Shared Room

Midlife brings profound changes – in our bodies, our roles, and how we see ourselves. It’s easy to meet those shifts with self‑criticism, doubt, or a sense that we’re not measuring up.  Self‑compassion offers another way to move through this stretch of life.

Surrounded by the quiet beauty of Rising Circle Ranch near Santa Fe, Dr. Neff will share simple, evidence‑based practices for bringing self‑compassion into the moments that sometimes undo you – the hard conversations, the health scare, the late‑night spirals – so you can recognize your struggle, remember this is part of being human, and respond with the warmth you’d offer someone you love.

This in-person workshop is organized by the Modern Elder Academy, an organization that offers soulful, growth-oriented destination workshops and online programs to reimagine aging and create exciting and meaningful next chapters in midlife and beyond.

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Over several days with Dr. Neff, you’ll get:

Simple tools to shift harsh self‑talk into something more honest and supportive
Practical ways to stay with difficult emotions instead of stuffing them down or spinning out
Strategies for caring for others without burning yourself out
Confidence to set boundaries and stand up for yourself when needed

Most offerings focus on adding more “shoulds” to your plate – more habits, more routines, more optimization. This workshop goes underneath all of that to how you speak to yourself when things are hard.

You’ll be learning directly from the preeminent researcher, Dr. Kristin Neff, who helped define and measure self‑compassion, and everything you practice is grounded in evidence, not just inspiration. It’s a set of concrete skills you can keep using in real life.

What makes this workshop different from other retreats on self‑care?

No. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many participants look steady and capable from the outside and are simply tired of being so hard on themselves inside. This workshop is for anyone who recognizes a harsh inner voice, wants a kinder way to stay motivated, and is moving through the kinds of changes midlife tends to bring – in health, work, family, or identity.

Is this just for people who are really struggling or “in crisis”?

The tone will be grounded and practical. You’ll learn specific practices you can use on a walk, between meetings, or in the car outside an appointment. Kristin brings deep warmth, but she’s also a scientist – everything you’ll be doing has a clear purpose and a research base behind it. You can engage at a level that feels right for you.

Will this feel too touchy‑feely?

There will be chances to share, but you always choose how much you’re comfortable with. You’re never required to disclose anything you don’t want to. Many people find it powerful to hear how common their struggles are, but it’s completely fine to participate more quietly and let the practices do the work.

Will we be sharing personal stories in the group?

This workshop can complement therapy very well. Therapy often focuses on your history and patterns – self‑compassion gives you a day‑to‑day way of relating to yourself inside those patterns. Many therapists integrate Kristin’s work into their approach. If you’re currently in therapy, you’re welcome to talk with your therapist about bringing these practices into your sessions.

I’m already in therapy. Is this redundant?

That’s actually a great reason to come. A strong inner critic is common, especially among high‑responsibility, high‑caring people. You won’t be asked to “get rid of” that voice overnight. Instead, you’ll learn how to notice it, understand what it’s been trying to do for you, and gradually shift how you respond. Discomfort is normal – you’ll be guided through it at a manageable pace.

What if I have a loud inner critic and this feels uncomfortable?

Your tuition covers three nights of lodging at MEA’s Rising Circle Ranch near Santa Fe, all meals and snacks prepared by our in‑house chefs, daily sessions with Kristin, experiential activities, and full use of the campus amenities. The only additional costs are your travel to Santa Fe and any optional add‑ons, like guided horseback rides

What’s included in the investment?

Most days include a morning session with teaching and guided practice, time for meals and informal conversation, afternoon sessions or experiential activities, and some spacious free time to rest, walk the land, or integrate what you’ve learned. Evenings often include a light gathering or reflection, with plenty of time for sleep and quiet.

What does a typical day look like?

If you notice that your default response to stress is to be hard on yourself, if midlife changes are bringing up more self‑doubt than you expected, or if you’re caring for a lot of people and rarely extend the same care to yourself, this is likely a good fit. If you’re unsure, you can always book a call with the MEA team below to talk through your situation and see whether this workshop matches what you need right now.

How do I know if this is the right timing for me?

We're here to help! If you have any additional questions or need more details about the retreat, please email us at retreats@insighttimer.com, and we'll be happy to provide you with all the information you need.

I have a specific question about the retreat. How can I get more information?

English

Lodging at MEA's Rising Circle Ranch in Santa Fe with all of your meals, snacks, drinks and other amenities included

Three delicious, chef-prepared meals plus snacks throughout the day prepared from scratch with the freshest local ingredients.

At MEA, we believe that thriving is delicious. Our delicious, made-from-scratch meals are locally sourced, organic, and prepared by our hand-picked chefs. You’ll love the abundance of incredible options to choose from each meal – not to mention the fresh fruit smoothies.

Kristin Neff

Austin, TX, USA

MEA Juniper Retreat Center - Santa Fe Campus at Rising Circle Ranch | Modern Elder Academy

Nestled in the serene high desert landscape near Lamy, Cottonwood Run offers a peaceful retreat setting surrounded by expansive skies, rolling grasslands, and the distinctive natural beauty of northern New Mexico. Located just outside the historic city of Santa Fe, the area provides a tranquil escape where guests can reconnect with nature while enjoying stunning sunsets, star-filled night skies, and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Rich in Southwestern culture and history, the region offers opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, artistic exploration, and quiet reflection, creating an ideal environment for wellness retreats, personal growth, and restorative experiences.

MEA Juniper Retreat Center - Santa Fe Campus at Rising Circle Ranch | Modern Elder Academy, Cottonwood Run, Lamy, NM 87540, United States

Bring more ease, warmth, and self‑respect into how you live each day.

Over four spacious days in an intimate small-group setting with Kristin, you’ll…

Learn the core skills of self‑compassion
Discover the three building blocks – mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness – and how to use them in real time in moments that matter: when you’re stressed, embarrassed, blindsided, or overwhelmed.

Turn your inner critic into a more honest, supportive voice
Catch self‑critical patterns in the act and practice compassionate self‑talk that holds you accountable without adding shame to the pile.

Stay present with difficult emotions instead of running from them
Use practices like soothing touch, soles‑of‑the‑feet, and working with difficult emotions so you can sit with hard feelings instead of numbing out, overworking, or ruminating.

Show up for others without losing yourself in the process
Learn self‑compassion tools designed specifically for caregivers, so caring for partners, parents, children, clients, or patients doesn't come at the cost of your own wellbeing.

Say no, ask for help, and name your limits – with less guilt
Practice fierce self‑compassion – the protective, boundary‑setting side of kindness – so standing up for your time, energy, and values starts to feel less fraught and more grounded.

Find your footing in the middle of change
Bring self‑kindness to the places midlife tends to shake loose – health shifts, career questions, family transitions – so you feel less like you're bracing for impact and more like you're walking through change on your own side.

Leave with practices you'll actually use
Take home a sustainable set of practices that fit into real life, plus the felt sense of having learned them in an unhurried retreat setting in the high desert near Santa Fe, with Kristin and the MEA team alongside you.