Closing a Season, Opening Our Hearts: A Kumankaya Reflection.

There’s something bittersweet about the end of each season at Kumankaya. A moment where gratitude and goodbye arrive hand in hand. Where we pause, reflect, and take in everything that’s unfolded over the past months...

To everyone who came to sit with us, heal with us, and learn with us–thank you. Truly. You made this season what it was.

We began this journey with three intentional retreats: a one-month Shihuahuaco retreat, a two-week Marosa retreat, and a two-week Soul Recovery. These weren’t just programs; they were a vision brought to life. A dream that had been quietly growing finally took shape, offering a more specialized and immersive healing process. And for those who committed to the full two-month journey… what we witnessed was nothing short of extraordinary. The kind of transformation that reminds us exactly why we do this work.

This season also gifted us something incredibly special: a team that carried the heart of Kumankaya in every moment.

From Maria Boborodea’s generosity in training the new facilitators, to Joshua’s grounding presence in those first months, to Matthias stepping in with wisdom, experience and steadiness. For the third year in a row, we want to thank Quentin for giving Kumankaya his time and art. You have made Kumanakaya such a beautiful, special and sustainable center with the creation of the permaculture garden as well. And then there’s Eric, who was with us from beginning to end, unwavering in his positivity, devotion, and care. The kind of energy you can’t teach—only embody. To all of you: this season stands on your shoulders. We see you, and we are endlessly grateful.

We were also joined by two dear friends whose presence added depth, beauty, and soul to everything we created.

Martina Drassl, with her years of experience and her open, compassionate heart, brought a quiet but powerful medicine, one that you feel just by being around her. If you know Martina, you already understand the grace she embodies.

And Ben Sullivan…  where do we even begin? His music, his guidance, and his presence all wove something truly magical into our ceremonies and evenings. The kind of beauty that lingers long after the final note fades.

Moments like these remind us how important it is to walk this path together. To share it with people who not only understand the work, but live the medicine. This season also marked a turning point for Kumankaya in a very tangible way...

Through the partnership of Keith and Jeannie Harris and the Harris Family Foundation, we were able to expand, improve, and elevate nearly every aspect of what we offer—from safety and comfort to the depth of care we can provide.

That kind of support creates ripple effects far beyond what we can see, touching every single guest who walks through our doors.

And to those guests—each and every one of you—you are at the center of it all.

Our greatest hope is simple: that you found something meaningful here. That you left feeling even a little more connected, a little more whole, a little more you. You trusted us with your journeys, and that is not something we take lightly. If anything, you’ve given just as much to us as we could ever offer in return.

Looking back, this season was also one of growth and expansion in so many ways.

We began planting the roots—literally—of a permaculture garden that will one day nourish both body and spirit. We started building 2 additional diet tambos to support those called to deeper, longer-term work. And we continued our connection to Peru, organizing more journeys to a place that holds so much meaning for us and so many others.

One of the most exciting additions this season was the creation of our Integrated Living Workshops. These gatherings opened the door for ongoing support, learning, and integration—because healing doesn’t end when a retreat does. It continues, quietly and persistently, in everyday life. Watching our community engage with these spaces has been incredibly inspiring, and it’s something we’re deeply committed to growing.

We also took a meaningful step toward the future by creating EcoSophia, a nonprofit initiative that reflects our commitment to sustainability, community, and giving back. It’s currently in the process of becoming a tax-exempt entity. So we’re holding our breath and crossing our fingers.

And while this season is coming to a close, what’s ahead already feels full of life.

We’re preparing for new retreats, new collaborations, and new opportunities to gather. There’s talk of an all-women’s retreat, more journeys to Peru, and the return of familiar faces who have become part of the Kumankaya family. It’s all unfolding, slowly and beautifully.

For now, we close this chapter with full hearts. Please look at our website for updates, as we are almost full for the upcoming season.

Thank you for being part of this season—for your trust, your openness, your courage, and your presence. Kumankaya is what it is because of you.

We can’t wait to welcome you back.