Offerings for CONNECTION
Featured Initiatives
YOUTH PROGRAMMING
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Connection is the Medicine Foundation is excited to introduce our youth programs—immersive, dynamic, and intentional experiences designed for ages 9-18.
Rooted in the belief that true well-being arises from harmony in body, mind, and spirit, our programs help young people forge deeper connections with themselves, their peers, and the natural world.
Throughout the year, participants will engage in meaningful practices that cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and purpose—supporting them in navigating life with integrity, confidence, and joy.
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June–August: Deepen your connection with nature, move your body with intention, and train the mind with practical skills for focus and discipline.
August–November: Embody movement as a source of balance, live with an open heart, and strengthen your connection to inner wisdom.Through hands-on learning, guided mentorship, and community engagement, our programs empower youth to build confidence, foster meaningful relationships, and develop lifelong tools for well-being.
CONCENTRIC RECOVERY
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Addiction is pervasive in the world today. Whether with the shiny little computers in our pockets incessantly beckoning our attention or work or sex or mind-altering substances, we can all recognize patterns of addiction in ourselves or someone we love. For many of us, addiction entails a great deal of suffering.
AND…
What if addiction were a call? An opportunity? An open doorway through which we could pass into a deeper and more participatory version of our lives?
These questions sit at the center of our community. We hope you’ll join us in gathering around these questions as they apply to our experience of addiction. All are welcome.
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Addiction is among the greatest social problems of modernity.
The World Health Organization estimates that over 35 million people suffer from substance use disorders, and claim the lives of 585,000 people each year. Although staggering, these numbers represent just a small fraction of the total addicted population when considering behavioral addictions (like eating, work, sex, and technology use) as well.
The modern societal prevalence of substances and activities that provide quick, easy, and intense releases of dopamine means that addiction is pervasive in the world today. While a given person might not have a story of addiction that entails severe consequences or the imperative to enter a dedicated treatment program, they likely know someone who has, and likely struggle with addiction in other ways.
Addiction is on the rise, and unfortunately, treatment outcomes are among the worst when compared to other mental health issues. The ineffectiveness of treatment is rooted in an outdated paradigm that classifies addiction as a brain disease. Contemporary science makes it clear– addiction is a complex, multi-dimensional phenomenon that calls for a multidimensional, holistic approach in its understanding and treatment.
There is a need for more effective, multi-dimensional treatment methods that support participants in not only achieving sobriety, but moving through addiction into a life of deep joy and meaning.
PEACE GARDEN
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The Peace Garden at the True Nature campus in Carbondale, Colorado is a living sanctuary — a space where connection flourishes. Rooted in the heart of our mission, the garden offers an inclusive and engaging environment that nurtures self-discovery, community, and spiritual connection.
Woven into its serene pathways and vibrant plant life are opportunities to reflect, learn, and grow. Our garden programming invites participants to deepen their relationship with the natural world — fostering awareness of holistic and sustainable practices that inspire mindful living.
Whether exploring the wisdom of the earth, tending to plants with intention, or simply pausing to breathe in the beauty that surrounds you, the Peace Garden is a classroom like no other — a place where hearts, minds, and spirits awaken in harmony with nature.
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Our diverse, structured educational offerings generate revenue to support garden operations while providing enriching content for participants. Experiences include:
Interactive Workshops: Learn practical skills in organic gardening, herbalism, landscape design, and nature journaling. Each session includes hands-on activities and take-home materials to extend your learning beyond the garden.
Mindfulness & Movement: Integrating meditation, yoga, and mindful walking practices with garden themes, these classes are tailored for various age groups and skill levels.
Guest Speaker Series: Enjoy insightful presentations on wellness, regenerative agriculture, and holistic living. These talks may be presented as a weekend-long event or offered quarterly or semi-annually.
Community Engagement & Special Events
Our Peace Garden programming is designed to build meaningful connections within our community. Join us for:
Seasonal Celebrations: Events like the Summer and Winter Solstice, World Labyrinth Day, and community grief gatherings offer opportunities for reflection and renewal. These gatherings may feature guest facilitators, live music, crafts, mini-workshops, and educational talks.
Garden Tours: Dive deeper into the Peace Garden's unique elements with detailed tours focused on native plants, garden design, seasonal highlights, and maintenance best practices.
We invite you to connect, learn, and grow with us in the Peace Garden, where nature's beauty inspires mindfulness, healing, and community spirit.
Featured Offerings
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PATHFINDERS BREATHWORK
with Allison Alexander
Sunday, November 23rd | 6pm- 7:30pm
True Nature KivaThis offering is intended to create space for the purification of the heart through a trauma-aware breathwork meditation journey designed to support renewal, deepen connection and healing.
This offering is presented in partnership with Pathfinders, a Colorado non-profit psychosocial support program for cancer and chronically-ill patients.
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Signature Retreat: CONNECTION IS THE MEDICINE
Led by Deva and Eaden Shantay
December 6th - 13th, 2025
Loma Sagrada, Nosara, Costa RicaConnected living includes developing daily rituals and practices to create a life dedicated to alignment, purpose and connection.
Join us as we step into a way of being that helps us feel better about being alive—with greater contentment, mindfulness, and service to humanity.
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JOURNAL JOURNEY
A Gateway to Consciously Create with Erin McElroy
Saturday, December 6th | 4pm - 6pm
True Nature KivaDiscover the magic of journaling—a portal for self-awareness, healing, and creativity. Write, reflect, and transform your inner world.
Your journal can truly become your deepest witness, most beloved teacher, an oracle, an alchemist, and best friend.
Offerings
To make a gift today
Your gift is a transformative act that contributes to experiential learning, progress, and sustainability. Your generous donations help us expand our reach, allowing more community members to experience our programs.