Chrysalis
A 4-day immersion into relational being and becoming - deepening connection with self, others, the group field, the land, and the life emerging through us.
July 24-27, 2026, Salt Spring, BC
Inspired by the chrysalis, the caterpillar first dissolves into what scientists call imaginal soup, a phase where structures break down before a new coherence can emerge.
During that process, tiny imaginal cells begin connecting into the blueprint of a new form, creating the vision of the butterfly.
There are periods in life when old identities, roles, relationships, or ways of holding ourselves no longer fully fit, often through transition, burnout, loss, creative reorientation, inner awakening, or the growing feeling that the life we have been living no longer fully matches who we are becoming.
In those moments, transformation requires the right conditions: safety, spaciousness, embodied practice, nervous system support, meaningful connection, and enough trust to let something soften, reorganize, and take shape. (Temporary goo phase may occur.)
Chrysalis is designed as a relational container for this process: a carefully held space where transformation unfolds not only through intentional practices, but through the shared presence and connections that emerge together.
Through witnessing, play, ritual, nature, rest, and honest connection, we become part of one another’s process of renewal. Like imaginal cells inside a chrysalis, each person carries part of what is needed for something new to emerge.
The 4-day Arc
Day 1 — Entering the Cocoon
Slowing down, making contact, and collectively opening up space into the unknown.
Day 2 — Softening What No Longer Fits
Getting curious about what’s actually here; the edges, the familiar weirdness, the things we’ve been circling. Building trust in the cocoon.
Day 3 — Imaginal Repatterning
Deepening the work and play. Staying close to what’s emerging, in ourselves and between us, before rushing to name it or wrap it up.
Day 4 — Emerging With What Is Taking Shape
Committing to what’s taking shape. Fresh wings and soft hearts carry something forward that wasn’t here before entering the chrysalis.
What actually happens
The retreat unfolds through a rhythm of grounding, connection, expression, witnessing, rest, and integration. Like a chrysalis, the space is designed to slow things down enough for something deeper to soften, reorganize, and begin to emerge.
Spaciousness, silence, and unstructured time are woven into the experience, giving transformation room to breathe. Together, we make space for what has been unspoken, unfinished, or waiting for attention, allowing new clarity, connection, and possibility to take shape through the body, shared presence, nature, and community.
Grounding & Safety
Nervous system settling & co-regulation
Care, curiosity, and courageous presence
Welcoming all of our parts
Shared responsibility for the container
Space for rest, reflection, and integration
Relational Depth
Authentic Relating & conscious communication
Witnessing and shared exploration
Deep listening beyond words
Relational attunement and mutual presence
Opening to meaningful human connection
Embodied Transformation
Transformational play and improvisation
Guided breathwork and grounding practices
Movement, dance and embodied expression
ZEGG Forum
Rituals and symbolic experience
Retreat Flow
Arrival Day
4:00 - 6:00 pm Arrival & Check in
6:00 - 8:00 pm Shared Dinner
8:00 - 9:30 pm Opening Circle
Day 2 and 3 Rhythm
8:00 - 9:00 am Morning Practice
9:00 - 11:00 am Morning Session
11:00 - 1:00 pm Brunch & Free Time
1:00 - 3:00 pm Afternoon Session
3:00 - 5:30 pm Free Time
5:30 - 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 - 9:00 pm Evening Session
Closing Day
8:00 - 9:00 am Morning Practice
9:00 - 10:00 am Final Session
10:00 - 11:30 am Closing Circle
11:30 - 1:00 pm Lunch & Departure
While the flow and timing may evolve in response to the group and the unfolding process, the retreat is designed with a balance of guided practice, spaciousness, and integration. Participants are also welcome to bring and prepare their own light breakfast before the morning practice, if desired.
This retreat may be for you if you:
-engage in personal, relational, somatic, creative, healing, or transformational work - personally or professionally
-are moving through a period of transition, reorientation, softening, or emergence
-value embodiment, emotional honesty, meaningful connection, and relational depth
-are open to being witnessed with care, and to offering grounded presence for others
-long for a space that supports both inner exploration and genuine human connection
-appreciates retreats that include participation, reflection, spaciousness, and time in nature
This retreat may not be the best fit if you are:
-looking primarily for a vacation or passive retreat experience
-very new to personal or relational work and seeking highly structured support
-unwilling to engage relationally with others or participate in shared practices and witnessing
What Takes Shape
As the retreat comes to a close, you may begin to sense more clearly what is dissolving, what is taking shape, and what feels true.
A more embodied relationship with the life forming in you. Perhaps softer. More honest. More connected. More alive to what wants to unfold next.
Your Guides
Solomon Krueger
Solomon has spent two decades designing
and facilitating spaces for transformation.
Alongside consulting work in leadership and culture transformation, he has spent years co-creating immersive relational spaces and communities including Authentic Montreal, Flowland, and Authentic Relating Go
(www.ar-go.live).
His work is deeply informed by authentic relating, embodiment practices, experiential learning, collective intelligence, ritual design, and the understanding that lasting change happens through relationship.
Naomi Jason
A visionary, community leader and mentor, Naomi is the co-founder of Dance Temple on Salt Spring Island, the Dance Temple regional gathering, Dance Weavers Trainings and the Imaginelle Mystery School for Embodied Transformation.
A dance facilitator, dj, dance artist, Qigong teacher & therapist, council facilitator, farmer and land steward, Naomi is dedicated to empowering community and community leaders through the creative process, embodied rites of passage and land stewardship. www.naomijason.com
The invitation
This first edition will be intimate, collaborative, and shaped by both intentional design and collective emergence. Picture a small group with big chrysalis energy!
The full commitment includes:
- Full participation in the journey (Friday, July 24, 5pm – Monday, July 27, 1pm)
- A willingness to contribute to the shared life of the retreat
- A financial contribution toward shared retreat costs (approx $400 CAD covering accommodations, amenities, and meals), along with an optional dāna contribution in support of the facilitation and overall experience. Some flexibility may be available for participants contributing through support roles such as meal preparation.
If this resonates, please complete the application form. We’ll connect individually beforehand to get to know one another better and help shape the container together.
Looking forward to entering the chrysalis with you.