October 30 - November 5, 2022
Honoring the Cycles of Life
"Flourish Fully - Honoring the Cycles of Life" is a one-of-a-kind retreat that combines experiencing the rich culture of Mexico during this very special time of the year, Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), with cultivating mindfulness practices and deepening our connection to the seasons of life. This retreat is designed to explore our relationship to death and transition, whether it be people, work, or places, and to bring awareness to the potential of creating perspectives that honor all of life's stages so that we can live more fully. We will explore and authentically celebrate this tradition, weaving together rituals and transformative workshops focused on raising our vibes and honoring our journeys, individually and collectively.
Dia de los Muertos
This is a special Mexican holiday as it celebrates the lives of loved ones who have departed. Colorful altars with photos, favorite foods, sugar skull candies, and artisanal crafts are made in most homes. We will be creating our own altars, integrating this beautiful ritual into our personal experience by gathering candles, incense, and other traditional items.
Tepoztlan is renowned throughout Mexico for its authenticity in celebrating this holiday. The village comes alive with the aromas of pan de muerto (traditional sweet bread) and burning copal (a type of incense). People dressed in traditional clothes walk the streets and visit the decorated cemeteries, leaving trails of marigold petals in their wake. This is truly a magical time to be here.
Tepoztlan
Just 1.5 hours' drive south of Mexico City, at the foothills of the corridor to the Volcano Popocatepetl, we retreat for 5 nights in the majestic village of Tepoztlan, Morelos. Recognized as one of the few Pueblos Magicos in the country, this village is home to a pyramid and is renowned for its cobblestone streets, vibrant markets, and healing traditions, making it truly a magical village.
This is the town where Daniela lived and raised her children for 15 years, and her relations and connections to the people and place offer a depth and perspective of the culture and place that deeply enriches the whole experience.
Mexico City
The last day and night of the retreat will be spent in Mexico City. We will have lunch and walk around the colonial and super charming area of Coyoacan, as well as visit the Frida Kahlo Museum. The evening will be spent at the historic Hotel de Cuidad de Mexico, famous for its Tiffany glass rooftop. It is located on the historic Zocalo of Mexico City. We will explore the promenade, seeing the ancient Aztec ruins of Temple Mayor and the spectacular architecture of the Cathedral of the Zocalo.
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Staying in Tepoztlan at the beautiful Posada Tepozteco, we will begin each day with gentle yoga/body movement, breathwork, and crystal singing bowl meditations. No prior experience is needed - it's all about having a beginner's mind and a fresh perspective. Our morning ritual of welcoming the day with vibrancy will be followed by a delicious breakfast, as healthy or indulgent as one chooses. Then, the later morning will proceed with Daniela Botur and guests facilitating the Flourish Fully workshops and afternoon cultural excursions.
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The workshops and excursions are designed and aligned each day to correspond to the themes we are exploring. Morning sessions will cover content focused on the themes of death, transition, and letting go in various aspects of our lives. This is more about cultivating a healthy, perhaps new relationship to these themes and how to integrate them, rather than being a therapy workshop for people experiencing deep grieving or a recent significant loss of a loved one. That is not an area in which I am adept or qualified to facilitate, nor is it the overall intention of the workshop. For greater clarity, we will be covering topics more along the lines of:
- Gaining a clear understanding of the cycles of life from birth to death and how they correspond to the cycles of nature.
- Exploring how different cultures relate to death and the dying process, and examining our own beliefs and relationship to it based on our cultural and religious backgrounds.
- Examining how having a healthy relationship with death and transition in many aspects of our lives can enhance our capacity to live more fully.
- Sharing and participating in exercises that enrich our capacity to accept and approach change with courage, compassion, and trust.
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On Saturday, if you decide to stay on, you will have the possibility of exploring more of the city or visiting the Pyramid of the Sun and Moon. Please note that this is not part of the retreat but can be arranged.
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Through group and individual exercises and discussions, we will expand our capacity to connect, trust, and receive. The other wonderful people in our group will support us in our processes. Ultimately, we will be integrating our enhanced mindset into the wonder of new experiences, seeing ourselves, new people, things, and our environment with fresh eyes. The longer journey involves taking the tools and experience of transformation and integrating them into our lives, regardless of where we are and life's circumstances. This retreat serves as a reminder and re-initiation of what we inherently know and are. We are exploring the ongoing process of loving, learning, evolving, and remembering our essence and connection to the cycles of life.
Our Afternoons
Our afternoons will have optional excursions, including hiking to a pyramid, floating in the pristine waters of Las Estacas, shopping and wandering the colorful streets and markets of the village, and creating a splendid altar. If relaxing poolside, getting a massage, or trying other healing therapies is more your speed, the hotel offers an amazing array of treatments. Additionally, Daniela knows many amazing energy workers in Tepoztlan. You are free to choose what is perfect for you. This is your retreat, and no activity is obligatory.
Our evenings
In the evenings, we will gather to explore the Dia de los Muertos festivities, visiting the town and cemetery at night when things are most alive. On other evenings, we will hold a sweat lodge (temazcal), a sacred circle ceremony, and enjoy a fire dancing performance. Throughout the week, we will explore fine dining of traditional Mexican dishes at the hotel and various restaurants, typically on outdoor patios, given the balmy nights of Tepoztlán. The temperatures at this time of the year might vary between 70-80 degrees during the day, and most of our activities will be outdoors.
“The Flourish Fully retreats are truly expansive and awe-inspiring experiences. Daniela creates a safe and sacred container that allows for a deeper connection with self, the group, and the elements of nature than ever imagined possible. These retreats strike the perfect balance between cultural adventure and spiritual exploration, laughter and tears, spaciousness and structure.”
“Daniela is a master at building community, positive enlightenment, and boundless love at her retreat. She provides a cultural backdrop for learning, growing, sharing, and, ultimately, for transformation. Transformation isn’t a casual word, and the Flourish Fully retreat isn’t a casual vacation. This experience awakened my senses and connected me to my soul. I loved every minute! Thank you, Daniela, our spiritual conductor.”
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The cost of the retreat is $3,100 based on double occupancy. Single occupancy or suites are available upon request for an additional cost. The Posada Tepozteco is located just above town, offering exceptional views of the valley, and it is a 5-minute walk to the center. The hotel combines modern and traditional styles, making it the perfect accommodation for this retreat.
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Flights and transportation from the airport are not included. Private drivers can easily be arranged if needed, and the cost from Mexico City to the hotel in Tepoztlan is approximately $75. Depending on the time of your arrival in Mexico City, I can arrange a group van. My suggestion is that your flights arrive on Sunday between 1-3 PM for a possible 4 PM airport ride to Tepoztlan. It is a 1.5-hour drive.
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Breakfast, dinners, and all excursions are included in the price. Lunches that are not part of the excursion , libations, and spa treatments are up to each persons preferen’s preferences and need to be covered personally.
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The group is limited to 11 people, including both men and women. Consider coming with a friend or family member for this incredible experience.
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A non-refundable deposit of half the amount is required by September 15, 2022, to reserve your space. In the event of a cancellation, the deposit is transferable to someone else, and I will do my best to refill your spot if possible. Full payment is due by October 15, 2022.
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Testing for COVID-19 or proof of vaccination will be required prior to arriving. Testing is also easily available at the airport for arrival or departure.