Original Medicine Earth-Based Intensive Immersion Retreat
“I feel so much more myself, more whole. I return to my community as a more present and healed person, able to support both myself and those around me, especially my family.”
Original Medicine Earth-Based Intensive Immersion Retreat
tuesday, july 21 - monday, july 27, 2026
Location: spirit Camp in mendocino, ca
Since 2014, we’ve continued to offer our Original Medicine program guiding hundreds of participants towards personal healing through deepening connection with nature as nature itself and cultivating relationships with our beloved ancestors and the Earth. We are thrilled to host the Original Medicine Residential Retreat welcoming participants of all backgrounds to experience the very essence of this unique yearlong healing crucible mindfully distilled into an immersive in-person land experience.
Braiding together the teachings of the Buddha and Indigenous wisdom co-creates a foundation of truth, trust, and love. During this intensive retreat, we will explore ways of coming into the core of who we are, our own Original Medicine, and enhance our personal growth and purpose with nature as our teacher. Held by the magic of the Redwood forest, we will learn and experience contemplative practices that include mindfulness meditation, earth walks, and embodied mindfulness movement. Participants will experience the depth and essence of Braided Wisdom’s one of a kind yearlong healing program refined intentionally into an intensive, restorative, and heart-opening experience that will deepen and widen the nature of who we are… not separate from nature itself.
Please email info@braidedwisdom.org for any inquiries about the retreat in 2026.
If you feel called to Original Medicine but these retreat dates don’t align, our online yearlong program offers another way to engage deeply with this work.
*As part of your registration, please fill out the Participant Information Form, to give the teachers a better understanding of how to support you.
Reflections from Past Retreat Participants:
About the Retreat
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Guided Movement
A blend of mindful stretches, fluid movements, and breathwork rooted in the elements. Accessible for all levels of practice.
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Contemplative & Earth-Based Practices
Contemplative teachings weaving together Indigenous wisdom, mindfulness, and earth-based practices to help you explore your inner landscape.
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Delicious Nourishment
Healthy, organic, fresh vegetarian meals prepared by local Bay Area Chef Sinclair Shigg.
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Immersive Community Experiences
Immersive and creative exploration through ritual and ceremony with community.
Teaching Team
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Carol Cano
Lead Teacher
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Janet Roos
Teacher
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Carmen Alvarez
Teacher
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Jonathan Relucio
Teacher
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Sarwang Parikh
Teacher
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Kimber Simpkins-Nuccio
Mindful Movement Teacher
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Regent Brown
Teaching Assistant
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Rebekah Eppley
Teaching Assistant
About Our Community-Centered Contribution Model
For this retreat, we’re offering a new Community-Centered Contribution Model shaped by the times we’re living in and the values we hold together. Alongside a small Benefactor tier that helps root the gathering, the Spiritual Friend and Community Builder tiers are offered as an invitation into shared stewardship. These rates reflect a collective commitment to tending the land, the food, the space, the teachings, and the care that make this retreat possible, and to sharing those costs together during a season when many are feeling impacted by the current realities. With a limited number of Benefactor spaces available and all spots offered on a first-come, first-served basis, we encourage early registration for those who feel called. We offer this approach in the spirit of sacred reciprocity, trust, and honoring that community is something we build together through intention, presence, responsibility, and care for one another and the Beloved Earth that holds us.
Benefactor Lodging Options - $2,400
The Benefactor Tier provides an opportunity for individuals with financial means to support access for those with limited resources, enabling broader participation and inclusivity.
Participants in this tier are offered more private accommodations such as a private cabin or tent cabin space. The private cabins have lighting, heating and outlets, and the tent cabins have an electric blanket, overhead lighting, and outlet for phones. They all come with cozy cotton sheets, lux warm linens, plus comfy pillows and mattresses. There is a shared communal bathhouse with toilets, sinks and plenty of hot water for showers. No accommodations have private baths.
This tier is limited to three spaces, with sleeping places in either two private queen bed cabins or one king bed tent cabin. These are received on a first-come, first-served basis.
Private Water Tower Cabin - Queen bed - SOLD OUT
Private Queen’s Comb Cabin - Queen bed - SOLD OUT
Private Tent Cabin - King bed - 1 spot available
Spiritual Friend Lodging Options - $1,450
The Spiritual Friend Tier nurtures the sustainability of our retreat and is designed for individuals who are employed and able to comfortably support their financial well-being while contributing to our shared mission.
This tier invites participants into a shared, community-centered experience of the retreat. Those choosing this tier share a bunkhouse, cabin, or tent cabin with others, or bring their own tent for camping. This tier reflects a spirit of togetherness and mutual care, where living more closely and simply supports the weaving of deeper connection among participants, with the land, and with the rhythms of communal life.
All shared cabins have lighting, heating and outlets. They come with cozy cotton sheets, lux warm linens, plus comfy pillows and mattresses. There is a shared communal bathhouse with toilets, sinks and plenty of hot water for showers. No accommodations have private baths.
shared female identified deer haven cabin (3 people)
Queen Beds - SOLD OUT
shared male identified Raven Roost cabin (4 people)
Queen Beds - 1 SPOT AVAILABLE
twin Beds - 1 SPOT AVAILABLE
shared female identified tent cabin ( 2 people)
shared female identified bunkhouse (9 people)
Twin Beds - 3 spots available
Meadow Camping - bring your own tent
1 spot available
Community Builder Lodging Options - $1,250
The Community Builder Tier offers a reduced rate for those facing moderate financial constraints or barriers. For example, if you are living on a fixed income, are a senior, a full-time student, or temporarily unemployed, this tier provides support to ensure your sustainability during these times.
This tier invites participants into a shared, community-centered experience of the retreat. Those choosing this tier share a bunkhouse or cabin space with others, or may bring their own camping tent or van. This tier reflects a spirit of togetherness and mutual care, where living more closely and simply supports the weaving of deeper connection among participants, with the land, and with the rhythms of communal life.
All shared cabins have lighting, heating and outlets. They come with cozy cotton sheets, lux warm linens, plus comfy pillows and mattresses. There is a shared communal bathhouse with toilets, sinks and plenty of hot water for showers. No accommodations have private baths.
shared NONBinary identified tent cabin (3 people)
Twin Beds - 3 SPOTs AVAILABLE
shared FEmale identified DEER HAVEN cabin (3 people)
Twin Bed - SOLD OUT
shared male identified raven roost cabin (4 people)
Twin Beds - 2 SPOTS AVAILABLE
shared female identified bunkhouse (9 people)
Twin Beds - 6 spots available
2 spots available
Meadow Camping - bring your own tent
SOLD OUT
Van camping - bring your own vehicle
Financial Support
The Spiritual Friend and Community Builder Tiers offer the option to support both personal sustainability and shared care for the program. Those experiencing moderate financial constraints—such as living on a fixed income, being a senior, a full-time student, or temporarily unemployed—are invited to select the Community Builder Tier. Those who are employed and able to comfortably support their financial well-being are encouraged to choose the Spiritual Friend Tier, helping sustain the program and extend access to others.
We invite you to choose the contribution level that feels most aligned with your current circumstances, trusting your discernment and honoring our collective commitment to care, reciprocity, and community.
While this retreat does not offer traditional scholarships, there are a limited number of spots available for those experiencing experiencing financial constraints or barriers. If you are navigating any challenging circumstances, you are welcome to reach out to info@braidedwisdom.org.
Cancellation & REfund Policy
We understand life happens and plans can change, and we hold that with compassion.
If you are unable to make it:
• 60 days before the retreat: 100% refund of the contribution.
• 30 days before the retreat: 50% refund of the contribution.
• 14 days before the retreat: 25% refund of the contribution.
As you know, there needs to be advance notice to make all the necessary arrangements for someone to take your place. This greatly impacts our planning and ability to cover costs. We appreciate your cooperation and support.
***For people who cancel, please consider the practice of sacred reciprocity by donating your contribution. Braided Wisdom is an IRS approved tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Our EIN is 85-0813884.***
Golden Roots Wellness
Retreat nourishment will be provided by Chef Sinclair Shigg (water/wind) who is also a nutritionist, herbalist, and medicine maker based in the Bay Area. Water has been dedicated to nourishing their communities for the past two decades and loves spending time in nature and cooking in contexts where the two are combined.
PAST RETREAT REFLECTIONS
"I've been holding back tears for over a year. I've cried everyday on retreat. The wisdom of ceremonies shared helps me experience my medicine. I give it so freely to others, it was healing to give to myself."
"I have the tools to tap into my internal power. I can move into the practice of forgiving, having appreciative joy, and sending loving kindness to myself and others."
"This retreat can heal our ourselves, relatives, and planet. My deepest wish is that It will happen again so that others may also experience deep healing and love."
"I am sitting with a lot of old shame stories and masks that need continued tending to allow me to access more joy and pleasure. I feel ready to do more shadow work based on insights I received, as if I have just scratched the surface. I feel my heart opening with the practices."