Yes! To Life
Embodying Your Vitality, Joy, and Wholeness
Join instructors Dr. Saida Desilets, Aaron Michael, and Barbara Collier
w/ support team members
Jameelah Creates, Dawne Angel Averitt, and Melissa Stager
for an immersive awakening at Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica.
December 11th - 17th, 2025
In Person Retreat
All-Inclusive Pricing
RETREAT SUMMER PROMOTION EXPIRES: August 31st
$300 support from Ergos Institute. More info below.
Yes! To Life is a journey of profound self-discovery, empowerment, and liberation.
Through grounded presence, movement, breath, and attuned practices, we will begin to re-inhabit the self—not as a performance, not for anyone else— but as a sovereign being in relationship with their own aliveness. This is the foundation for embodied wholeness: a kind of inner alignment where truth, pacing, and choice are not just concepts, but felt realities within the body. Together, in a respectful and boundaried space, we create conditions for healing—not through intensity, but through safety. Not through catharsis, but through attunement. Here, we honor each person’s unique rhythm, history, and capacity. This is not about intimacy with others. It is about restoring the inner connection that makes authentic relationship possible.
During this retreat, nestled in the breathtaking beauty of Costa Rica, you will explore:
Self-regulation & safety in the body
Recognizing and honoring your body's yes, no, and maybe
Releasing shame
Consent & boundaries
Presence & attunement
Trust & thriving
Solo attunement & enlivenment
Healthy, playful partner dynamics
Cultivating sexual sovereignty, honoring wholeness: Sexual sovereignty is not something we acquire – it’s something we remember. A return to the quiet pulse of aliveness within. To the body as a wise, sensing being—not an object to be shaped, judged, or performed. This work is not about sexual expression or erotic touch with others. It is about listening—deeply, slowly—to what lives inside. To the subtle rhythms of desire, the boundaries shaped by lived experience, the body’s own timing, intelligence, and need for safety. We unlearn the patterns that taught us to override ourselves. We disentangle from the cultural and familial scripts that told us how to feel, what to want, or who to be.
This retreat is not just about individual freedom; it’s about cultivating a deep and respectful relationship with ourselves in a way that honors our bodies, desires, and boundaries. It is an invitation to step into an embodied, attuned connection with ourselves—one that embraces presence, consent, and the art of titration, allowing for healing, transformation, and the unlearning of inherited narratives that may have shaped our relationship with sexuality and our bodies.
Through sensory immersion and deepening awareness, we reconnect with our innate wisdom and our bodies’ intelligence, awakening to the richness of sensation and self-trust. In a supportive and judgment-free space, we move beyond shame and cultural conditioning, reclaiming our wholeness. In doing so, we create a more fulfilling, nourishing, and inspiring intimate life rooted in self-trust, inclusivity, relational presence, and mutual respect.
“When we come back home to ourselves and start to trust and live by our inherent genius, we become the unstoppable force of nature we were born to be.”
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🌟 Meet the Team Leading Yes! To Life
READ BIOS FOR RETREAT INSTRUCTORS & SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS
Dr. Saida Desilets • Aaron Michael • Barbara Collier
These three seasoned guides bring together decades of expertise in somatic healing, trauma‑informed empowerment, and embodied presence. They weave together breath, movement, and relational practices designed to help you reconnect with your body’s intelligence and live in alignment with your authentic vitality.
With Dedicated Support from:
Jameelah Creates • Dawne Angel Averitt • Melissa Stager
A compassionate trio ensuring every aspect of your experience is held with warmth, precision, and attunement. Whether it’s in one‑on‑one check‑ins, daily logistics, leading practices, or curating emotional safety, they are committed to your rest, resonance, and lasting integration.
Why This Team is Exceptional
Synergistic skillsets: A deep blend of trauma awareness, somatic practice, boundary & consent work, and relational attunement—ensuring you’re held safely from multiple angles.
Masterful container-creating: Every moment is curated to be nourishing and co-regulatory—no intensity, no catharsis, just deep safety and felt support.
Personal attention: A thoughtful facilitator-to-participant ratio means you’re not just another body in the room—you’re seen, heard, and fully welcomed by team members anchored in presence and responsiveness.
🌿 And… this all happens at Imiloa Institute, a sanctuary designed for your unfolding:
20+ acres of pristine rainforest with private waterfalls, gentle jungle-pathways, and spacious structures praised for their warmth, beauty, and eco-conscious architecture
5-star “conscious comfort” meals—plant-based, locally sourced, artfully served—to support your body & mind
A fully-supported, cashless campus with thoughtful amenities (spa offerings, quiet hours, reliable Wi-Fi in social spaces)
Bottom Line:
For a journey rooted in somatic intelligence, safety, and deep integration, this team + container combo is rare — expert practitioners held within a sanctuary that mirrors your own commitment to wholeness.
Ready to meet these humans IRL? Join us for Yes! to Life December 11–17, 2025, at Imiloa, Costa Rica
Secure your spot now and step into a container built for your awakening.
READ BIOS FOR RETREAT INSTRUCTORS & SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS -
The Yes! To Life Retreat is designed for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to themselves, their sexuality, and their sense of wholeness. This retreat is for individuals of all genders and sexual orientations, whether attending solo or with a partner.
Those seeking personal growth: If you are on a journey of self-discovery and wish to explore the intersection of sexuality, identity, and wholeness, this retreat offers a supportive and safe environment for exploration.
Individuals looking to reclaim sexual sovereignty: For those ready to reconnect with their authentic desires, boundaries, and self-expression, this retreat empowers you to embrace your unique sexual identity with confidence.
Couples seeking deeper connection: Partners who want to strengthen intimacy, communication, and mutual understanding will benefit from guided practices and tools for cultivating a healthier, more harmonious relationship.
Anyone navigating past experiences: If you are processing the impact of trauma, cultural conditioning, or shame around sexuality, this retreat provides a compassionate space for healing and transformation.
People desiring an inclusive community: Whether LGBTQ+, cisgender, or nonbinary, this retreat is an inclusive and affirming space for all individuals to feel seen, heard, and supported.
Why Should You Attend?
To celebrate and honor wholeness: Engage in practices that support self-acceptance and integrate the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of your being.
To explore in a safe space: The retreat is a judgment-free zone where participants can safely explore their relationship with their sexuality and self-expression.
To connect and grow: Experience the power of being part of a community that values inclusivity, authenticity, and mutual respect.
To heal and transform: Gain tools to release limiting beliefs, heal past wounds, and step into a more empowered and joyful relationship with yourself and others.
To cultivate sexual sovereignty: Learn how to honor your boundaries, desires, and choices while fostering a sense of agency over your sexual experiences.
This retreat is a transformative opportunity to reconnect with yourself, honor your journey, and step fully into your authentic self and relational wholeness.Additional Information
Space is limited to approx. 30 participants for an intimate, transformative experience.
Participants must be 18+.
Non-participating guests are not allowed on campus.
This is a substance-free retreat: A substance-free environment is one in which all guests agree to keep their space free from substances. Substances are defined to include alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, cannabis, other smoking materials, and illicit and illegal drugs. (Imiloa has an area for smokers, if needed)
This retreat is not intended to treat active addiction, medical illness, psychosis, or untreated mental illness. If unsure, please consult your doctor or therapist prior. This retreat is not intended to replace your medical or therapeutic care.
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Our online pre-retreat meetup offers valuable benefits by fostering connection, preparation, and ease before the retreat. Meeting the team and fellow participants will help build trust and a sense of community, easing nerves and creating a supportive environment. During our time together, we will provide an opportunity to clarify expectations, address logistical questions, and align on the retreat’s purpose. Additionally, participants can share intentions, setting the stage for a more meaningful and connected retreat experience.
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Our group gathering and check-in after this intensive retreat will provide invaluable support for integrating insights and sustaining healing. It will offer a space for shared understanding, connection, and validation among those who have shared a transformative experience. Gathering will help you navigate challenges, reinforce new practices, and foster a sense of community and belonging. By participating in post-retreat reflection, guidance, and accountability, you can ensure that the retreat’s benefits are carried forward into daily life, promoting continued growth and healing.
*We will provide a referral list of SE Practitioners who work both in-person & online
“A wild, robust life awaits—one that honors your wholeness and the vibrant interconnection that has always been your birthright.”
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Imiloa Institute is a world-class retreat center in Costa Rica’s lush jungles, offering a perfect blend of luxury, nature, and transformation. Perched 2,000 feet above sea level with breathtaking ocean and rainforest views, it provides a serene space for renewal. The 22-acre campus features farm-to-table dining, thoughtfully designed accommodations, an ocean-view saltwater infinity pool, and private access to waterfalls and hiking trails.
Located in the South Pacific region, Imiloa is about 40 minutes from Uvita and an hour from Manuel Antonio. The retreat balances connectivity with fiber-optic internet while maintaining Wi-Fi-free zones for deeper immersion. Spa services, including Ayurvedic, Swedish, and Thai massages, are available at an additional cost. Guests should expect a jungle experience with varied terrain, nature sounds, and occasional wildlife encounters. Imiloa’s commitment to community, inclusion, and personal growth makes it an inspiring destination for transformation.
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Occupancy Options:
Single, double, and triple rooms are available in various accommodation styles
Single rooms are limited
Each lodging option features:
Premium mattresses & 850-thread-count sheets
Storage & daily cleaning service
En-suite bath & fiber optic internet
Indoor/outdoor design blending nature & privacy
Thrice-filtered private well water
See lodging options w/ imagery below.
ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING IN USD
Need help choosing lodging? Contact us!
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Imiloa offers a gourmet plant-based dining experience that blends artistry, nutrition, and sustainability. Thoughtfully prepared by a 5-star chef, each meal is crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, providing a nourishing and flavorful journey for all guests.
Dining Highlights:
Daily Gourmet Meals – Enjoy organic, plant-based dishes served family-style in an open-air setting, with a four-course dinner each evening.
All-Day Refreshments – Fresh organic tea from the garden, locally sourced coffee, energizing snacks, and seasonal fruit are readily available.
Pure, Safe Water – Imiloa’s water is UV triple-filtered from its mountain well, ensuring clean, safe drinking water from every tap.
Allergies & Dietary Preferences
Guests can specify dietary needs during registration, and a special wristband will be provided to accommodate meal modifications. While 80% of visitors consume animal products before their stay, 100% rate Imiloa’s plant-based cuisine between 4.9 and 5.0 stars—a testament to its exceptional quality and taste. -
Your luxury retreat experience begins in San José (SJO), where you’ll board a private 15-20 minute charter flight to Quepos. From there, Imiloa’s welcoming team will meet you with SUVs, handle your baggage, and drive you 30 minutes up the mountain to the retreat center.
Key Travel Details:
Airport: We recommend San José Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO).
Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
Arrival December 11th
Plan to land in San José no later than 7:30 AM on arrival day.
Domestic Transfer: The domestic terminal is a 5-10 minute walk from the international terminal.
Charter Flight: Arrive at the San José Domestic Airport by 8:45 AM
(the charter flight is included in the retreat cost - ground transportation is available for an additional fee.)
Departure December 17th
We leave Imiloa at 9:00 AM, arriving at San José International Airport by 11:30 AM.
Book flights with at least three hours for check-in before your international departure.
*Registered participants will receive detailed transportation guidance and a packing list.
“The retreat was life-changing. The skill and professionalism of the team were an inspiration and far exceeded my expectations. I entered with the goal of taking my personal development further and beginning a new path. I left with the clarity I was seeking, a clear plan, renewed enthusiasm, more tools to help me succeed, and precious new friends.”
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+ Daily lessons, practices, and integration sessions w/ Q&A
+ In-depth group work w/ experienced practitioners
+ Healing movement, resource integration, and meditation
+ Opportunities to reconnect with nature and yourself through mindful exploration
+ In-depth informational materials
+ Online pre-retreat gathering
+ Online post-retreat integration support gatheringsVenue
+ Access to the Imiloa Institute pool, lounge areas, waterfall, wildlife, and serene hikes
+ 6 nights of on-site lodging
+ Gourmet plant-based meals to nourish your body
+ Open-air dining and program space
+ A closed/private campus just for our group
+ Dry campus (no substance use)
+ Short hopper plane ride via San Jose, Costa Rica Airport to the Imiloa Institute campus
+ Detailed travel guidance*Space is limited to approx. 30 participants to ensure a deeply personal and transformative experience.
Pricing is listed below in USD.
Not Included
Costs associated with passports (required for Costa Rica), airfare, flight changes, airline baggage fees for any and all baggage, additional lodging, medical and travel insurance, vaccinations, gratuities for staff, spa services, and tours/excursions must be met by the participant. -
Participants must be 18+.
Non-participating guests are not allowed on campus.Registration Intake Form
You can fill out the intake form now during registration, or later.
Note: During registration, the intake form may time out, so we suggest saving your responses in a separate document as you go to avoid losing any information.
Need more time for your intake form? No problem—just type “later” in the required fields and complete your deposit. We’ll email you the form so you can finish it at your convenience.
Deposit & Payments
A $1,000 deposit is due at registration
The balance invoice will be sent to your email within two weeks.
There is a large variety of ways to pay, including Wire, Wise, Klarna, ACH, Card, etc.
Payments can be split up, with the final payment due one month prior (by November 11th). If interested in payments, please email us with your preferred payment dates after you have paid your deposit.
Partial Financial Support
Healing Informed Somatic Education may be able to offer partial financial support. If you're interested, please email us with your request and a bit about your qualifications or circumstances.
At this time, we’re not able to offer full support. Donations are welcome, though uncommon — currently, the support we offer comes from projected program income.
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RETREAT SUMMER PROMOTION EXPIRES August 31st at 11:59pm PDT
$300 support from Ergos Institute
Discount applied to the balance invoice.
Ready to Begin Your Transformative 6-Night Journey?
Reserve your spot now - Space is limited.
RETREAT SUMMER PROMOTION $300 off EXPIRES August 31st (discount applied to balance invoice)
“I have attended three in-person programs hosted by this team, and each time, they felt seamless in execution and plentiful in support. They are more than facilitators; they truly understand and embody their offerings.”
Retreat Director
Melissa Stager
Text/WhatsApp 760-815-7588
Calls and Zoom by appointment
Email Retreat Support
For retreat-related support, please reach out to the HISE team directly. Kindly refrain from contacting the Instructors or Support Team, as they are focused on preparing for the retreat experience. HISE is happy to assist you!
The below video is about a different retreat offering, but it offers a peak into the energy of Imiloa.