4th ANNUAL RETREAT
If you’ve been moving through life on autopilot, here’s your chance to press reset.
The 4th Annual Balance & Belonging Retreat is a one-day experience that swaps stress for ease, overthinking for curiosity, and “just fine” for fully alive.
From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the shift, the buzz of the room, the flow of conversation, the kind of energy that lifts you without draining you. By the end of the day, you’ll leave with more than memories: you’ll carry home clarity in your mind, lightness in your body, and a renewed sense of connection to yourself and others.
Your day includes
One joy-filled experience after another, each designed to help you feel lighter, brighter, and more connected by the time you leave.
A Grounding Welcome
Bright smiles. Warm voices. The hum of anticipation in the air. You feel your shoulders drop as the buzz of the outside world is replaced with a spark of something good is about to happen.
Restorative Workshop
The room buzzes with shared curiosity. Pen in hand, you follow gentle prompts that lead to those “aha” moments, the ones that make you smile, sigh, or even tear up a little. You leave lighter, with new clarity.
A Shared Meal + Connection Time
Simple, satisfying bites paired with easy conversation. You find yourself laughing with someone you just met like you’ve known them for years.
Closing Connection Circle
The room is warm with gratitude and good energy. You look around at new friends, realizing you’re leaving with more than memories, you’re taking home a feeling you didn’t know you were missing.
Soothing Sound Bath
Waves of sound swirl around you, lifting away stress and replacing it with a feeling of weightless ease. You don’t just hear it, you feel it in every cell.
Movement and Breathwork
Easy, freeing movements that shake off tension and put you back in your body. Breathing feels effortless, your mind feels open, and the energy in the room is contagious.
Interactive Game Play
A colorful deck and prompts that get you laughing, leaning in, and sharing the kind of stories that stick. This is connection without the awkward, playful, unexpected, and unforgettable.
Gifts for the Road
Take home a thoughtfully curated swag bag to carry the inspiration home with you
Join us and see what happens when joy, curiosity, and connection lead the way.
One joy-filled experience after another. Each designed to help you feel lighter, brighter, and more connected by the time you leave.
Why you’ll love it
It’s real. Connection that happens naturally.
It’s energizing. Every moment is designed to lift you up without wearing you out.
It’s playful. Space to move, laugh, and be curious again.
It’s personal. Small enough to feel intimate, big enough to feel alive.
Come as you are. Leave more like yourself.
Tickets
Rooted, Ready, and Holding Space
Meet the practitioners guiding you through the day. Each one brings their own rhythm, tools, and magic to help you reconnect and recharge.
Justine Astacio
Therapist & Owner of Lotus Theory
Licensed therapist, somatic practitioner, and the heart behind Lotus Theory. Justine blends therapeutic expertise with a deep understanding of lived experience, offering steady, compassionate support throughout the day.
Ida Garcia
Breathwork & Movement Facilitator
Ida guides you back to your body through gentle, grounding practices. Her segment invites you to move with ease, breathe fully, and reconnect with your inner steadiness.
Ana Miranda
Therapist & Storytelling Facilitator
Ana leads “Trust the Story Within,” a powerful segment that blends therapeutic reflection, story, and group connection. Her style is gentle, intuitive, and rooted in deep listening.
Marinés Rodriguez
Sound Practitioner
Marinés leads a restorative sound bath that’s become a favorite in the Lotus Theory community. With tuned intuition and deep presence, she creates a soundscape that helps you soften, settle, and let go.
About Lotus Theory
Since 2016, Lotus Theory has created spaces where therapy, storytelling, movement, and reflection come together, reinforcing the connection between your mind and body. Especially for people who’ve had to hold it all for too long.
Our work is about more than healing. It’s about wholeness, joy, and feeling free.
Come be a part of what we’re building.
FAQ's
What is Balance & Belonging?
Balance & Belonging is a one-day wellness experience designed to help you reset your mind, body, and soul. Through intentional play, guided reflection, gentle movement, and restorative practices, you’ll leave feeling more grounded, more connected, and more like yourself.
What kind of activities can I expect?
The day is thoughtfully paced to offer a mix of structure and flow. You’ll enjoy:
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A nourishing welcome and light lunch
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Group-based experiences rooted in the Balance Formula
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A one-of-a-kind reflection game (yes, a game) that invites connection and curiosity
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Breathwork or gentle movement to help you soften into your body
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A sound bath to ease you into deep rest
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A closing circle to help you carry the calm with you
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Everything is offered with care, and you’re always invited to participate in a way that feels good to you.
Wait, there’s a game?
Yes, and it’s one of our favorite parts. Designed by Lotus Theory clinicians, this isn’t your average icebreaker. It’s a playful, thought-provoking card game that helps spark meaningful conversation without feeling heavy. It’s about laughter and reconnecting with parts of yourself you may have forgotten. You might leave with a few unexpected insights and a full heart.
Do I need to come with a group?
Not at all. Many folks come solo and leave feeling deeply connected. That said, we do encourage you to bring a friend, partner, or family member. This experience is even better when it’s shared.
Is this therapy?
Nope. While the day is guided by licensed therapists and wellness facilitators, this isn’t therapy. There’s no diagnosis, no pressure, and no clinical feel, just room to explore and reconnect in a grounded, supportive space.
What should I wear?
Come comfy. Think soft clothes, cozy layers, and anything that lets you move, sit, or rest with ease. You may be sitting on cushions or stretching out during the sound bath.
Will there be food?
Yes! Your ticket includes a light lunch and nourishing snacks. We’ll have options that meet common dietary needs, just let us know when you register.
Where is it happening?
We’ll be gathering at Sound Mind Center in DUMBO, Brooklyn. It’s a beautifully designed space that feels warm, peaceful, and grounding the moment you walk in.
What will I leave with?
More clarity. More calm. More connection. You’ll also take home a curated swag bag and a few grounding tools to keep the reset going long after the day ends.
How much are tickets?
Tickets are $125. Bringing others? Group pricing is available for up to four people.
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help. Reach out anytime at info@lotustheoryny.com.
Important Information
Photography & Video Disclaimer
Photos and short videos may be taken during this event for marketing and documentation purposes. By attending, you consent to the use of your image by Lotus Theory in future promotional materials. While we aim to honor all comfort levels, we may not be able to accommodate individual photo restrictions.
Movement & Participation Waiver
Participation in movement and breathwork is entirely voluntary. By attending this event, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own physical well-being and release Lotus Theory, its facilitators, and the venue from any liability related to injury or discomfort.
Food & Allergies
Light lunch and snacks will be provided. While we aim to accommodate a range of dietary needs, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment. Please take all necessary precautions and notify us of any severe food allergies ahead of time.