PM: Becoming Your Own Best Therapist
6-7:30 PM: Nordic Sauna and Cold Plunge
8 PM: Late Dinner and Discussion
6 AM: Coffee and tea
8 AM: Morning Program (Yoga and Meditation)
10 AM: Breakfast
11 AM: Timeline Creation
2 PM: Break
3 PM: Late Lunch
4 PM: Timeline Presentation
7 PM: Dinner
8 PM: Group Work
9 PM: Fire Ceremony—Burning the timelines
6-8 AM: Coffee and tea
8 AM: Morning Program (Yoga and Meditation)
10 AM: Breakfast
11 AM: SMART Goals, Accountability Partners, Daily Practice Commitments
12 PM: Closing Ceremony
1 PM: Final Video Journal, Departure, Sack Lunch
Prepare to face your traumas with courage and resilience, transforming them into sources of strength and personal growth.
3-5 PM: Arrival, settle in
Record the first video journal, “Speak to your future self, summarize the break, challenges, hopes, and fears.”
5:30 PM: Dinner and Reconnection
7:00 PM: Reorientation
7:30 PM The Narrative Nature of Trauma and Its Resolution
8:30 Opening Ceremony: Activating the Warrior and Artist
6 AM: Coffee and tea
8 AM: Morning Program (Yoga and Meditation)
10 AM: Breakfast
11 AM: Trauma School
2 PM: Break and Late Lunch
5 PM: Becoming Your Own Best Therapist
6-7:30 PM: Nordic Sauna and Cold Plunge
8 PM: Late Dinner and Discussion—How to Apply the Day’s Lessons
6 AM: Coffee, Tea
8 AM: Morning Program (Yoga and Meditation)
10 AM: Breakfast
11 AM: Timeline Creation
2 PM: Break
3 PM: Late Lunch
4 PM: Timeline Presentation
7 PM: Dinner
8 PM: Group Work
9 PM: Fire Puja Ceremony—Burning the timelines
6-8 AM: Coffee and tea
8 AM: Morning Program (Yoga and Meditation)
10 AM: Breakfast
11 AM: SMART Goals, Accountability Partners, Daily Practice Commitments
12 PM: Closing Ceremony
1 PM: Final Video Journal, Departure, Sack Lunch
Key Benefits of Each Retreat
Retreat 1:
“Our Stories”
Explore the power of your personal narrative.
Gain insights into your past and its influence on your present.
Learn to reframe your story for empowerment and growth.
Develop mindfulness and meditation practices for increased self-awareness.
Understand why narrative medicine is the path to growth, change, and healing.
Retreat 2:
“Our Traumas”
Transform your past traumas into sources of strength.
Understand the narrative nature of trauma and how it can be resolved.
Learn techniques to desensitize and self-regulate in the face of distress.
Explore the role of attachment in trauma and its transgenerational effects.
Learn and employ trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral techniques.
Retreat 3:
“Our Shadow Selves”
Dive into the depths of your subconscious mind.
Understand what shadow work is and why it's essential for personal development.
Explore the Johari Window and the power of self-disclosure.
Reclaim lost or discarded aspects of self and become who you were meant to be.
Gain tools to turn destructive habits into sources of personal growth.
Retreat 4:
“Our Many Perspectives”
Recapitulate the wisdom gained from the previous retreats.
Embrace a multitude of perspectives for self-realization.
Engage in the Three Chairs Technique to explore different aspects of yourself.
Experience transformative practices like plant medicine or a sweat lodge.
Let go, and celebrate your journey with an ecstatic dance party.
Methodology Behind the Retreats
At the heart of our transformative retreat series lies a synthesis of Integral theory and the powerful narrative approach to self-development. We believe that true transformation is a journey that integrates the depths of one's being, the expanse of personal growth, and the clarity of self-awareness.
Integral Theory: Waking Up, Growing Up, and Cleaning Up
Integral theory serves as the guiding framework for our retreats, emphasizing three interrelated undertakings:
Waking Up
The journey begins with mindfulness and meditation practices, fostering mental clarity. Participants become more self-aware, enabling them to identify and modify habits of reactivity that no longer serve them, breaking free from the shackles of the past.
Growing Up
Personal growth and expansion of perspectives are at the core of this phase. We elevate your perspective and deepen your connection with others, enabling you to show up as the best version of yourself in any situation. It's about transcending limitations and embracing growth.
Cleaning Up
Delving into shadow work, we illuminate the unconscious habits of thought, speech, and behavior that hold us back. This work empowers participants to make the unconscious conscious, gain insight into unsupportive habits, confront limitations, and heal past wounds, ultimately creating a brighter future.
The Narrative Approach to Self-Development
Our approach goes beyond traditional therapy; it's a journey to help you become your own best therapist. We believe that true healing and growth happen when individuals take ownership of their narratives and become the authors of their stories.
This year-long training is not meant to replace the guidance of a wise and kind person but to empower you to understand and navigate your inner landscape. It's about recognizing that you have the capacity to be your own healer, guide, and agent of change.
As you embark on this transformative journey, you'll discover that the power to change and heal resides within you. Our retreats provide the tools, practices, and support you need to tap into that inner wisdom, embrace your story, and author a brighter future.
Our Promise to You
The Change Your Life, Change Your Story retreats promise to provide you with the tools, guidance, and support needed to:
Discover Your Authentic Self
Through mindfulness, meditation, and self-awareness practices, you'll uncover the authentic self that may have been obscured by life's challenges and distractions.
Grow Beyond Limits
Our commitment is to help you expand your perspectives, elevate your growth, and empower you to navigate life's complexities with resilience, creativity, and clarity.
Heal and Transform
Together, we'll delve into the depths of shadow work, shedding light on unconscious patterns and facilitating profound healing. You'll emerge from this journey a different person with newfound strength and purpose.
Becoming Your Own Best Therapist
Our methodology empowers you to be the author of your narrative, the guide of your journey, and the agent of your change. We promise to support you in becoming your own best therapist.
Create a Brighter Future
Your participation in our retreats is a commitment to crafting a future filled with self-awareness, growth, and meaningful connections. We promise to provide the space for you to create your brighter future.
This is our change promise to you, and it's a promise that we take to heart. We invite you to embrace this promise with us, knowing that your dedication to change is the first step towards a new and better life.
Your Guide
Hello, I'm Dr. Mark Pirtle, and I've dedicated my life to exploring the intricate connections between science, spirituality, and wellness My journey began with a doctorate in physical therapy, focusing on chronic pain, which sparked my profound interest in Buddhist psychology and its application in healing stress-related conditions.
For over twenty years, I've practiced mindfulness meditation, including spending meaningful time in retreat at a Buddhist monastery. This deep immersion in meditation has been a cornerstone in both my personal and professional life.
I developed an evidence-based program called SkillfullyAware, blending living systems theory, mindfulness meditation, narrative medicine, and shadow work. This program is more than just a method; it's a culmination of my learning and experiences, designed to foster self-awareness and relational tools that enhance life in every aspect.
My passion for storytelling and education led me to write and produce a documentary, "Is Your Story Making You Sick?" currently airing on PBS, and author the book "Change Your Story, Change Your Life." I believe in the power of narratives to transform our lives.
As a faculty member of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine Fellowship Program at the University of Arizona, I cherish the opportunity to share my knowledge with eager minds. I also created and teach a course titled 'Mindfully Overcoming Addictive Behaviors' for eMindful.com, focusing on practical applications of mindfulness.
In my role as the Director of Life Sciences and Programming at The Tubac Ranch in Tubac, Arizona, I strive to create programs that empower individuals to break free from unskillful habits that limit their potential.
I live in Tucson, Arizona, with my daughter Alana, balancing my professional pursuits with the joys of parenthood, always learning and growing from each experience.
Investment and Registration for Change Your Story, Change Your Life Retreats with Dr. Mark Pirtle
Investment:
This series of FOUR transformative retreats is designed to offer you a comprehensive experience that includes full access to all workshops, accommodations and meals at the Tubac Ranch, weekly zoom meeting between retreats, and all educational materials. The investment for this life-changing experience is $10,000 ($2,500 per retreat). Travel to and from the Tubac Ranch is not included.
Registration Process
To apply to participate in this transformative treat series, follow these steps:
After the discovery call, you will complete an online registration form.
Submit your payment through our secure payment portal.
Upon receipt of your registration and payment, you will receive a confirmation email with further details about the retreat.
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that life can be unpredictable. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
Cancellation Policy:
At our transformative retreats, we value the commitment and participation of each attendee, as the power of these experiences is greatly enhanced by a dedicated cohort staying accountable with each other and journeying together. To honor this commitment and ensure the best experience for all, we have the following cancellation policy:
Full Refund Guarantee After First Retreat:
We stand firmly behind the transformative potential of our retreats. To that end, we offer a distinctive full refund option. If you attend the first retreat and decide that this journey isn't the right fit for you, you're eligible for a refund of the remaining balance for any unattended retreats. This policy is our way of respecting your personal journey and ensuring that our retreats align with your path to growth and self-discovery.
No Refunds Post Two-Week Period:
To maintain the integrity and continuity of the retreat experience for all participants, we are unable to offer refunds if you decide to cancel your participation more than two weeks after the first retreat. This policy helps us ensure that each group remains committed and cohesive throughout the process.
We appreciate your understanding of our policy, which is designed to create the most impactful and harmonious experience for all involved. Should you have any questions or need further clarification regarding our cancellation policy, please feel free to contact us.
Contact Us:
For any questions or further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at mark@skillfullyaware.com or 520-250-9027. We are here to assist you in any way possible.
We look forward to welcoming you to an experience that promises not just insights and learning but a transformational journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common queries below. For further inquiries, feel free to reach out.
Expect a blend of mindfulness meditation, narrative medicine, and personal development workshops, and shadow work, all designed to help you break unskillful habits and enhance your personal and professional life.
Our retreats are suitable for anyone seeking personal growth, stress management, change, healing, trauma resolution, and a deeper understanding of how our personal stories have the power to both harm and heal.
All retreats start on Thursday afternoon and run through Sunday lunch. Please refer to our specific retreat schedule for the dates of each retreat. Each retreat is held at the historic The Tubac Ranch in Tubac, Arizona.
The investment covers accommodation, meals, workshop sessions, and group coaching. Travel to and from the Tubac Ranch is not included.
Yes, we offer early bird discounts and special rates for groups. Please contact us or visit our website for more details.
Registration can be completed here [link]. Fill out the registration form and submit your payment through our secure portal.
You can receive a full refund for the balance of unattended retreats if you decide after the first retreat that this journey isn’t right for you. No refunds are offered for cancellations more than two weeks after the first retreat.
Comfortable clothing, personal items, a journal, and an open mind. A detailed list will be provided upon registration.
Yes, all our retreats include meals and accommodations. We cater to various dietary needs and preferences.
For any queries, please reach us at mark@skillfullyaware.com or call 520-250-9027. We are available to answer your questions.
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and change.
Star your application process today
Apply now and recieve a one-on-one discovery call with Dr. Mark Pirtle