Capacity Building Through Healing-Centered Learning Environments
With Angel Acosta and Yolanda Ruiz
October 17 - 19, 2025
We do not think ourselves into new ways of living, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking. — Richard Rohr
In a world in flux, where uncertainty is the norm, how do we cultivate the inner resilience to enact outer change? This workshop invites educators, social impact leaders, and business professionals to explore healing-centered learning environments as a means of building personal and collective capacity.
This guided weekend retreat experience integrates two transformational frameworks: the Healing-Centered Education Paradigm, a restorative and contemplative approach to learning and leadership, and the Archaeology of Self™ Methodology, a reflective practice of self-excavation to deepen self-awareness and disrupt biases.
During our time together, participants will engage in:
- Mindfulness-based practices — grounding techniques to navigate uncertainty and develop inner clarity.
- Somatic and embodied reflection — movement-based and sensory practices to attune to our body’s wisdom.
- Journaling and critical reflection — guided writing exercises to explore personal narratives.
- Peer-to-peer dialogue — interactive discussions to deepen connections and share insights.
- Poetry writing and storytelling — creative practices to unearth wisdom and reimagine possibilities.
This retreat is for those at the intersection of education, leadership, and community care — those committed to deepening their own growth while contributing to collective healing and systemic transformation. Participants will be given the tools to discover a renewed sense of purpose and clarity in their work to leave rejuvenated, reinvigorated, intellectually stimulated, and spiritually grounded.
About the Leaders

Angel Acosta
Dr. Angel Acosta has worked to bridge the fields of leadership, social justice, and mindfulness for the last decade. He holds a doctorate degree in curriculum and teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. Acosta has supported educational leaders and their students by facilitating leadership trainings, creating pathways to higher education, and designing dynamic learning experiences. […]
Learn more about Angel Acosta
Yolanda Ruiz
Yolanda Sealey Ruiz is a poet, professor at Columbia University, and scholar-activist. She works with school districts, colleges, universities, and organizations across the country helping individuals build their racial literacy.
Learn more about Yolanda RuizCategories : Creativity & Culture, Mindfulness & Spirituality, Relationship & Communication