october 2-4  |  berkeley, ca

with Lihi Benisty and Stephanie Zaletel

the sensing body

a 3 day somatic retreat exploring and celebrating our senses

The Sensing Body is a 3 day somatic retreat exploring the senses as pathways to peace - not only informing the way we take-in the world, but opening portals that lead us back to ourselves. Through sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch , we’ll explore how sensory awareness becomes a gateway into presence, nervous system regulation, true intimacy, creativity, and deeper Self-knowing. Consider this your invitation to return to the body, soften into the moment, and remember/honor the intelligence that’s always been there.

guided somatic movement

breathwork journeys

guided sensory exploration

partner / group practices

writing + self-inquiry

nature-based noticing and walking meditations

integration circles

nourishing plant based meals by Heidi Ross

downtime to enjoy the property, nature, and sauna

apply to join us

your guides

lihi benisty

she/her

lihi guides immersive somatic experiences rooted in breath, movement, and self-inquiry. her poetic approach to self-inquiry fosters emotional resilience, inner confidence, and embodied presence — inviting students to honor their full humanity and live from a place of depth.

lihi leads a dynamic blend of somatic practices to navigate emotional landscapes. she is profoundly committed to the poetic art of self-inquiry through breathwork and movement. her teaching is distinguished by her ability to weave these elements into a cohesive practice that respects the complexity of the human experience.

stephanie zaletel

they/she

stephanie zaletel is a choreographer, dance artist, trauma-informed, eco-somatic facilitator, writer, and performance curator based in los angeles, ca whose work centers empathy building, embodied empowerment, and life attunement. they have held educational, therapeutic, and restorative movement spaces for over a decade spanning renowned retreat centers, diy community led dance spaces, as well as tailored 1:1 sessions for clients of varied ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

"my eternal mission in life is to learn to be free in my body and empower others to do the same. everyone deserves to heal. everyone deserves to dance. from a regulated nervous system we have a greater capacity to resist and divest from violent systems of oppression, to access our radical imaginations, and to care for the world.

i invite our guests to access natural patience and bliss consciousness - to empower themselves to integrate to their own symbols, memories, shadows, catharsis, and deepest wisdom through creative embodiment."

heidi ross

she/her

heidi is a private chef and multidisciplinary artist playing at the intersection of taste, sound, and movement using food as medium. her conceptual, somatic, and artistic approach to cooking come through in immersive performances that connect people around a shared experience. her work centers curiosity and embodiment, everyday rituals, and the profound possibilities of sound.

she specializes in middle eastern and mediterranean cuisines, told through the lens of modern california cuisine, and enjoys foraging, fermentation, and cooking seasonally.

about anza retreat center

named for its meaning “a dwelling among the elder trees” - Anza is a hidden gem nestled in the folds of the berkeley hills, where rolling hills, golden light, and quiet beauty create a rare stillness that invites deep connection with the land.

lodging options

sunset room // communal floor (6)

communal floor sleeping in the studio space. sleeping mats are provided for, bedding is encouraged to bring yourself. (if you are flying in, let us know & we will provide you with bedding.)

$950

Monet Goode

twin room (4)

$1,150

private room with 2 twin beds. shared with another attendee. shared bathroom.

bunk room // twin bunk (2)

dorm style room that sleeps 4. shared bathroom.

$1,250

king room // private (2)

$2,300

private room with king bed and a private bathroom.

$1,400

bunk room // full bed (2)

dorm style room that sleeps 4. shared bathroom.

king room // shared (4)

$1,500 per person

private room with king bed and a private bathroom. shared with a friend or partner.

apply to join us

frequently asked questions

everything is included: dinner on friday, three nourishing meals on saturday, and breakfast on sunday, with snacks and warm beverages available throughout the weekend. accommodations as well as all sessions facilitated by stephanie and lihi, including guided practices, teachings, and shared space across the retreat.
this retreat is for anyone who feels called to slow down, come back into their body, and be in a supportive, collaborative space. we do our best to create practices that are accessible to as many bodies, ages, and levels of experience as possible - no prior movement, breathwork, or somatic experience is required - though some prior practice around supporting your own spiritual and mental health is recommended as this work can be deep.
additionally due to the intimate nature of this retreat, all guests will be required to complete a google form sharing about themselves and what brings them to this retreat experience. once we review applicants as a team, folks will be invited to join. this is a measure to keep the space as safe and supportive as possible for facilitators and participants.
yes! once you are officially registered, we’ll collect your dietary needs and preferences to ensure meals are nourishing, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.
comfortable clothes to move and rest in, layers for warmth, and a journal with something to write with. sturdy shoes suitable for optional trail time, a bathing suit for the sauna and cold plunge, a water bottle, and any personal items that help you feel grounded or cozy.
due to the intimate nature and limited spots of this retreat, all sales are final. however, tickets may be transferred to another approved attendee if needed.
while the property has wifi in case of emergencies, this retreat is considered a “digital detox” space. we ask that participants refrain from using phones or electronic devices in all communal spaces including shared rooms, living room, kitchen, meditation deck, and studio.
if you would like additional support and accountability, we are brainstorming ways to securely store personal digital devices for participants.
this is an ashram style retreat, meaning that the experience is collaborative and communal. please plan on cleaning and drying your own dishes after meals and keeping shared spaces tidy and peaceful.