Retreat With David Gandelman and Michael Galyon
September 11–12, 2026
A two-day, in-person retreat devoted to stillness, presence, and cultivating a compassionate relationship with yourself through deep meditation.
BOOK YOUR SPOT!Overview
This retreat is an invitation to slow down.
To step out of the constant movement of life and into a deeper relationship with presence, awareness, and self compassion.
Deep Meditation: Grounding Into Presence and Self Compassion is designed for those who want to experience meditation beyond technique. Rather than focusing on methods or performance, this retreat explores meditation as a lived, embodied practice that supports clarity, grounding, and inner steadiness.
Over two days, you’ll be guided into a space of rest, insight, and reconnection. Through meditation, experiential workshops, and group inquiry, you’ll be supported in meeting yourself with greater openness, kindness, and honesty.
This retreat is open to all and does not require prior meditation experience.
What This Retreat Is About
This retreat focuses on:
- Deepening your capacity to be present with yourself
- Learning how to rest in awareness rather than effort
- Developing self compassion without forcing or bypassing
- Understanding how meditation supports emotional and energetic balance
- Integrating meditation into daily life in a grounded, practical way
Rather than striving for a particular state, we’ll explore how to meet whatever arises with presence and compassion.
BOOK YOUR SPOT!Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is for:
- Anyone seeking deeper grounding and inner stillness
- Meditation practitioners at any level
- Individuals feeling stretched, overwhelmed, or disconnected
- Teachers, healers, and facilitators wanting to deepen their personal practice
- Those drawn to meditation as a path of awareness rather than performance
No prior meditation experience is required. Beginners and experienced meditators are equally welcome.
Retreat Schedule
Friday – September 11
10:00am – 5:00pm
Retreat and workshop sessions, including:
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Guided meditation practices
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Teachings on presence and self compassion
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Experiential and embodied practices
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Group dialogue and integration
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Evening Session for Meditation Teachers
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Guided meditation
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Teaching, inquiry, and reflection
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Space for questions and discussion specific to teaching and practice
Saturday – September 12
11:00am – 7:00pm
Full-day retreat and workshop sessions, including:
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Morning and afternoon meditation practices
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Deeper exploration of presence and self compassion
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Experiential practices and integration
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Closing meditation and reflections
"Surpassed all of my expectations"
My recent retreat to Nepal surpassed all of my expectations. Now that I am back stateside, it is surreal to think about the experiences I shared with people who were strangers merely 2 weeks ago that I will now consider to be lifelong friends. David and Jordana attracted a crowd with amazing energy and created a safe space allowing folks to be vulnerable while weaving in humor and joy. It's a tough balance to strike but once achieves, it unlocked limitless potential which was felt by everybody.
From the morning meditations and yoga sessions to the trek through the Himalayas to site seeing and meetings the children at the orphanage, everything was well thought out and executed to perfection. I could not recommend this enough and am already planning my next retreat!
— Scott Brennan, Colorado
"Expectations well exceeded!"
Expectations well exceeded! I was of course curious about travelling to Nepal but my expectations were well exceeded as it was a perfect combination of the minute by minute surprise of a brand new country, yet well supported by the brilliant organisation and planning of the organisers. The combination of new people, yoga, meditation, and incredible scenery and the people and animals and plants of Nepal...it is hard to describe just how good it is. But imagine a day of climbing - yes hard but not exhausting - through mountain forests, looking at huge mountains above you, with the great people of your trip and meeting wonderful the new people of Nepal, patting a rooster, and eating well all day and laughing at night, followed by meditation and sleep and then doing it again the next day after some yoga. Absolutely life changing and completely loved it.
— James Roden, Australia
"Reminded me how much good there is in the world"
I did not know what to expect as I have never done a retreat before, I can now say that it is an awe inspiring experience. There is a lot that happens - trekking, yoga, mediation, talks, joy, laughter, visiting an orphanage, spending time in a monastery and a good dose of self reflection. The deep friendships we formed through these shared experiences has reminded me how much good there is in the world.
Travelling expands your heart and soul... travelling with teachers like David and Jordana takes that expansion to the next level.
— Leila Jeffreys, Australia
"Spectacular and beyond my expectations"
Ladakh Retreat was spectacular and beyond my expectations. Everything went smoothly and the people were amazing.
— Amy Johnson, USA
"My heartfelt thanks for a truly memorable journey."
Two exceptional teachers, fifteen wonderful individuals and a stunning location created an unforgettable experience. Scott and David are so knowledgeable and extremely generous with their time and attention. They created such a warm and welcoming environment that we instantly felt at home, at ease and part of something special. When Scott and David collaborate they create some kind of magic and there is no doubt that I will be attending another one of their retreats to be a part of that magic again. My heartfelt thanks for a truly memorable journey.
— Natalia Ripsher, United Kingdom
"I loved the retreat. Everything about it."
I loved the retreat. Everything about it. The agenda, the pace, the number of participants, the participants themselves, the location, lodgings and the David/Scott combination. David and Scott complement one another perfectly and their combined expertise made the program substantial AND fun!
— Andrea Mack, USA
What's Included
⏳
All retreat and workshop sessions
🧘🏽
Guided meditation practices
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Experiential teachings and group inquiry
⛰️
A supportive, in-person retreat environment
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Time for reflection, integration, and rest
What’s Not Included
✗ Travel to and from Boulder
✗ Accommodation
✗ Meals
Participants are responsible for arranging their own lodging and meals. Local recommendations will be shared prior to the retreat.
Your Guides
David Gandelman
David Gandelman is a spiritual teacher, author, and guide, whose mission is to awaken souls on their path of growing into being human, and living an enlightened, purpose-driven life.
He is the founder of the Meditation School app, and host of the Meditation School, Energy Matters, and Grounded Sleep podcasts. And his meditations have been streamed millions of times. He has taught at Cornell University, NBC Universal, SAP, and numerous other organizations.
David holds a B.A. in Western philosophy from Rutgers University, which combined with his studies in Eastern spiritual traditions living in the Himalayas, as well as his experience as the director of a school for intuitive development and mysticism in Hawaii, informs a teaching style that connects energetic experience, ancient wisdom traditions, and humor in order to create a safe atmosphere for people interested in learning to meditate and develop into their potential.
Michael Galyon
Michael Galyon is an ICF certified professional coach and mindfulness teacher on a mission to create a calmer, kinder, and more connected world.
With a background in corporate leadership, education, and the creative arts, he brings a unique blend of calm and focus to his coaching, helping clients quickly identify areas of their lives in need of change and guiding them toward meaningful transformation. His coaching approach is holistic, integrating core energy coaching methodology, mindfulness practices, guided meditation, and a variety of development tools tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
No two sessions are ever the same—Michael shows up and holds space in whatever way his clients need on that particular day. He is a coach, guide, champion, cheerleader, confidant, and a steadfast believer in the people he supports.
The Venue
The StarHouse
Boulder, Colorado
This retreat will take place at The StarHouse, a unique retreat and meditation space nestled in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado. Known for its quiet atmosphere and supportive environment for contemplative practice, The StarHouse offers an ideal setting for deep meditation, presence, and inner reflection.
Investment
Meditation Teacher Training Students
For students enrolled in the Meditation Teacher Training Certification, this retreat is included as part of the training at no additional cost.
Teacher training students will also receive additional training-related context during the retreat where applicable.
Is This Retreat Right for You?
This retreat may be a good fit if you:
- Feel drawn to meditation as a way of being, not just a practice
- Want to cultivate self compassion without forcing change
- Are seeking grounded spiritual exploration
- Want space to slow down and reconnect
If you’re unsure, you’re welcome to reach out with questions before registering.
FAQ
Do I need prior meditation experience to attend?
Is this retreat only for Meditation Teacher Training students?
Are accommodations and meals included?
Will this retreat be recorded?
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
How do I know if this retreat is right for me?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do I need to buy travel insurance for the retreat?
QUESTIONS STILL NOT ANSWERED?
If at any point you have a question, you can email us at [email protected] or fill up this form. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
Reserve Your Spot
Spaces are limited, and this retreat will sell out.
If you feel called to step into deeper presence and compassion, we’d love to welcome you.
BOOK YOUR SPOT