Friday
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm | Arrival + Check-In
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Opening Session + Ceremony
Activity Level
●●○○○
Group Size
60 max
Duration
3 days / 2 nights
Prerequisites
No experience needed
What to Expect
Join us for an info-packed, interactive, and empowering workshop to learn and practice our proven techniques and strategies.
Experience the extraordinary worlds of fitness, health, and spirituality in an intimate setting. This workshop will afford you the opportunity to learn directly from the teachers themselves and interact with Mark Allen and Brant Secunda. Held along Monterey Bay in Santa Cruz, California, this weekend workshop will transform your thinking and approach to life in a matter of days.
We will begin on Friday evening with check-in, an introductory talk by Mark Allen and Brant Secunda, and a Huichol Deer Dance ceremony. Mark presents the latest research on health, physical fitness, and nutrition. He explains the essentials of an effective strength program, and how to eat for lifelong health. You will hear Mark’s personal story of how he integrates fitness and spirituality, and be invited to train, run, or walk alongside him.
Brant Secunda presents the ancient traditions of Huichol Shamanism and the spiritual world of nature. Huichol myths and legends encourage healing and empowerment through direct experience and a balanced relationship with the natural world. Brant teaches shamanic practices of health and healing, dream exercises, and how to approach sacred places of power. Through the teachings of the body and soul, you will gain greater personal awareness and, in turn, find true and complete wellness.
The sessions offer a balanced blend of lecture and experiential exercises. Many of the exercises are done outdoors, giving you a chance to become familiar with the beautiful natural surroundings. Go home with a renewed sense of self and a set of tools that can help continue to uplift both body and soul.
Meet Your
Teachers & Guides
Brant Secunda
Brant Secunda is an internationally acclaimed shaman, healer, and teacher in the indigenous Huichol tradition of Mexico. During an intensive 12-year apprenticeship, Brant became the adopted grandson and close companion of Don José Matsuwa, the renowned shaman who passed away in 1990 at the age of 110. Brant was chosen by Don José to take his place in helping to carry on Huichol Shamanism.
Recognized as a global thought leader and spiritual teacher, Brant has been a lecturer at the Mayo Clinic, the American Holistic Medical Association Conferences, and a faculty member of the Five Branches Institute of Chinese Medicine. He also co-founded the Humanistic Medicine Conference with the World Health Organization, the Peace University in Berlin, and is a founding member of the American Herbalist Guild.
Striving to bridge the worlds of fitness and spirituality, Brant co-authored the award-winning book Fit Soul, Fit Body: 9 Keys to a Healthier, Happier You.
Mark Allen
Mark Allen was one of the top triathletes in the world. However, he struggled to overcome the barriers that were preventing him from winning the grueling Ironman World Championship Triathlon.
Then he began studying with Brant Secunda, who taught Mark the spiritual and healing exercises that allowed him to integrate his physical and psychological fitness.
Mark went on to win a never-before-achieved six Ironman World Championships in a row and was eventually dubbed “The World’s Fittest Man” by Outside magazine
Pricing
Tuition + Accommodation options
- Tuition Prices
- Adult • $400
- Child • $200
- Infant • FREE $0
Tuition Options
include program instruction and materials
Morning, Afternoon, and Evening Sessions
- Tribal songs, chants, drumming & rattling.
- Journeying exercises working with the 4 directions.
- Meditation practices to connect with the elemental powers.
- Lecture & discussion including Huichol cosmology and myths.
- Question and answer opportunities.
Dance of the Deer Ceremonies
- Ancient ceremony to honor the light of creation, celebrate the winter season and pray for healing for ourselves and the planet.
Pilgrimage to the Pacific Ocean
- Learn how to approach places of power in prayer.
- Receive a transmission of power from the ocean.
Accommodations
See the FAQ for more information and a list of nearby hotels.
Meals and accommodations are not provided. We ask that you bring your own bagged lunch on Saturday and Sunday. There are no nearby restaurants, so please ensure you come prepared with something to eat. Light refreshments, including coffee and tea, will be provided.
Discounted Attendance
Students
Register with a .edu email address and save 10% on all tuition options.
Seniors
If you’re 65 or older, you can save 10% on all tuition options. Simply select the checkbox when registering.
Families
We love having families at our programs and strive to bring all ages into the sacred circle. Children 4-17 receive a 50% discount on all tuition options and infants (under the age of 4) are FREE.
Families of four or more receive 10% off each adult attendee.
Workshop Itinerary
Program schedule + session details
FAQ + Guide
Tips to ensure a great experience
Where is the program located?
The workshop is held at the Pajaro Dunes Conference Center, just south of Santa Cruz, CA along Monterey Bay.
Detailed directions will be provided upon registration.
How do I arrange my travel?
If you plan on flying, the nearest airports are:
- Monterey Regional Airport (approx. 40 min drive)
- San Jose International Airport (approx 1 hour drive)
- San Francisco International Airport (approx. 1.5 hour drive)
Shuttles from the airport are not included and we recommend using a Taxi or renting a car. If you would prefer to arrange for a roundtrip shuttle or sedan service, please contact Early Bird Airport Shuttle at (831) 462-3933.
What are the accommodations?
This workshop does not include accommodations or meals.
Santa Cruz is a popular destination, so there are plenty of hotels and restaurants to choose from. Here is a short list of recommended accommodations:
Watsonville, CA
10-15 minute drive to workshop
- Pajaro Dunes
- Roadway Inn
- Hampton Inn & Suites
- Best Western Rose Garden Inn
- Motel 6
- Comfort Inn
- Camping Sunset State Beach Park
Aptos, CA
20-minute drive to workshop
Santa Cruz, CA
30-minute drive to workshop
Do I need to bring anything?
Here is a list of items to bring:
- Pack layers as the weather can change quickly. You may want to bring a warm sweater/jacket for outdoor exercises and comfortable shoes for walking on the beach.
- Bagged Lunch for Saturday and Sunday. There are no nearby restaurants.
- Yoga mat or towel for outdoor exercise on Saturday and Sunday (optional).
- Notepad/Journal (not required).
Are there any prerequisites to attend?
No. This workshop is open to anyone, whether you are looking to take the first step on the shamanic path or if you’ve been studying with Brant for decades.
When does the program start and end?
The workshop will begin on Friday (February 23, 2024) with check-in opening at 6:30 pm and the first session beginning at 7:00 pm.
The program will conclude on Sunday (February 25, 2024) at 4:00 pm.
Will the program be live-streamed?
No. This retreat will only be available for those attending in person. If you’re interested in joining a virtual program online, please take a look at our schedule of upcoming programs.
Do I need to attend the entire program?
We greatly encourage everyone to join the workshop for the full time in order to gain the complete experience of the teachings and practices, while also helping maintain the energy of the collective group.
Will plant medicine be offered?
No, this program does not include any type of plant medicine. Although this is indeed an integral part of shamanic traditions, this program will focus on the use of drumming, rattling, chanting, and dance to achieve similar altered states of consciousness.
Will I become a shaman by attending this program?
No, our programs do not provide any type of certification and are not designed to teach people to become shamans, as this requires years of complete dedication through a traditional shamanic apprenticeship. Instead, this retreat provides an opportunity to practice shamanism, learn the ancient exercises for spiritual developemnt, and celebrate life in sacred ceremony and ritual.
The practices of shamanism are ones that can be integrated into your everyday routine in order to empower yourself, your community, and all that lives on Mother Earth.
Can children attend?
Yes, we welcome families and children at all our programs and love having all ages included in our circle. We offer a 50% discount for children ages 4-17 and infants under the age of 4 join free of charge.
Children (anyone under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Have questions?
Schedule a call with us