Mountain Soul: A Retreat of Sound, Land, writing, and Presence
August 24-26, 2025 in Bishop, California
There was a stilling of the water
When autumn fledged the crows
And the ancient trees surrendered me
By the hillside's remnant stone...
And if I could ask,
which way would you choose?
Where would you go
and what would you do?​
Mountain Soul is a 3-day grounded, immersive retreat woven from sound (live cello,) meditation, writing, nature, and embodiment.
The pressures, distractions, setbacks, and complications of our lives add up. Sometimes we need a little (or a lot of) breathing room.
This is the gift of the Eastern Sierra. This land is deeply grounding, quiet, full of magic. It has a way of bringing you back to center.
We have intentionally chosen this retreat to run Sunday - Tuesday, leaving you time on either end to explore the Eastern Sierra (we promise you'll want to).
The Experience
Down-to-earth Morning Meditation & Movement Classes amid the incredible scenery of the Eastern Sierra
Curated Writing Workshops - journaling with live world class cello, outdoor sensory writing
Self-guided hikes to the petroglyphs in the volcanic tablelands and into the mountains.
Sonic Activation: a guided journey meditation in a live cello & atmospheric soundscape
Nourishing catered meals & refreshments
Facilitated Sharing & Connection
Nature: access to alpine lakes, hot springs, granite canyons, volcanic tablelands, and high desert trails
Community and Solitude: a balance of quiet reflection and meaningful connection
The soul-shifting atmosphere of the Eastern Sierra, a quiet, remote, world-class destination in California
$1250 Early Bird
$1,500 Regular
Our expert facilitators have guided individuals through experiences of deep recalibration, self-connection, and creative opening for decades.
Sara is the creator and guide of this retreat experience, weaving sound, somatic awareness, nature, and storytelling into an immersive journey of reconnection. A multidisciplinary artist and facilitator, Sara designs experiences that invite you into deeper presence.
Drawing from her background as a certified yoga instructor (300 E-RYT) since 2014 and her training in Somatic Stress Release™ through The Embody Lab, Sara's work integrates the body’s wisdom with creative exploration. She is a seasoned space-holder, with over a decade of experience supporting others in inner connection, creative opening, and embodiment.
As a musician and writer, Sara crafts atmospheric soundscapes and sensory narratives that open new portals of experience. Her music and writing are infused with the rhythms of land, memory, and myth, offering pathways into presence.
Through this retreat, Sara brings together her full body of work—movement, sound, somatics, and story—into a single woven offering.
Shaun Diaz is a composer with eight self-produced albums, principal cellist for the Vienna Light Orchestra, on the Expressive Arts Faculty for Mobius Leadership, and is an innovative and dynamic loop artist. With 35 years of experience and a degree from CU in Cello Performance, he is a master of his craft and brings true artistry to the stage.​
An accomplished composer and recording artist, Shaun has contributed to numerous music projects as a co-producer and collaborator, including nationally distributed albums alongside Emmy Award-winning artists.
He has also composed for the Sundance Film Music Program and the Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program, showcasing his talent in film composition.​Shaun's performances span a wide range of genres, incorporating jazz, romantic, classical, and popular styles, alongside original works.
Notably, he has embraced the innovative art of live looping, creating intricate soundscapes that layer his cello in real-time. This technique allows him to explore the depths of musical expression, weaving together multiple melodic lines and harmonies that transform his solo performances into rich, immersive experiences.
Details
Day 1:
~Explore the Eastern Sierra~
5pm Convict Lake Walk
6:30PM Catered Dinner
Day 2:
9:00am Yoga
10am Brunch
11am Writing Workshop with live cello
12:00-4:30
~ Free Time ~ Hike ~ Hot Springs ~
4:30 Writing Workshop
6:00pm Dinner
7:30pm Sonic Activation
Day 3:
9:00am Yoga
10:am Brunch
Closing Circle
~Explore the Eastern Serra~