The Vibration of Return: Reflections from Our Joyful Awakening Retreat in Mizata, El Salvador

There’s a rhythm that lives beneath the noise of everyday life. It pulses in the ocean, dances through the jungle, and hums in our bones when we allow ourselves to truly listen. That’s what this retreat was about—returning to that rhythm. Returning to ourselves.

In June 2025, a group of us gathered on the shores of Mizata, El Salvador for six days of soul-deep rest, embodied movement, and collective healing. Guided by the sacred energies of the Mayan Cholq’ij calendar, this wasn’t just a getaway. It was a ceremony of remembrance.

Anchored in Intention

Each day was synced with the energy of a different Mayan day sign—KEJ, Q’Anil, Toj, T’zi, B’atz—inviting us to explore themes like balance, blossoming, reciprocity, forgiveness, and destiny. These energies weren’t just poetic backdrops—they shaped our flow.

We opened in circle on KEJ, the day of the sacred deer, with a land acknowledgment and invocation to the four directions. We set intentions rooted in harmony, healing, and walking with integrity. Every practice, ritual, and reflection stemmed from there.

A Day in Mizata

Here’s what a typical day looked like:

• 6:00 AM – Sunrise meditation or yoga with the waves as our soundtrack

• 8:00 AM – Nourishing breakfast with tropical fruit blends

• 10:00–12:00 PM – Guided workshops exploring pleasure, gratitude, ancestral threads

• 1:00–5:00 PM – Free time for rest, surf, or massage under the palms

• 5:00–7:00 PM – Sunset sound journey or breathwork

• 8:00 PM – Communal dinner under the stars
  

Whether it was cacao, journaling prompts in the WhatsApp group, or dancing barefoot in the sand—each moment was an invitation to drop deeper into joy.

Ceremony, Rebirth & A Rainbow Around the Sun

On Tuesday, during our temazcal ceremony, something extraordinary happened. As we entered the sweat lodge to release, forgive, and be spiritually reborn, the shaman pointed to the sky: a full rainbow encircled the sun. A halo blessing. A reminder that spirit was with us.

Inside the womb-like heat of the temazcal, we were called to surrender. To leave behind the stories that no longer served us. And as each person emerged, sweat-soaked and shining, they were given a personal blessing from the shaman—seeds of intention to carry forward.

Community Care in Action: A Joyful Giveback

The heart of this retreat wasn’t just the rituals. It was our visit to the local school, Texicio Escuela. As a group, we raised $2,000 to help build out their library—with cozy reading nooks, a projector, boombox, printer, art supplies, and roof repairs.

Two young girls, close in age to my own daughters, handed me handwritten notes of gratitude. I wept.

In that moment, I saw myself in them. I saw my parents—immigrants who left everything behind in search of a better life. And I realized: as first-generation daughters, we carry a responsibility not just to heal ourselves, but to return and uplift. Because healing is never just personal. It’s collective.

Sacred Space by the Sea

We stayed in dreamy, oceanfront treehouses and beach bungalows, where teak wood floors met 180° ocean views. Every night, the waves lulled us to sleep. Every morning, the sea greeted us with cleansing energy.

Meals were shared family-style, each plate crafted with fresh local ingredients and paired with vibrant juices. The food itself became ceremony—something to savor, celebrate, and gather around.

What We Learned, Together

We laughed. We cried. We stretched as the sun kissed our skin. We hiked through the jungle, braved the heat, and came out stronger. We reconnected with parts of ourselves that had been waiting to be heard.

One guest told us:

“This was more than I could have ever imagined. The leaders, Johanna and Cindy, were kind, attentive, thoughtful, knowledgeable and intuitive. It was the perfect blend of introspection, relaxation, and integration.”

I came home knowing—I am exactly where I need to be. This work, this path, this offering…it’s my soul’s yes. Thinking of Joining Us Next Year?

Next year’s retreat will return to Mizata, and early bird registration opens this month. If you’re traveling from the DC area, multiple daily flights to San Salvador make it an easy journey. A 75-minute scenic drive brings you straight from the airport to the sand.

Come for the beauty. Stay for the transformation.

🌴 DOORS ARE NOW OPEN >> REGISTER HERE.