What's new
What's coming up, what's open this week, what we're sitting with. Retreat dates, drop-in sits in Tulum and online, and recent writing from Chi and the community.
For those that don't have a month — 10 days intensive
Ten days of complete silence: no phone, no screens, no talking. A private one-on-one with Chi every single day, working directly with what's running in you. Full digital detox and a raw vegan diet, held by a fixed daily rhythm of meditation, movement, and intermittent fasting. A small group throughout.
Learn more
- 01July 18 — 27MidsummerSat → Mon · 9 nights— spots left
- 02Aug 7 — 16Late summerFri → Sun · 9 nights— spots left
- 03Sep 4 — 13Early autumnFri → Sun · 9 nights— spots left
- 04Oct 19 — 28AutumnMon → Wed · 9 nights— spots left
- 05Nov 20 — 29ThanksgivingFri → Sun · 9 nights— spots left
- 06Dec 17 — 26ChristmasThu → Sat · 9 nights— spots left
- 07Dec 28 — Jan 6New YearMon → Wed · 9 nights— spots left
- 08Jan 15 — 24JanuaryFri → Sun · 9 nights— spots left
- 09Feb 12 — 21Late winterFri → Sun · 9 nights— spots left
- 010Mar 6 — 15Early springSat → Mon · 9 nights— spots left
Upcoming events
- 19:00EST (Tulum)Every night
Qigong drop-in
Energy work to wake the body and settle the mind. Push the gate, leave your shoes, join in. No booking, no experience needed.
On site · drop inFree
From the table, the land, the desk
Pieces by Chi, by residents, by people who came and stayed. News from the land, the kitchen, the cohort. One feed, newest first.
How to Build Boundaries With Your Parents (Without the Guilt)
Setting boundaries with parents often comes loaded with guilt. Chi Om explains why the guilt shows up and how to hold a boundary without turning it into a fight.
The art of surrender
Releasing "my way" and merging with "the way" — what arrives when we stop trying to control our environment.
Alone with your thoughts
On the rare experience of meeting your own mind — and the freedom that waits on the other side of stillness.
Awakening beyond possession and control
Two forces shape how we hold life — possession and control. What remains when we loosen the grip?
Guestbook: Kelly
Kelly returns to The Essence for a month or two every year. A few words on what living in community makes possible.
Guestbook: Fabian
Fabian came to The Essence after more than a decade of chronic pain that began with a tumor diagnosis at seventeen. Fourteen months in the community, in his own words.
Guestbook: Sam
Sam came for a two-week retreat and stayed eight months. In her own words — fifteen years of searching, and what finally let her stop.
