Retreats

David Marks can create a place of safety for a group in which calm, curiosity, playfulness, and compassion flow freely. He moves with ease between deep mindfulness teaching, energizing activities, and creative IFS explorations. In this beautiful setting, with David’s leadership, I found new insights, settled into deeper peace within, and made close connections with the other group members. I am so very grateful and I can’t wait to come on the next retreat. Thank you, David!

As a therapist with over 10 years of experience running groups, I wasn’t sure it was possible to cultivate a cohesive, caring, and vulnerable group in one days time. I was blown away how quickly David was able to bring together a group of total strangers, to the point where we all left as friends. With his humorous and playful spirit David held the space for us to see one another, and be seen in a way that I can only describe as deep and genuine connection. I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate in one of David’s retreats, and for the compassion, care, and love that I experienced from other participants. Thank you David, and everyone else for showing up and supporting me in my healing journey.

I recently attended a women’s weekend retreat facilitated by David. Initially I was very reluctant to go, in that I would be away with a group of women I had never met before. I can now say this was one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. The retreat was the most moving, and amazing experience for me. I came away with a strong sense of belonging and connection with the other participants as we shared about our lives, laughed, and cried together. David led the retreat in such a non-judgemental and calming way with numerous teaching materials that helped us better understand our parts and thier relationship to Self. The retreat setting was peaceful and the healthy food was delicious. Something shifted inside me after the retreat and for the first time I knew in my heart that I belonged and that all parts of me were welcome and YES, I was lovable just as I am!

David Marks' retreat was amazing and delivered exactly what I needed. I was able to take the time to be in Self, to speak and to share with like minded people. The food and venue were wonderful. I can't say enough about how this experience was a perfect guide post for me. While David counsels my 17 year old daughter, he has worked with my family extensively over the past two years, yet I was a bit apprehensive when he suggested this retreat to me. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity and experience.

I attended the retreat David put on this past weekend with my wife, and it was fantastic! Fantastic because David led it in such a skillful way that really allowed me to mindfully explore my parts. Key to this was the sense of safety David created which also really led to greater connection with the other participants. The activities were well planned and super interesting! And of course the beautiful location and fantastic food was also wonderful! If you have an opportunity to do a retreat with David – take it! I look forward to other retreat opportunities with David myself! 🙂

In a 1-day Internal Family Systems (IFS) / Mindfulness retreat led by David, I explored my relationship with my parts through organic exercises with the natural world, guided conversations with other retreatants, and by producing art. This retreat day really was amazing. Immediately afterwards, there was a subtle transformation in how I show up for myself - and I am not one prone to hyperbole! I sensed a shift in how I relate to my exiled parts especially. What I learned has continued to be a part of my daily practice. I am eager to continue this journey faithfully.

Thank you, David, for the outstanding job you did leading our Administrative Team Retreat. You are a skilled, nuanced facilitator who expertly guided us through activities to open our hearts and minds to each other as leaders, and taught us to work as a team toward achieving our goals as a district. I appreciated all your work and how this created willingness by the members of our team to take risks, open up, and forge new professional and personal bonds.