Soul Refuge Retreat

@ Laughing Orchard retreat center, Furnas, São Miguel island, Azores, Portugal.

July 20-27, 2025

Open to all non-heteronormative (GBTQ+) men

 

A 6-day, 7-night, soul-nourishing time of presence-based, depth connection to naturally embodied joy facilitated by Ram Charan and Dominic Vine.

 

In these times of social and political upheaval when it seems we can feel the ground shifting under our feet, the stabilizing, reassuring value we find through cultivating safe, like-minded community is more needed than ever. As non-heteronormative men (GBTQ+) we embody the very principles and energies of flow, spectrum, and freedom that act as a crucial counterbalance to the black-and-white, binary view increasingly imposed on the collective. We feel that at this time it is crucial to come together to reaffirm our power, our value, and our joy, and recharge ourselves in the refuge of ourselves, our relationships, and community.

We’ll explore topics related to:

- Embodiment

- Connection to self, other, and Divine

- Limits and limitlessness

- Showing up in service

- Discernment of reality from unreality

- Living with intention rather than as a victim of circumstances

- The safety of unconditional inner peace

- Transcending the known

- Creating space for emergent discovery

 

We’ll stay in the magical, peaceful sanctuary of the Laughing Orchard Retreat Center (www.laughingorchard.org). The center is nestled in a valley near a town built in a volcanic caldera on the beautiful island of São Miguel in the Azores, an area full of rejuvenating hot springs and endless walks in the sylvan nature. We will visit waterfalls and volcanic lakes in the season of endless flowers. And for those wishing to take a break from the summer heat, the weather here is typically 60°-75°F (16°-24°C), like spring all the time.

  • The program will consist of 5-6 hours daily of:

    • Somatic Movement and Yoga

    • Pranayama

    • Qi Gong/ Chi Kung

    • Reflective & Relational Exercises

    • sitting meditation

    • inquiry circles

    • Chanting

    • Massage and Energy Work Instruction with partner and group practice

 

The rest of the time we’ll enjoy the local hot springs and hikes, take an opportunity for deep rest, and nourish our bodies with delicious food and fruit picked fresh from the orchard.

 

This retreat is appropriate for men who a) do not identify strictly as heternormative and are open to experiencing emotional and physical, non-sexual intimacy with other men; b) have an interest in exploring themselves beyond the confines of consensus reality; c) have some experience in sustained meditation or spiritual practice they have cultivated over a course of time; d) have a basic level of psychological wellness and psychospiritual maturity necessary for deep and sustained introspection.

We welcome you to explore refuge in community in this place of safety and nourishment.

~

Retreat costs:

Double occupancy: €1950 for the week, including meals, teaching, and excursions.

Facilities include shared bathrooms and shared kitchens.

Most rooms are accessible; let us know of your needs.

For those who wish to arrive before or stay after the event, a room at the retreat center (food not included) is €100 per night

Early Bird price before June 1st is €1800.

To register or for more information, please contact Ram Charan at rcharanji@gmail.com, &/or Dominic Vine at dominicvine@gmail.com. Payment can be made through venmo, zelle, or eventbrite (extra charge). Dollar price will be calculated on current exchange rate at time of payment.

In case of cancellations, registrees will receive a full refund minus $50 for cancellation 45+ days before retreat start date; 25% refund for cancellation 30-45 days before retreat start date; 50% refund for cancellation15-29 days before retreat start date. Cancellations made within 15 days of the retreat start date will not qualify for a refund. If the retreat is canceled by the providers, you will be entitled to a full refund or the option to transfer your payment to a future retreat or other services. For cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances like natural disasters, pandemics, or travel bans, you will be entitled to a full refund or application of your funds towards a future retreat or other services.

 ~

About the Facilitators:

Ram Charan has been exploring the life of the spirit for most of his life. He has spent the greater part of 35 years in India, where he gained a deep appreciation and understanding of spiritual practice and intuitive wisdom which informs his practice of transformational coaching, craniosacral biodynamics, and integrative bodywork. His teaching style reflects the breadth and depth of his experience and training, grounded in a recognition of the inherent worth and freedom of every being. He has taught and worked extensively internationally and is currently living between Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and the rest of the world. Please see www.healherenow.com for more information on him and his work.

Dominic Vine has been studying and teaching various forms of healing for more than 30 years. Exploring discipline and freedom, he has traveled the world to study many traditions. His primary form of healing has been bodywork, combining all of his passions. His main practices include Taoist qigong, yoga, insight meditation and herbalism. He has spent many months on this island and is excited to share it with this sangha.