Dive in With Committed NVC Community

A retreat for seasoned practitioners ready to explore deeper NVC consciousness & healing, in the beauty of the redwoods.

February 27 - March 3, 2026

Reserve Your Spot Now

The Santa Cruz Spring Retreat isn’t just another workshop—it’s a family reunion.

 

Ready to set aside some time for YOU? Come for your rejuvenation, growth, and community building. We'll meet amidst the beauty of the redwood forest just outside of Silicon Valley (45 min from the airport in San Jose, CA).

Guided by NVC Certified Trainers, Kristin Masters and Mary Goyer, this immersive weekend is designed specifically for committed NVC practitioners who have been practicing for years, have been to many NVC live events--and who already know a lot about building togetherness.

If you're a trainer, coach, or facilitator, this weekend offers you a chance to be held. We’ll explore interdependence, strengthen communication skills, and live the profound consciousness of Nonviolent Communication (NVC)—all while surrounded by spectacular humans and gorgeous nature.

What Makes This Retreat Special 

⚖️ Explore systemic applications.

Explore how systemic and personal patterns shape your relationships. Learn to speak your truth with clarity, listen with empathy, and navigate conflict with confidence—all while attuning deeper dynamics, such as use of power.

 🕊️ Cultivate self-compassion.

Tenderly work with shame, shadow material, and life-alienating beliefs to restore balance, resilience, and grace in how you relate to yourself and others -- especially those who are causing impact on entire communities and the earth. 

🧩 Live NVC beyond the formula.

Move past OFNR into a fully integrated practice. Engage in real-life applications that reveal the dance between inner growth and the larger social systems we move within.

🫶 Build beloved community.

Join deep, supportive conversations that nurture trust, vulnerability, and authentic connection as you experience the power of NVC with the warmest people you've ever met.

Whole-Body Nourishment

 

🌿 In-Person Empathy

Dive into juicy NVC topics, rich empathy practices, and deep exploration with seasoned trainers.

🌿 Immersive Nature

Hike among ancient redwoods, walk the labyrinth, meditate, journal, or simply rest in nature’s embrace.

🌿 Creative Expression

Engage in art, music, and reflective practices to unlock new layers of self-awareness.

🌿 Playful Learning

Participate in empathy games that make deep learning both fun and unforgettable.

🌿 Delicious, Simple Meals

Enjoy wholesome meals prepared by our onsite chef, with options to accommodate a variety of dietary needs.

⚠️ Important Note:
If you’re newer to NVC or haven’t experienced a live retreat, we’d love to welcome you to our beginner-friendly retreat in April. [Click here to learn more about that event.]

What people are saying...

 

"Redwoods, community, and delicious food... what else could you want? Sign up for this retreat now." -Barbra Esher, CNVC Trainer 

"Kristin and Mary provide the foundation of wise care that invites the openness needed to create community, connection, and understanding." -judyb.

"Kristin and Mary are the best! Such a dynamic duo. The collaboration of the shared wisdom they bring from their lived experience models how to show up courageously as human in these times. 100% recommend." -Shawn Flowers, Certification Candidate

"I absolutely loved being in the warm bath of NVC with other committed practitioners. I'm leaving with the sense of being on this journey of life together." -Zucu, Certification Candidate

"Everyone knew how to go deep. I saw community in a whole new light, as both a gathering of like-minded people and a group who is expanding impact into the wider community for good. It's an inspiring and connecting week." -JoDell Davidson

"This retreat, held in a stunning location, is an incredible opportunity for renewal and connection. I built warm relationships, felt gently supported with playful, attuned leadership, and nourished with delicious meals. I am filled with sweetness, safety, and connection..." -Kara Stella, owner of Embodied Self Coaching

"A space for authentic vulnerability, learning, and genuine healing connection... lots of laughter, too!" -Lisa J. Arthur

"Kristin and Mary share deep NVC wisdom and practices in a way that is very warm + supportive in working with growth edges." -Cecilia Kremer, Certification Candidate

"This was the most heartwarming group experience you might find yourself in." -Lucie B. 

"Being among long-term NVCers deepened my connection with myself. Kristin and Mary created such a warm gathering. I am more my lovingest self to walk back into our current situations." -Shannon, Certification Candidate

 

Register Today

Friday-Tuesday, March 12-16, 2027

Choose from three accommodation options designed to support more accessibility for participants.

 

We’re committed to making this retreat as accessible as possible. Space for camping and limited scholarship funds can be requested by emailing us directly.

Double Occupancy Rooms

$1325

  • 2 people per room, shared bath
  • 3 meals/day included
Sign me up

Triple Occupancy Rooms

$925

  • 3 people per room (one on floor mattress), shared bath
  • 3 meals/day included
Sign me up

Commuters Only

$680

  • Stay offsite and join us for all programming
  • 2 meals/day included (no breakfast)
Sign me up

This is your chance to step away from the noise, reconnect with your NVC practice, and return home renewed—and deeply connected to a like-minded community. Spaces are filling quickly—don’t wait to reserve your spot.

❤️ With love,

Mary & Kristin

This is your chance to step away from the noise, reconnect with your NVC practice, and return home renewed—and deeply connected to a like-minded community. Spaces are filling quickly—don’t wait to reserve your spot.

❤️ With love,

Mary & Kristin