Logistics for Attending
​​Breitenbush Ecstatic Immersion
​​July 16–19, 2026​

This page provides the necessary operational details for registered participants. Use this information to prepare for your time at Breitenbush.

Preparing Body, Mind & Spirit

• Intention: Choose a specific focus for your weekend. Writing in a journal helps clarify your thoughts.
• Rest: Give your body and mind a break before arriving. Quiet walks, meditation, or extra sleep will help you settle into the forest quickly. This also reduces your exposure to illness before the retreat.
• Plan: Read through the packing lists early to gather everything you need.
• Detox: Step down your use of everyday substances that are unavailable at the retreat. Tapering off alcohol, cannabis, caffeine, and screen time eases the transition into a simpler environment.

Registration Changes or Questions

Breitenbush manages all registration logistics directly. Email their office at [email protected] regarding questions, updates, or cancellations.

You cannot privately sell or transfer your registration spot to another person. Every change must process through the official Breitenbush office.

Respiratory Illness Agreements

We will spend three days sharing indoor spaces. Everyone assumes the standard risks associated with community gatherings and respiratory viruses. Masking is completely welcome but not required. We encourage everyone to take a rapid test before traveling to the site.

Our core safety agreement is explicit: no one may remain at the retreat with outward symptoms of a respiratory infection. This includes coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose. Even mild symptoms create significant unease for others in the dance hall, dining cabin, and natural hot springs. Masking does not substitute for this requirement. Anyone who develops noticeable symptoms during the weekend will be asked to make arrangements to return home.

If you experience seasonal allergies, bring the specific medications, herbs, or tools required to manage your symptoms completely.

The standard Breitenbush policy does not offer refunds for last-minute cancellations, regardless of the cause. Protect your health and your financial investment by limiting exposure to large crowds for at least seven days before arrival. If illness forces you to cancel, notify us immediately so we can contact the waiting list.

Arriving at the Retreat

The retreat opens at 3:00 PM on Thursday. Check-in is available anytime after that hour.

Please coordinate travel to reduce vehicle traffic. Use these resources to find or offer a ride:

• The standard Breitenbush rideshare page: breitenbush.com/rideshare
• Our specific participant spreadsheet: Google Rideshare Sheet

Thursday afternoon remains unstructured so participants can unpack and soak in the springs. We gather at 5:00 PM on the Lodge front deck for a "Name Necklace Crafting" session. Dinner is served at 6:00 PM. Our initial welcome circle starts at 7:30 PM.

The mandatory Opening Ceremony and Orientation begins Friday morning at 9:15 AM following breakfast. This session establishes our group agreements, introduces the cohort, and outlines our shared boundaries regarding consent. Attendance is required for everyone.

Review the full retreat schedule online at ecstaticimmersion.net/schedule.html. We will also distribute printed programs on site.

Extra Retreat Amenities

We are bringing a few additional provisions to supplement the standard site amenities:

• Coffee: Breitenbush provides drip filters and hot water alongside herbal teas. We are supplying ten pounds of organic, fair-trade coffee to share until the supply runs out.
• Tea: Caffeinated Irish Breakfast tea will be available.
• Snacks: Late-night food options will be provided on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings.

Packing Lists

What to Bring

• Multiple clothing layers to accommodate warm dancing and cool mountain nights
• Pillows and bedding, including sheets and blankets or a comforter. Breitenbush does not supply bedding for any lodging style. You can arrange a linen rental package directly through their office for an extra fee.
• Towels for bathing and soaking
• Unscented, biodegradable personal toiletries
• Reliable flashlight or headlamp
• A durable water bottle, noting that glass containers are prohibited on site
• Sun hat

Optional Items

• Rapid health tests and protective masks
• Specific shoes suitable for movement on the uneven lawn areas
• Expressive attire. For the "Dance Eros" session, choose clothing that helps you feel vibrant and authentic. Simple attire reflecting your natural self is welcome at all other dances.
• Earplugs to assist with sleep in shared cabins
• A journal for personal reflections
• Extra vegetarian snacks. Guest refrigeration space is highly limited. Store all food items in secure, rodent-proof containers to protect against local wildlife.

What to Leave Home

• Items utilizing an open flame, including candles, incense, or portable stoves
• Alcohol, recreational drugs, or intoxicants of any kind
• Fragranced items, including essential oils, perfumes, colognes, and heavily scented body products
• High-wattage appliances such as personal hair dryers or electric kettles
• Pets

Emergency Contact Procedures

Cellular service is unavailable at Breitenbush. Email remains the most reliable method for off-site communication.

• Urgent Emergencies: Have family or contacts email [email protected]. On-site staff will locate you as quickly as possible.
• General Messages: Instruct people to email [email protected]. Staff will post a written message on the bulletin board outside the dining hall.
• Emergency Phone Line: In critical situations where voice communication is necessary, contacts can call 503-854-3320 to leave a message.

Integrating the Experience

Returning home requires careful adjustment. Consider utilizing these grounding practices after the retreat closes:

• Walk quietly in a natural area near your home.
• Take a warm bath with Epsom salts and supportive essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, or frankincense.
• Call a trusted friend to talk through your experience. Set a timer for seven minutes or more to speak continuously without interruption.
• Record your insights and feelings in a journal.
• Engage in a gentle physical practice like dance, yoga, swimming, or cycling.
• Dedicate time to silent meditation.

Thank you for preparing thoroughly so we can create a solid, clear environment together.

Much Love,

PJ & Avery Deane

Extended Stay Arrangements

If you want to arrange lodging at Breitenbush for additional nights before or after our scheduled event, book your personal retreat stay directly through their portal at breitenbush.com/personal-retreats.