A TRANSFORMATIVE RETREAT
with Timothy Tillman & edmund Knighton
Assisted by Brittney Cox
During this 5-day residential retreat we will slow down and co-create sacred space for seeing, releasing, receiving, and connecting to our essential nature. Through individual and group deep dives, we will open in a step by step manner to an emergent “Turning Point” onto a new life path.
How do we begin to recognize our ordinary life as sacred, and be graced by both freedom and love?
We will approach this in part by relaxing into a supported 36 hour silent darkness retreat where we can rest, and turn inward. This womb-like space creates the opportunity to surrender and welcome all parts of ourselves and our experience. By closing our eyes and mouth, we begin to quiet our busy minds and free ourselves from the trance of constant ‘doing’. In this way the darkness avails within us the opportunity for real presence and power and a clearer vision for our lives.
POSTPONED: Next Date TBA
All genders welcome.
“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift.”
What’s Included?
5 days and 4 nights of facilitation
Catered meals - provided by a local chef using fresh organic ingredients
Accommodations
45 min Pre-Retreat session with Edmund or Timothy
Access to a private sanctuary in the foothills of Santa Barbara overlooking the coastline and the Los Padres National Forest
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Facilitated practices of somatic exercises, meditations, breath work and group play.
Inner and outer preparation for the silent dark time.
Spacious alone time for relaxation, self inquiry and integration.
Co-created ritual space in nature to support connection with all things.
““Creativity, like human life itself, begins in darkness.””
What to expect in the dark retreat:
Watch to learn about the gifts of dark retreat from Timothy Tillman.
Accommodations & Pricing
Welcome to our Retreat Accommodations!
Whether you prefer the simplicity of camping or an indoor sleeping experience, we have options to suit every preference. Take a look at our offerings below:
$1,550 - Tent or Car Camping: Connect with nature and rejuvenate your spirit under the starlit sky on our private retreat land. You are welcome to camp in your vehicle, or bring your own tent. You are responsible for bringing your own camping and sleeping gear. This is a great option if you live in town, or will be driving to the retreat and can bring your own camping gear. Access to community bathrooms and showers.
$1,750: Bell Tent Glamping (double occupancy): A great choice if traveling from out of town or attending with a companion. We will provide a 16’ bell tent and sleeping mat for a true glamping experience. All bedding provided. Shared with one other person. Access to community bathrooms and showers.
$1,950 - Shared Room (double occupancy): Two single sleeping mats with all bedding will be provided. This accommodation is indoors and offers close access to shared indoor bathrooms.
$2,150 - Single Private Room (Single mat): Enjoy a cozy private space with our single room accommodation. Private entry and access to shared indoor bathrooms. A sleeping mat with bedding included will be provided.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us directly at: info@inspiratia.org.
Accommodations are first come first serve, so book your accommodation now!
Registration is limited.
*All genders are welcome.
**IMPORTANT: You must select your accommodation choice when completing check out. If you do not, then you will be opting for a standard camping accommodation.
Arrival & Departure:
If you are traveling from out of town, the Santa Barbara airport is the closest to our retreat sanctuary (exact location will be shared upon registration). You will be responsible for arranging transportation to the retreat site - an easy 20 minute Uber ride from the airport.
Please plan your travel to align with our start and end times:
Wednesday, 11:30am-2:30pm: Arrive & Settle
Wednesday, 3pm: Official opening ceremony
Sunday, 1pm: Retreat Concludes
Hear from past participants:
“This was my first ever retreat, didn’t really know what to expect, never meditated before or believed in it. With Timothy and Edmund’s guidance, I was able to slow my pace down through meditation and really go deep within. If you’re even considering in participating, do yourself a favor and take the leap. You will not be disappointed.” Brian B.
“Grateful for the experience, the blindfold fast combination was powerful, the activities leading up to the blind fast set the stage well. The care of Timothy and Edmund during the retreat was exceptional.” - Erin S.
“I found myself being led deeper and deeper into my heart, and gained skills for living from a more central focus. I can remember few, (if any), occasions in my life when I have felt so completely immersed in experiencing mutual respect, admiration, inspiration and love. Looking forward to the next opportunity to be with Timothy, Edmund.” - D.T.
“If you want a chance to unplug and go inside, this provides a container to go inside yet not feel alone or disconnected from the oneness.” Blake J.
“This retreat is a unique experience to connect with other like-minded individuals on a beautiful remote mountain property. An opportunity to go inwards and share deeply with others, while playing and laughing a lot along the way.” - Tom K.
Meet Your FACILITATORS
TIMOTHY TILLMAN, MA, CHT
is a Somatic Psychotherapist, Hakomi Trainer, Meditation Teacher, and Founder of the FireTenders Men’s Movement with over 30 years experience in his field. Timothy has also served as a professor and adjunct faculty at Antioch University teaching somatic psychology treatment approaches on trauma and PTSD. He holds a B.S. in physical therapy, an M.A. in clinical and somatic psychology and has 25 years of experience exploring and studying meditative and shamanic traditions. Timothy draws on his years of personal and professional experience to provide a fresh mindfulness-based and embodied approach, guiding individuals and couples toward self-inquiry, freedom, and experiencing a deeply nourishing human experience.
“You don’t need to know how to meditate the darkness meditates you. ”
EDMUND KNIGHTON, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering optimal human development. Formerly the President of Meristem, a comprehensive program aiding diverse youth in launching successful careers, college pursuits, and meaningful relationships. He served as the President of Rudolf Steiner College, focusing on transformative adult education through art, spiritual study, and meditative practices. Dr. Knighton's extensive career includes professorship and department chair roles at Santa Barbara Graduate Institute and The Chicago School. Certified in Yoga, Spacial Dynamics, Ropes Course, and Hakomi Somatic Therapy, he brings a holistic perspective to his work. With 35 years of experience as an educator, he continues to serve as a consultant for organizations focused on child development. Dr. Knighton passionately guides individuals, couples, families, communities, and organizations in manifesting their dreams through a practical process grounded in embodied mindful soul practices, drawing from a diverse array of influences accumulated over 38 years.
“I feel darkness as a wise sister who loves me enough to whisper what I need to hear.”
BRITTNEY COX
Brittney embodies divine power and order through her joyful, caring, and integrous presence. As a medicine guardian, she carries ancestral knowledge rooted in the spiritual practices of Andean-Amazonian culture, fostering harmony, respect for nature, and the unity of all living beings. From a young age, she began holding space for mothers, children, and families, discovering her gift for creating sacred spaces during life transitions.
Her journey includes weaving various modalities and elements to support the mind, body, and spirit. Since 2014, Brittney’s deep inquiry into these practices has led her to Vipassana meditation in the Blue Mountains of Australia, Reiki certification in 2015, and Yoga teacher training in 2016. Her quest for knowledge has also embraced Qigong, Yoga, Vipassana meditation, aguahara, dance, bodywork, darkness and somatic therapy.
“Embodiment through stillness and movement has always been a curiosity.”
REFUND POLICY:
75% refunded if canceled 90 days or more in advance.
50% refunded if canceled 60-89 days in advance.
No refund if cancelled 59 days or less in advance.
**All refunds are minus credit card processing fees.
Questions? Email: info@inspiratia.org
All beings are welcome! Inspiratia welcomes all genders, all generations, all religious orientations, and cultural backgrounds.