Synergy – The Retreat Show 2023: An Unforgettable Lineup of Visionaries
In a world where inspiration and transformation often emerge from unexpected places, the lineup for Synergy – The Retreat Show 2023 stands as a testament to the power of sharing our experiences, insights and deeply held values with one another.
This year's event proudly welcomes an ensemble of extraordinary speakers who have not only achieved remarkable success in their respective fields but have also harnessed their influence to shape lives and communities within the wellness and travel industry and beyond.
These include Charlotte Church, who will be delivering a sound journey experience, Colleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee, who will be leading a class and a workshop and share a talk, and Don Miguel Ruiz Jr., who will be leading a fascinating talk.
Here, we share their fascinating stories and wealth of experience to date.
DON MIGUEL RUIZ JR
When he was only 14 years old, don Miguel Ruiz Jr. apprenticed to his father don Miguel Sr. and his grandmother, Madre Sarita, to learn how to they manifested their intent to heal people, both physically and spiritually.
When he reached his mid-20’s, after 10 years of apprenticeship, his Father intensified his training. This training culminated one day when don Miguel Ruiz Sr. sent his eldest son out in the world, saying, “Find your way out. Go home and master Death by becoming alive.”
Since 2006, don Miguel Jr. has applied the lessons learned from his father and grandmother to define and enjoy his own personal freedom while achieving peace with all of creation; and as a Nagual, he has been passing along the wisdom and the tools of his family’s traditions.
Along with his family, don Miguel Jr. leads workshops, retreats and power journeys to help others to achieve their own personal freedom and optimal physical and spiritual health. He is also the author of the books: The Five Levels of Attachment, Living a Life of Awareness, The Mastery of Self, Don Miguel Ruiz’s Little Book of Wisdom, and has co-authored, The Seven Secretes to Healthy, Happy Relationships, with HeatherAsh Amara. His newest book, The Mastery of Life was released in October 2021.
RODNEY YEE AND COLLEEN SAIDMAN YEE
Rodney Yee, an American-born Asian from California, embarked on his yoga journey in the 1980s with a focus on studying the intricacies of the human body.
Over time, his exploration expanded to encompass the realms of mind and spirituality, driven by a practical and inquisitive approach. Rodney's pursuit of wholeness began during his high school gymnastics days and was further nurtured through the study of philosophy and physical therapy at U.C. Davis and U.C. Berkeley. He left college to pursue a career in dance, performing with the Oakland Ballet Company and the Matsuyama Dance Company of Tokyo.
Yoga served as the synthesis of Rodney's diverse interests, embodying his deep yearning for completeness. He built a strong foundation in Iyengar Yoga at The Yoga Room in Berkeley, CA, and the Iyengar Institute of San Francisco, where he learned from influential teachers like Donald Moyer, Manouso Manos, and Ramanand Patel.
In 1987, Rodney co-founded The Piedmont Yoga studio with Richard Rosen and Claire Finn. His prominence grew as was featured in the Yoga Journal calendar in 1989 and 1991, leading to a successful video career under Healing Arts, eventually becoming part of the Gaiam Company. His appearance on Oprah in 2000 further propelled yoga into mainstream culture. Rodney and Colleen partnered with Donna Karan to establish UZIT LLC, which combined Yoga, Reiki, Essential Oils, and Meditation to benefit all.
In 2003, Rodney relocated to Sag Harbor, NY, to be with his partner Colleen Saidman. Together, they have created a blended family with their children, Evan, Adesha, Rachel, and Johanna.
Colleen and Rodney's love for one another and passion for teaching has only intensified with time. They are actively involved in teaching at Colleen's studio, Yoga Shanti, and offer classes, workshops, retreats, and Teacher Trainings worldwide.
Colleen Saidman Yee is an internationally respected yoga teacher, who has been teaching since 1998 and practicing since 1984. Her formal studies began at The Jivamukti Yoga School, where she completed the year-long teacher training program. She received the title: "The First Lady of Yoga" by the New York Times and has reached celebrity status in the yoga world.
She opened Yoga Shanti Sag Harbor in 1999, where she's taught and trained thousands of students and teachers over the years. Colleen is considered a teacher's teacher. Together with Donna Karan and Rodney Yee, Colleen created and runs UZIT, formerly known as Urban Zen Integrative Therapy, a program that focuses on self-care and caring for others and has received many prestigious awards. Her integrative health-care calling was intensified when she spent time in Calcutta working at Mother Theresa's homes for the dying destitute.
Prior to becoming a yoga teacher, Colleen was a top fashion model for over 20 years, working around the globe and represented by Elite and Ford Models. Colleen has been featured in hundreds of yoga videos on many different platforms and is a strong voice for women. She has graced the cover of Yoga Journal 4 times and has a 12-week online course called Yoga for Inner Peace.
Articles about Colleen have appeared in The New York Times, New York magazine, Vanity Fair, and O, The Oprah Magazine, among many others. In 2015, she released her first book, Yoga for Life, and her podcast by the same name launched in the summer of 2020.
Colleen and Rodney live in Sag Harbor, NY, and their four children continue to be their most humbling teachers.
CHARLOTTE CHURCH
Artist and activist Charlotte Church rose to fame as a child when she became known globally for her powerful voice. In a career spanning over 25 years, Charlotte has sold over 10 million records and performed for presidents, popes and people all over the world.
Charlotte’s passion and drive for change, along with her global platform has led her to following two passions in particular; Education and Nature connection. In 2019 Charlotte set up The Awen Project, a nature based pioneering model for education that is creative, democratic free to attend, and is a space where children can learn in a way that is relevant to them and their futures.
And in 2022, Charlotte set up The Dreaming; her inspiring new wellness retreat nestled in the heart of Wales. It is a place to rest, restore, be playful & be in nature. Through exceptional offerings, breathtaking surroundings, sacred ceremony and deep interconnectedness, Charlotte has created a space to rest, dream and play so that people can rediscover the deep relationship with themselves and the world we live in.
Stay tuned for further announcements as we unveil the complete lineup of speakers who will undoubtedly make this year's event an unforgettable and enriching experience for all.
