Embodied Shadow Retreat (Year One): Essential Principles of Transformation

Special Payment Plan Offer Ends September 18, 2026!

Choose from a variety of tuition plans and save up to $610 CAD!

Explore the foundations of awareness, embodiment, and transformation!

Retreat

  • Instructor: Carlos de León 
  • Residential Retreat of 6 Days and 5 Nights
  • Dates: Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
  • The program language is English. Spanish interpretation will be provided upon request for groups of 8 or more.

About the Retreat

Step into a sacred container of intensive inner work designed to support the unfolding of consciousness, compassion, and clarity. The Embodied Shadow Retreat (Year One) offers a profound six-day residential immersion to deepen your connection to Qigong (Energy), Meditation (Awareness), and Body-Mind Therapy (Clarity).

This retreat introduces a practical, embodied approach to shadow work: exploring the parts of ourselves we tend to avoid, suppress, or remain unaware of. Rather than engaging the mind alone, we work through direct experience, integrating three complementary pathways:

  • Qigong — Cultivating Energy & Awareness: We begin by developing sensitivity to internal energy (Qi) and learning foundational practices to regulate the nervous system. These exercises establish grounding, presence, and inner stability before deeper work unfolds. Qigong builds vital energy, supporting both health, the therapeutic process and spiritual practice.
  • Meditation — Observing Without Reactivity: Through guided meditation practices, participants learn to witness thoughts, emotions, and impulses without immediate identification. This creates the inner space needed to meet shadow material with clarity rather than avoidance or overwhelm. Meditation is essential on the path of liberation.
  • Body-Mind Therapy — Accessing the Unconscious through the Body: Somatic practices reveal how unresolved experiences and emotional patterns are stored in breath, body characterology, posture, and tension. Participants are guided with compassion to contact, express, and begin integrating these embodied patterns.

Ontogonic Body-Mind therapy is a powerful tool for recognizing and integrating the shadow. Guided by Carlos de León, this foundational retreat establishes the first stage of the Ontogonic path of development. It is open to students ready to embrace self-inquiry, inner work, and the commitment to personal and collective awakening.
 

Retreat Highlights

  • Introduction to Embodied Shadow Work (framework & ethics) 
  • Fundamentals of Qigong (posture, breath, energy awareness) 
  • Nervous system regulation (grounding & window of tolerance) 
  • Interoception and body awareness development 
  • Foundations of meditation (attention, breath, body scanning) 
  • Introduction to somatic mapping (tension, posture, breath patterns) 
  • Safety, consent, and self-regulation skills 

Participants will develop the ability to regulate themselves, track internal states, and maintain presence during mild activation.

Year One: Essential Principles of Transformation

Theme: Foundations of Embodiment & Regulation
Focused on cultivating stability, awareness, and foundational skills, this first year establishes the essential groundwork for a complete developmental path. Participants develop the core capacities of embodied presence, self-regulation, and clear awareness, creating a stable foundation for engaging deeper psychological material in the years ahead.

Outcomes Include:

  • A grounded understanding of embodied shadow work; 
  • Nervous system regulation tools for emotional intensity;  
  • Increased energy flow and vitality;  
  • Greater awareness of unconscious body-mind patterns;  
  • Practical methods for integrating disowned aspects of the self;  
  • A deeper sense of presence, coherence, and inner alignment. 

Whether you are at the beginning of your journey or seeking a sacred space to renew and refine your personal practice, this intensive retreat is designed to nourish your evolution.

Participants can regulate themselves, track bodily states, and maintain presence under mild activation.

Date, Time & Location

Program Format: Residential Retreat of 6 Days and 5 Nights

Program Dates:  January 31 through February 5, 2027

  • Jan 31, 2027: Retreat Registration opens at 2:00 p.m. for room check-in and a light lunch. The program session starts at 4:30 p.m. 
  • Feb 5, 2027: The closing session ends at approximately 1:00 p.m., followed by a light lunch before your return. 

Session Times: (Estimates only, due to the nature of Carlos de Leon's teaching style)

  • Jan 31, 2027: 4:30 to 10:00 pm 
  • Feb 1 to 4, 2027: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm  
  • Feb 5, 2027: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm  

Host Location:  Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada
Nestled on the shores of a pristine lake within the University of British Columbia's Malcolm Knapp Research Forest, Loon Lake is a secluded oasis of tranquillity, located just 1.5 hours from downtown Vancouver. Surrounded by forest trails and wildlife, it offers the perfect environment for deep reflection, healing, and spiritual immersion.

Tel: (604) 463-8149; Toll-Free: (866) 463-8165
Address: 14500 Silver Valley Road, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada, V4R 2R3
Website: http://www.loonlake.ubc.ca 

Language: The program will be offered in English. Spanish interpretation is available upon request for groups of eight or more participants. The fee for this service will be determined according to the number of students who register for interpretation.

Program Access & Material: To support the ongoing integration of the teachings, audio recordings and PDF resources will be available for personal download for one year following the retreat. Students participating in the certification pathway will have continued access to all completed years of study while actively enrolled in the full four-year program. Program materials will be removed from the website once access periods have concluded.

Prerequisites for Attendance

This workshop is designed for individuals interested in personal growth, therapists and coaches, and anyone curious about combining somatic practices with deeper psychological work. No prior experience with Chi Kung or meditation is required. 

The process is experiential, structured, and paced to respect individual boundaries. The focus is on awareness, regulation, and integration, allowing meaningful change to emerge organically. This program is enriched with some traditional Chi Kung and Dzogchen Meditation techniques, as well as techniques from the Ontogonic Psychotherapy School.

Who is this retreat for?

This retreat is designed for individuals committed to personal growth and inner development, including therapists, coaches, healing practitioners, and anyone interested in integrating somatic practices with psychological and spiritual work. 

No prior experience in Qigong or meditation is required. The process is experiential, carefully structured, and paced to honor individual boundaries, with an emphasis on awareness, self-regulation, embodiment, and integration.  

The program draws upon the wisdom of traditional Qigong, Dzogchen meditation, and the transpersonal methodology of Ontogonic Body-Mind Psychotherapy, offering a holistic approach to personal transformation and the cultivation of greater presence, resilience, and self-understanding.

Retreat Sequential Series

Year Two: Shadow Identification & Somatic Patterning Focus: Recognizing unconscious patterns and defences. Participants learn to identify shadow dynamics, emotional patterns, relational triggers, and somatic defences while maintaining witness awareness. 

Year Three: Processing & Integration Focus: Deep emotional processing and transformation. Participants work with emotional expression, trauma imprints (introductory scope), shame integration, and advanced somatic practices for emotional release and integration. 

Year Four: Application, Relational Work & Facilitation Focus: Embodiment in life and relationships. Participants integrate shadow work into daily life, relationships, and purpose, with foundational skills in holding space and relational awareness.

IMPORTANT: Before registering for your choice of lodging, please email us at info@ontogony.com to confirm availability. Spaces are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Retreat Pricing

KOERNER LODGE

Lodging Details
Enjoy comfortable shared accommodations featuring single beds and a private ensuite bathroom. All meals and WiFi access are included throughout your stay. The dining area and teaching room are conveniently located in the same building, creating an accessible, fully immersive retreat experience. Nestled in a peaceful lakeside setting, the retreat offers an ideal environment for rest, reflection, and renewal.

Enjoy 5 monthly installments at the same rate as the Special Offer Full Payment Option!

  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Five Instalments): $2,495.59 CAD. The first payment of $499.118 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus four equal payments on the same day of the following months.
  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Five Instalments): $2,330.21 CAD. The first payment of $466.04 CAD is due at the time of registration, plus four equal payments on the same day of the following months.
  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Five Instalments): $2,221.54 CAD. The first payment of $444.31 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus four equal payments on the same day of the following months. 

Single Room

  • Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,495.59 CAD, due at the time of registration. 
  • Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,620.37 CAD. The first payment of $1,310.185 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.  
  • Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,620.37 CAD. The first payment of $873.46 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the same day of the following months.  

Double Room

  • Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,330.21 CAD, due at the time of registration.
  • Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,446.72 CAD. The first payment of $1,223.36 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.  
  • Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,446.72 CAD. The first payment of $815.57 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the same day of the following months.

Quad Room

  • Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Payment in Full): $2,221.54 CAD, due at the time of registration. 
  • Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,332.61 CAD. The first payment of $1,166.31 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.
  • Special Offer: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,332.61 CAD. The first payment of $777.54 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the same day of the following months.   

Single Room

  • Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,772.88 CAD, due at the time of registration.  
  • Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,911.52 CAD. The first payment of $1,455.76 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.

Double Room

  • Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,589.13 CAD, due at the time of registration.
  • Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,718.58 CAD. The first payment of $1,359.29 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.

Quad Room

  • Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Payment in Full): $2,468.38 CAD, due at the time of registration. 
  • Early Bird: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,591.79 CAD. The first payment of $1,295.895 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.

Single Room

  • Regular Tuition: Koerner Lodge Single Room (Payment in Full): $3,050.16 CAD, due at the time of registration. 

Double Room

  • Regular Tuition: Koerner Lodge Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,848.04 CAD, due at the time of registration. 

Quad Room

  • Regular Tuition: Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Payment in Full): $2,715.21 CAD, due at the time of registration. 

JOHNSON YEW

Lodging Details
Enjoy comfortable shared accommodations with two single beds in each room. Shared bathrooms include private showers, toilets, and sinks, offering comfort and convenience. Cozy lounges, fireplaces, and welcoming community spaces support practice, reflection, and relaxation. All meals are included, with WiFi available throughout your stay. The accommodations are a 2–4-minute walk from the main building, providing easy access to teaching, dining, and retreat activities in a peaceful natural setting.

Enjoy 10 monthly installments at the same rate as the Special Offer Full Payment Option!

  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan: Johnson Yew Single Room (Five Instalments): $2,330.21 CAD. The first payment of $466.04 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus four equal payments on the same day of the following months.
  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan: Johnson Yew Double Room (Five Instalments): $2,221.54 CAD. The first payment of $444.31 CAD is due at the time of registration, plus four equal payments on the same day of the following months.

Single Room

  • Special Offer: Johnson Yew Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,330.21 CAD, due at the time of registration. 
  • Special Offer: Johnson Yew Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,446.72 CAD. The first payment of $1,223.36 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.  
  • Special Offer: Johnson Yew Single Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,446.72 CAD. The first payment of $815.57 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the same day of the following months.  

Double Room

  • Special Offer: Johnson Yew Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,221.54 CAD, due at the time of registration.
  • Special Offer: Johnson Yew Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,332.61 CAD. The first payment of $1,166.31 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.
  • Special Offer: Johnson Yew Double Room (Three Instalment Payment Plan): $2,332.61 CAD. The first payment of $777.54 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus two equal payments on the same day of the following months.

Single Room

  • Early Bird: Johnson Yew Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,589.13 CAD, due at the time of registration.  
  • Early Bird: Johnson Yew Single Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,718.58 CAD. The first payment of $1,359.29 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.

Double Room

  • Early Bird: Johnson Yew Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,468.38 CAD, due at the time of registration.
  • Early Bird: Johnson Yew Double Room (Two Instalment Payment Plan): $2,591.79 CAD. The first payment of $1,295.90 CAD is due at the time of registration; plus one equal payment on the same day of the following month.

Single Room

  • Regular Tuition: Johnson Yew Single Room (Payment in Full): $2,848.04 CAD, due at the time of registration. 

Double Room

  • Regular Tuition: Johnson Yew Double Room (Payment in Full): $2,715.21 CAD, due at the time of registration. 

Retreat Cancellation Policy

For full details on the retreat-specific cancellation policy, click here. To view our General Ontogony Cancellation Policy, click here.

Questions or Need Support?

We would be delighted to connect with you. Whether you are preparing for the retreat, exploring whether this path is right for you, or simply have questions about the experience, our team is here to support you.

Please contact the Ontogony Team at info@ontogony.com to arrange a Zoom meet-and-greet with a team member and learn more about the upcoming retreat.  We look forward to meeting you and supporting your next step into a journey of greater awareness, embodiment, and transformation.  

We warmly welcome you to begin, or continue, your journey into the Shadow.

Retreat Registration

Koerner Lodge Single Room (Payment in Full)

$2376.75 CAD

  • Special Offer!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

Koerner Lodge Single Room (Five Instalments)

5 payments of

$475.35 CAD

per month

  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

Koerner Lodge Double Room (Payment in Full)

$2219.25 CAD

  • Special Offer!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

Koerner Lodge Double Room (Five Instalments)

5 payments of

$443.85 CAD

per month

  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Payment in Full)

$2115.75 CAD

  • Special Offer!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

Koerner Lodge Quad Room (Five Instalments)

5 payments of

$423.15 CAD

per month

  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

Johnson Lodge Single Room (Payment in Full)

$2219.25 CAD

  • Special Offer!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

Johnson Lodge Single Room (Five Instalments)

5 payments of

$443.85 CAD

per month

  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

Johnson Lodge Double Room (Payment in Full)

$2115.75 CAD

  • Special Offer!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

Johnson Lodge Double Room (Five Instalments)

5 payments of

$423.15 CAD

per month

  • Special Offer Launch Payment Plan!

    • Includes tuition, accommodation for 6 days/5 nights, and meals
    • Jan 31 to Feb 5, 2027
    • Location: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, Maple Ridge, BC
    • Prices exclude taxes. Calculated at checkout.
Register Now!

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