Riverside Hot Springs Healing Retreat
May 31-June 3, 2024
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” ― Anne Lamott
Our healing intention for this retreat is for you to be as relaxed as possible and for this to be a true retreat from the stress and chaos of the world.
Your well-being takes center stage.
Our intent is to create an oasis of tranquility, offering you a genuine retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Embrace the essence of relaxation with scheduled free time, allowing you the freedom to mold your retreat experience as you see fit.
Whether you choose to immerse yourself in the planned activities or simply savor the serenity, this retreat is designed for you to unwind, recharge, and rediscover a sense of calm.
Your schedule is yours to take or break—because your peace of mind is our top priority.
Schedule
Group activities in the mornings and evenings with free time in the afternoons.
May 31, 2024
Friday Evening Arrival
Location: Riverside Group Gathering Place
7:00 pm Gather Riverside for an informal meet and greet
7:15 pm Opening Circle
7:30 pm Golden Hour Breathwork and Meditation
8:00 pm Sunset Soaking in Hot Springs
9:00 pm Return to private rooms to rest
June 01, 2024
Saturday Morning Group Offerings
Location: Riverside Group Gathering Place
8:00 am Morning Tai Chi
9:00 am Break
Location: Emergence Healing and Expressive Arts Center
10:00 am. Sound Healing in the Acoustic Room
Saturday Afternoon Free Time
Location: Town
12:00 -1:00 pm
- Lunch on your own in town
1:00 -5:00 pm
- Tour the town
- Attend one of our pre-scheduled Private Offerings
- Optional Soak in the healing waters or relax riverside at the Gathering Space
5:00 - 7:00 pm
- Dinner on your own in town
- Return to private rooms to rest
Saturday Evening Group Offerings
Location: Riverside Group Gathering Place
7:00 pm Magic Hour "Flowing Zen" Qigong
7:45 pm Expressive Writing
8:00 pm Sunset Soak in Hot Springs
9:00 pm Leave Riverside Gathering Place
June 02, 2024
Sunday Morning Group Offerings.
Location: Riverside Group Gathering Place
8:00 am. Morning Tai Chi
10:00 am Group Art Outdoors by the Rio Grande — theme of letting go
Sunday Afternoon Free Time
Location: Town
12:00 - 1:00 pm
- Lunch on your own in town
1:00 - 5:00 pm
- Tour the town
- Attend one of our Pre-scheduled Private Offerings
- Soak in the healing waters or relax riverside
5:00 - 7:00 pm
- Dinner on your own in town
- Return to private rooms to rest
Sunday Evening Group Offerings
Location: Riverside Group Gathering Place
7:00 pm Magic Hour "Flowing Zen" Qigong
7:45 pm Expressive Writing
8:00 pm Sunset Soaking in Hot Springs
9:00 pm Leave Riverside Gathering Place
June 03, 2024
Monday Morning Group Offerings
8:00 am Morning Tai Chi and Qigong
9:00 am Closing Circle
9:30 am Depart back to your rooms to continue your adventures on your own
Build your own adventure...
What's included?
- Three Morning Tai Chi Easy™ Sessions by the River with David
- Three Evening Breathwork and Qigong Sessions by the River with David
- One Morning Group Sound Healing with Christopher in a Purpose-Built Acoustic Oasis
- One Morning Group Art Outdoors by the Rio Grande with Jessica
- Plenty of time to relax, soak, and enjoy the riverside setting.
What's not included?
- Transportation
- Meals
- Lodging
The Town: Truth or Consequences, NM
- We see the town as an expanded location of the retreat setting.
- A walkable 56-acre area Hot Springs Bathhouse and Commercial Historic District
- A wide range of accommodations available with private hot springs
- Eat on your own or enjoy local restaurants.
- Explore the personality of the quaint little town.
What are optional add-ons?
- Create your Art Journal: A Three-Hour Session with Jessica
- Spontaneous Energy Flow Qigong Healing Session with David: A One-Hour Session
- Intuitive Painting with Jessica: A Three-Hour Session
- Craniosacral Therapy with Sound Healing with Christopher
Completely Unique Combination
Healing Location...
Magical intertwined spaces...
Tranquil Riverside Setting with Hot Springs for Group Gatherings
Experience indoor and outdoors sanctuaries for healing, connection and authentic expression.
The private outdoor gathering space, set in glorious nature, includes its own large hot springs tub with enchanting views—perfect for conversation and connection in the healing waters.
As needed the group leaders offer their separate private hot springs tub and their connected outdoor setting and facilities.
Two short blocks away...
Restorative Therapy and Creative Arts Center
Our primary meeting venue for indoor actvities. This indoors setting also serves as a backup location for weather changes. An indoor sanctuary for the arts. It has an art studio, an acoustic room which also has a sprung dance floor for movement arts, and a room for private sessions.
Art Studio
Our Art Studio was created as a safe place to play in the realm of visual arts.
We offer the seasoned artist and the raw beginner a wide variety of visual art forms to explore.
People are encouraged to relax and enjoy experimenting with their creativity, honing in on a specific technique, or mixing methods and mediums spontaneously.
Acoustic Room
Designed to enhance music as an expressive art, the pristine sound dynamics support professional performers, or novices who want to explore singing, songwriting and musical aspirations. Plug into our sound system and express your voice, your song, your latest composition, or your first time amplified with a mic. Dive into your creativity and let loose the music inside you. Our array of user-friendly rhythm and sound healing instruments are ideal for bringing people together to share musical connection.
Healing Waters...
Healing Hot Springs
Opportunities for unlimited soaking in mineral-rich, odorless, crystal clear, healing waters. No heavy sulphur smell like many hot springs. These geothermal waters have a natural pH of 7 with some of the most heavily mineralized waters in the United States, containing 38 different minerals. These include: silica, sulfur, sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, as well as essential trace minerals such as lithium, manganese, bromine, iodine, selenium and radium. The waters flow in abundance at temperatures ranging from 98 to 115 degrees.
I believe that the hot springs exist for a purpose, and that if you come without any consciousness at all and soak in the water, the water will take care of you physically.
~ Steve Kortemeier
Healing Movement...
Morning Tai Chi Easy™ Sessions by the River with David
David guides you through a fun, easy, and beneficial practice known as Tai Chi Easy™. Tai Chi Easy™ is a practice that only has five movements, making it easy to learn, remember, and practice. You do not have to devote years or decades to learning the traditional 108 movement form the calming emotional and health benefits of Tai Chi. The Tai Chi Easy™ methods are designed to improve the quality of life for people of all ages – whether well or unwell. This includes those who may be dealing with disease, chronic pain and health conditions, limited mobility, deficient immune systems, anxiety or depression. Using simplified Tai Chi based on the four major recognized styles of Tai Chi, this program is straightforward and highly adaptable resulting in empowerment in self-care and self management skills. Harvard Medical School calls Tai Chi "Medication in Motion" and Tai Chi is recommended for fall prevention.
Evening Breathwork and Qigong Sessions by the River with David
Join David each evening by the river, where he leads you in simple practices to combat stress and help the body heal. We'll begin with science-based breathwork techniques that can be practiced in the moment. We'll cover five minute practices that invoke the relaxation response and 15 minute moving meditation sessions designed to bring harmony to your mind, body, and spirit. Learn practices that foster inner peace, mindfulness, and a profound connection with the present moment. The goal is that you return with valuable tools to assist you in combatting stress and enhancing wellness, and enriching your daily life.
Healing Sound...
Group Sound Healing with Christopher in a Purpose-Built Acoustic Oasis
Immerse yourself in a transformative experience with Group Sound Healing led by Christopher in the sonic sanctuary of the Acoustic Room. Bathe in the resonance of pure-tone crystal bowls, didgeridoo, gong, monochord, RAV, N’Goni, flute, drum, and more as they resonate with clarity, guiding you into a state of deep relaxation. Invite the harmonious tapestry of therapeutic sounds and healing vibrations to guide you towards inner coherency and unlock your body's innate healing potential. Together we reset towards peace, fluidity, integration, and health, fostering an environment for letting go of limitations and connecting with your body's natural healing capabilities. Christopher's Dolphin Influence, drawn from six years of connecting with dolphins using sound instruments, adds a unique dimension, creating a transformative and resonant experience.
Healing Expression...
Group Art Outdoors by the Rio Grande with Jessica
Take a whimsical journey of self-discovery with Jessica's Intuitive Art Sessions. Immerse yourself in the liberating world of spontaneous creativity, where every brushstroke and color choice flows from your intuition. Jessica's guidance nurtures an atmosphere of playful exploration, encouraging you to express your innermost thoughts and emotions on canvas. No prior art experience is necessary; these sessions are about tapping into your innate creativity and letting it unfold organically. Join us for a transformative experience as you connect with your intuitive self through the vibrant and expressive realm of intuitive art with Jessica. Play with collaborative artistic expression on a large canvas, letting go and allowing the synergy of group creativity to unfold.
Expressive Writing with David
Embark on a transformative journey with David as he guides you through Expressive Writing sessions, a unique experience where your written words find release in the dance of flames. Delve into the art of expressive writing as a cathartic outlet for your thoughts, feelings, and creativity. In a serene setting by the fire, let David's gentle guidance inspire introspection and self-expression through the written word. Witness your emotions and ideas take shape on paper and then, in a symbolic act, watch them gracefully merge with the flickering flames. Join us for an immersive and cathartic exploration of expressive writing, where the power of the written word meets the transformative dance of fire.
Additional Afternoon Activities
We have room for up to four people at 1 pm on Saturday: 1 person $145; 2 people $85 pp; 3 people $65 pp; 4 people $50 pp + 8.5% NM tax
Making an art journal is about the creative process of binding together paper, color, words, images and anything that forms an expression of what’s meaningful for you. It is a free-form process guided only by your intuition in the moment. In the end, you will have created a book with decorated and blank pages, that you can continue to fill with your thoughts, feelings, memories and insights. All materials included.
Four Private sessions are available at 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. $125 + 8.5% NM tax.
This unique experience blends the ancient art of Qigong with David's intuitive approach, guiding you through spontaneous movements to let go off energy blockages and harmonize your body's energy.
We have space for up to four people at 1 pm on Sunday. 1 person $145; 2 people $85 pp; 3 people $65 pp; 4 people $50 pp + 8.5% NM tax
Intuitive Painting is the free-form unstructured use of acrylic paints on paper. Here, you create what emerges from within you, in the moment. This is a meditative and creative process where you can explore and uncover aspects of your inner self. We approach art as a form of healing — a safe place where we can relax, let go and play with color, shape and texture. All materials included.
Four Private sessions are available at 1 pm and 3 pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
1 hour $125 + 8.5% NM tax. 90 min $170 + 8.5% NM tax
Experience the synergy of Craniosacral Therapy and Sound Healing in a private treatment session that blends relaxing therapeutic touch with nurturing sounds and harmonics. Invite the transportive effects of crystal singing bowls, didgeridoo, tuning forks, monochord, the Wave and more to shift your consciousness and carry you within, into a deeply meditative state. From here, through the gentle yet powerful touch of Craniosacral Therapy, dive further within, into your innate body wisdom as you explore your personal healing journey. Craniosacral Therapy treats the body from the brain and spinal cord through the entire connective tissue system, promoting holistic healing. Fully clothed and tailored to your needs, this session offers deep relaxation and enhanced well-being to body, mind, heart and spirit.
Meet your Guides
David and Erinn are your hosts for this retreat. Formerly an Information Technology Professional, David began practicing Qigong after two health crises. David is a certified Integral Tai Chi and Qigong Instructor and founder of Energy Center. David offers classes and workshops in person, online, at universities, and for corporate wellness programs. During the pandemic, David provided free Tai Chi, Qigong, and Mindfulness resources to over 500 veterans. Erinn is your coordinator and concierge. She is the keeper of details and owner of the master spreadsheet.
Christopher and Jessica own both the Riverside Hot Springs Retreat Space and the Healing and Expressive Arts Center. Christopher is an Upledger Institute, Diplomate-Certified Craniosacral Therapist with 33 years experience in the practice of somatic therapies. He specializes in Craniosacral Therapy and Sound Healing. He continues on his inner quest at Emergence in Truth or Consequences. Jessica pours her creative passion into the center, where she is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing space for people to explore their own journey, and let loose as she did, creating expressive art that heals the soul.
What Others are Saying...
"An excellent gathering spot, whether that be for a writing workshop, dance class (the studio floor has the most amazing bounce!) movie night, or sound healing seminar. A space flexible enough to meet a myriad of needs combined with friendly, accommodating hosts. What more could you ask for?"
- Alice Hutchins
“David is a wonderful, knowledgeable teacher.
Great class!
I believe in the benefits of qigong & tai chi.”
- Yolanda V., Counselor
“David is an awesome Qigong Instructor.
He not only has background in the techniques and benefits, but also the history and lore from its origins.
Practicing with David has been peaceful and therapeutic.”
Scott K., Business Owner
“Take advantage of this great opportunity with a great teacher!"
Roger Jahnke, O.M.D., Author of The Healer Within
Places to Stay
Book on your own. Not included in price of retreat.
Blackstone Hot Springs - Luxury Lodging with Personal Hot Springs.
Every room on Blackstone's main property features private in-room hot springs. Rooms on the north side offer large, warm spring mineral baths on private patios. Guests of Blackstone may also reserve any of our three outdoor luxury baths or the Wet Room for additional cost.
Please call to book your stay: 575-894-0894.
Photo by Blackstone Hot Springs of the Star Wars Bath.
Fire Water Lodge
Enjoy your own private geothermal mineral tub in the comfort of your room. Each room offers a variety of amenities, surrounded by Southwestern designs.
All guests have access to their on-premise kitchen. There is a refrigerator, oven, pots, pans, dishes, utensils, and other kitchen supplies.
Enhance your relaxation by making an appointment with one of their recommended massage therapists.
Photo by Fire Water Lodge of the Morning Glory Room and Bath.
Hot Springs Glamp Camp
Book a stay in their remodeled vintage RV’s, the yurt, or their newest accommodation the dome.
Their camping sites can accommodate any RV (up to 30 ft), Teardrop Campers or Trailers, Tents, Vans, buses, and Car Campers.
All guests have 24/7 access to 3 outdoor, fresh-air tubs, and 1 indoor jetted jacuzzi tub. Guests fill and drain for each use, on a first come first serve basis.
HotspringsGlampCamp.com
These are just a few selections. There are numerous AirBnBs, local hotels, and the usual national chain hotels. There is the marvelous Riverbend and Ted Turner Reserves Sierra Grande. Message us for a list. Choose the accommodation that fits your budget and creates the experience you wish to have.
Places to Eat
Book on your own. Not included in price of retreat.
Passion Pie Café
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian, coffee drinks.
Open: 7am-1pm Thurs-Fri-Sat-Sun
Closed: Mon-Tues-Wed
Stop in for coffee, breakfast or lunch. Menu includes quiche, breakfast croissants, sausage rolls, savory tarts, baked goods, and daily specials. Try their Mediterranean plate: 2 Spanakopita, 2 dolmas, pita, hummus and a Greek salad paired with their house dressing. We are also offer their traditional spanakopita plate.
Photo by David Burch of their Ham and cheese on a Freshly-baked Croissant and Hot Moccachino.
The Giddy Up Cafe
Friday - 4pm - 8pm
Saturday - 10am - 2pm/ 4pm - 8pm
Sunday - 10am - until sell out (courtyard Brunch special)
Monday - 9am - 12noon Túesday - Taco Tuesday!
5pm - 9pm Take out and patio seating.
LOVE the Vegan Rancheros! Check out their Friday specials!
Photo by David Burch of their Cuban sandwich.
The Restaurant at Sierra Grande
The restaurant serves contemporary American food with a Southwestern twist, made with fresh, local ingredients.
They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also have a beer and wine selection.
On weekends, they have a wine and tapas bar in the evenings
Photo by Erinn of their Southwest Omelette and Huevos with the best coffee around.
GreatFull Grill
Open: 2pm - 10pm everyday
A newly-opened spot for burgers, sandwiches, salads, and sides. You can place your order at GreatFull and they will bring it to you at the brewery.
Photo by David of their Spinach salad with chicken, feta, and strawberries with a wonderful champagne dressing. David had a cheeseburger with waffle fries.
Outer Edge Pizzeria
Open: 11am - 8pm Tuesday to Sunday
Outer Edge Pizzeria serves a wide variety of pizza, pasta, and sandwich options. They also serve garlic bread, hummus, tomato bisque, chicken wings, salads, and desserts.
Photo by Outer Edge Pizzeria is of their Cobb Salad.
Sidekixx Bar and Kitchen
Open: 12noon - 9pm Thursday to Tuesday
Under new ownership, this remodelled bowling alley has live music, comedy or other entertainment happens on occasion. They serve beer and wine alongside a menu featuring pizza, tacos, appetizers, salads and more.
Photo by Sidekixx is of their Margherita pizza.
Truth or Consequences Brewing
Open: 2pm - 10pm everyday
Located in downtown TorC, Truth or Consequences Brewing has a good selection of craft beers and occasional entertainment.
Photo by Truth or Consequences Brewing
Los Arcos Steak & Lobster
Open: 5pm - 10:30pm Monday to Saturday
Local surf 'n' turf option since 1970 with a full bar, front desert garden & seasonal patio. Serves vegetarian dishes, steaks, prime rib, lobster, fresh seafood, and chicken.
They offer an extensive wine list, a comfortable bar with outdoor patio, and ample parking. They tend to be open later than other locations and are one of the most expensive options.
Photo from their website.
Check with guides for additional dining options.
Things to Do
Book on your own. Not included in price of retreat.
Historic Downtown Hot Springs & Commercial District
Truth or Consequences has a historic downtown hot spring district and commercial district, encompassing the loop of Broadway and Main Streets. The town has a selection of commercial bathhouses, including riverside and rooftop bathhouses, as well as lodges with private hot springs. The district also includes art galleries and shops. Explore the area on foot. Most of the baths are open to walk-ins who can pay to soak by the half hour or hour.. Try a private soak by the Rio Grande at Riverbend Hot Springs, enjoy the tubs at the quaint Blackstone Hotel or bathe on the roof of the Charles hotel on Broadway.
Photo by David Burch for SouthernNewMexico.com of the former Hay-Yo-Kay Hot Springs.
Healing Waters Trail
A few short blocks from the downtown district, escape into nature and hike the scenic Healing Waters Trail with its sweeping views of Turtleback Mountain and the Rio Grande. Or enjoy one of the other local hiking trails.
Photo from sierracountynewmexico.info, where there is more information on things to see and do.
Geronimo Springs Museum
The Geronimo Springs Museum is home to the largest prehistoric pottery collection in Sierra County New Mexico. View Mogollon Mimbres, Northern Jornada, Chaco, Cibola pottery traditions that date from A.D. 200 to A.D. 1350.
The various museum exhibits include: fossils; minerals; Native American Pottery & Projectile Points; Ralph Edwards Room; historic photographs; authentic miner's cabin; ranching; genealogy research; historic newspapers; Camino Real Exhibit; & great examples of Western Artists from southern NM.
Make it a Spa Day
Settled above geothermal hot springs, Sierra Grande's Spa offers a full service spa. Services include curative massages, body treatments, European facials and skincare, and bodywork enhancements.
All services include a 30-minute soak in their geothermal mineral tubs.
Call ahead for an appointment. Photo by Sierra Grande Spa.
There are other spas like Spa Azul and independent spa service providers offering therapeutic bodywork, skincare, and reflexology.
El Cortez Theater stands as a timeless gem of vintage Americana, constructed in the 1930s and continuing to thrive.
Transport yourself to the golden age of cinema with its 35mm film projection—an authentic experience not to be missed.
As a family-owned and operated single-screen movie theater, El Cortez offers this one-of-a-kind journey into cinematic history, showing new releases at an affordable six dollars per seat.
Indulge in the charm of yesteryear as you enjoy fresh-popped popcorn, fountain beverages, and a diverse array of snacks.
Nearby
Book on your own. Not included in price of retreat.
Caballo Lake State Park
Caballo Lake State Park is a state park of New Mexico, United States, located 16 miles south of Truth or Consequences on the Rio Grande.
Caballo Lake State Park offers affordable campgrounds and RV sites, located a short walk from the Rio Grande River and the lake. Electric and water hookups are available.
Spaceport America
Spaceport America is an active test facility and is closed to public access. Launches at the site are not open to public viewing and are subject to scheduling changes. Private tours of the facilities can be arranged in advance through the tour provider Final Frontier Tours at (575) 267-8888 or by email [email protected]. Guided Spaceport America Experience tours depart from Geronimo Trail Visitor Center 523 North Broadway St., Truth or Consequences, NM and is approximately 40 miles from TorC.
White Sands National Park is a stunning natural wonder located in the Tularosa Basin of New Mexico, USA.
Renowned for its unique landscape, the park is characterized by vast expanses of gleaming white gypsum sand dunes, creating a surreal and mesmerizing environment.
Visitors can explore the park by walking or sledding down the soft, cool sands, and the park's dunes are known for their brilliant white color, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The driving distance from Truth or Consequences, New Mexico is approximately 130 miles.
Downtown Art Galleries: Explore the art scene in downtown Truth or Consequences, where you can find various galleries showcasing local and regional artwork.
