UMI: Coming Back to Life
Bonaire, May 10-17, 2025
“There is no human flourishing without Mother Earth flourishing. ”
Coming Back to Life: An Initiation into Eco-Mindfulness on the Caribbean Island of Bonaire is a transformative week dedicated to deep reconnection with the Web of Life.
UMI is a first of its kind retreat combining mindfulness and the underwater world as a means of personal and societal transformation.
We’ll begin by cultivating a strong foundation of community, embodiment, and gratitude—anchoring ourselves in the present while opening to what lies beyond.
Together, we’ll rekindle our ancient bond with the Ocean, exploring the roots of our collective longing for ecological harmony, belonging, and balance.
A special feature of our retreat is a two-day immersion in silence, offering participants the opportunity to attune more deeply to the subtle messages of the natural world and the quiet wisdom of their hearts.
By the end of our journey, you will leave with practical resources, ongoing support, and a renewed sense of connection to integrate these insights into the rhythm of your daily life.
Come experience a week of profound discovery, reflection, and reconnection.
All participants must be Open Water SCUBA certified or willing to complete certification in Bonaire before the retreat. If you are interested in Open Water SCUBA certification, please reach out for more information.
What to Expect
Daily Yoga & Qi Gong
Start each day with grounding and rejuvenating movement practices to invigorate and prepare the body the day’s adventure Open Water UMI Sessions
These curated underwater meditative immersions are designed to deepen connection to the Ocean and create the conditions for profound insight Confined Water UMI Sessions (Pool Sessions)
Practice and refine techniques in a controlled pool environment, building confidence for open water experiences.
Guided Meditation & Dharma Talks
Deepen your practice through guided meditations that flow together with UMI sessions in an intentional and onward leading arc.
The Work that Reconnects
Engage in practices designed to cultivate resilience, ecological awareness, and a renewed sense of purpose
Circling & Discussion
Participate in dynamic group circles and meaningful discussions to foster connection and integrate experiences
Community Rituals
Connect deeply with others through shared rituals designed to foster a sense of belonging and collective intention
Art & Music
Explore creative expression through art and music, tapping into the power of creativity for healing and joy
Itinerary
8 days in Bonaire
May 10-17, 2025
Details
Accommodation: Private Villa, single or double rooms
Included: All rental equipment and 10+ dives, 3 meals daily, lodging, transportation (excluding airfare), National Park and Entry Visa fees, preparation and integration support.
UMI’s mission is to inspire ecological activism and personal transformation through water-centered meditation and embodiment practices.
Experiences in and around water are scientifically validated to improve mental health and wellness.
UMI’s “mindfulness in water” program is entirely unique and uses a novel technology developed by MBEI to make it possible to meditate underwater.
While designed for immersive experiences beside coral reefs, UMI’s protocols are being expanded to run in pools across the country.
