It Is Time for Elevation

FALL EQUINOX RETREAT. Coed in Nevada City. Sept 25–27, 2026

As summer gives way to autumn, nature reminds us that there is wisdom in gathering. The Fall Equinox marks a moment of perfect balance — equal parts light and dark — a sacred threshold between seasons. It invites us to pause long enough to honor where we've been, release what no longer serves us, and create space for what wants to emerge next.

Join Lisa and Mandy for an intimate three-day, two-night retreat nestled among the peaceful forests of Nevada City. Together, we'll step away from the pace of everyday life and into a deeply restorative experience where contemporary healing tools, ancient wisdom and meaningful connection come together to nourish your mind, body and spirit.

Through carefully curated experiences, you'll quiet the noise, reconnect with your inner wisdom and gently restore your nervous system — returning home with greater clarity, balance and a renewed sense of purpose.

Retreat guests walking a sunlit forest trail among tall redwoods

This retreat is a manifestation of our dreams — a medicinal retreat without any of the exhaustion. While we will still work with sacred medicines, these medicines are different than usual. They create no physical depletion, yet carry beautiful depth, grounding, insight and recalibration.

Each participant will receive a full hour of 1:1 time with Mandy or Lisa during the retreat. It is a perfect balance of community belonging and individual attention. Ready to say yes to the adventure? Your journey begins here!

Golden light over the Yuba River canyon and historic stone bridge near Nevada City

What's Included

A three-day immersion, thoughtfully resourced

Everything from arrival Friday to closing circle on Sunday is included.

Sacred Medicine Journey

Working with non-depletive medicinals.

Personalized 1:1 Session with Lisa or Mandy

A full hour of individual attention during the retreat.

Immersive Sound Healing

12+ harmonic instruments woven throughout the weekend.

Heart-Opening Cacao Ceremony

A heart-opening and energizing plant elixir.

Transformational Breathwork

Release, process, expand.

Guided Meditation & Somatic Practices

Relaxation and nervous system regulation in community.

Nature Immersion & Forest Walks

Nevada City is home to old forests and the Yuba River.

Chef-Prepared Nourishing Meals

Beautiful, organic food — often a highlight of the retreat.

Gorgeous Property & Accommodations

Hot tub, game room, communal spaces and nature nearby.

Spacious Time to Rest & Simply Be

Room for reflection, quiet and unhurried presence.

Swimmers in a clear emerald swimming hole on the Yuba River surrounded by granite boulders

Schedule

Friday, September 25 – Sunday, September 27, 2026.

The journey begins before you arrive for the retreat, and continues long after.

Pre-Journey
Reflective and educative prep work — journaling exercises, podcasts and more — plus a one-hour group preparation call on Zoom. Additional 1:1 calls can be booked for a fee.
Friday — Arrive & Settle
Welcome sunset yoga, hot tub or hike, organic dinner, opening circle and an evening sound healing.
Saturday — Journey Day
Organic breakfast, yoga practice, sound and breathwork journey, time in nature, 1:1 sessions, group organic dinner, art project and an evening hike.
Sunday — Integration
Nature walk, cacao ceremony, breathwork, chanting and a closing integration circle.
Post-Journey
Integration resources and planning, plus a one-hour group integration call on Zoom.

Aerial view of the private Nevada City retreat residence surrounded by forest

Location

A private residence in Nevada City, California

Just three hours from the Bay Area. If you haven’t been to Nevada City yet, you are in for a treat — a beautiful historic town surrounded by forest and home to the famous Yuba River.

From the Bay Area — a three hour drive

Fly into Sacramento and rent a car

Or fly into SFO and carpool with the group

We will be coordinating carpools with participants.

Exterior of the Nevada City retreat residence at dusk

Spacious bedroom with green velvet headboard and sitting area

Light-filled bedroom with arched windows and robes

Green lounge room with billiards table and fireplace

RSVP or Schedule an Info Call

Reserve your space

The investment is $1,250–$2,850 depending on room selection, and includes all experiences as well as a group preparation session and a group integration session. Payment plans are available to everyone, along with a few work-trade positions.

Ready to RSVP? A $500 deposit reserves your spot, and we will send you prep work materials and room options.

Questions? Message lisa@collectivehearts.co, book a free info call with Lisa using this link, or text Lisa directly at 415.297.1944 on the Signal app.

We cannot wait to share this profound and meaningful experience with you.

Book your info call

Your Guides

Lisa Rueff

Lisa is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, transformational coach, sacred medicine guide, sound healer, breathwork facilitator, and yoga and meditation teacher dedicated to helping people reconnect with their authentic selves. She is known for creating heart-opening experiences that blend ancient wisdom with modern practices to inspire healing, growth and lasting transformation. As the founder of Collective Hearts, her work centers on self-love, wellbeing, and empowering others to live with greater purpose, joy and connection. Guided by her philosophy of Celebrate. Elevate. Luminate., Lisa believes that when we learn to deeply value ourselves, every area of our lives begins to flourish.

Mandy Hamilton

Mandy is a psychology researcher turned facilitator, coach and sound healer. She draws on her work in venture capital, published psychology research on behavior change, years as a professional-level athlete, and certifications in journey work, psychology, coaching, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, holotropic breathwork, sound healing, shamanism and psychedelic integration. She loves combining tools proven by modern science with ancient shamanic practice to help people feel completely at home in their mind, body and spirit. To date Mandy has served over 400 people in journeys and is highly respected as a seasoned, expert facilitator.

The Benefits of This Work

Physical

Reduction of stress, fatigue, physical pain and discomfort, insomnia and sleep disturbance.

Psychological

Reduction of depression, anxiety, brain fog, overthinking, worry, fear and lack of clarity.

Emotional

Improved emotional stability, greater peace, clarity and love, release of emotional trauma, and increased personal agency and intuition.

Spiritual

Expanded connection to your higher self and to the divine.

Testimonials from Past Journeys

“The journey was the most profound and cathartic experience of my life. I finally understand what it means to be in my body. 20+ years of talk therapy did not even begin to chip away at what I was able to release in one journey with Lisa. I am grateful beyond words and feel so much lighter, brighter and happier.”

Phyllis CanterSan Francisco

“It's been three weeks since my group journey with Lisa, and I feel like a new person. For the first time in my life, I wake up with happiness, peace and clarity. My wife and children have shared that I am much more present. I'm so grateful for how this journey has impacted my career and newfound life purpose.”

Jason GoldenbergNew York

“There really are no words to describe how transformative a journey with Lisa is. I've been to many healing events and weeklong retreats, and this daylong journey was remarkably different. What I was able to see, experience, release and welcome in was extraordinary.”

Jennifer MeechamNapa, CA

Sound bath with Tibetan singing bowls during a sacred medicine journey

Lisa with a circle of women at sunset, hands raised in celebration

Home is where our ♡ is.

Let’s connect, heart to heart. A free 30-minute conversation is the most beautiful way to begin — no pressure, just presence.

Book your free chat→See upcoming events