The Synthesis Institute

Every detail of this retreat was so well thought out. The facilitators were all amazing, the retreat center was beautiful and located in a pristine Dutch countryside, the vegetarian food was incredibly tasty, complex and satisfying (thanks Tara!), and the environment of radical inclusion and acceptance fostered by the team provided the perfect setting for deep exploration (and new lifelong friendships).

I was a bit skeptical going into the retreat about how comfortable it would be to journey in front of all of the other "strangers" participating in the retreat. However, after the three preparatory Zoom calls preceding the retreat, I felt as if I knew the other participants before we arrived in New Eden. The bond with them then became close very quickly thanks to the environment of radical inclusion and acceptance fostered by the team. By the time of the first journey, I was actually excited about the prospect of journeying together with these lovely people.

During the journeys, the facilitators seemed to have an innate sense of when and how to offer assistance or comfort. Hanneke's carefully curated music playlists were the perfect accompaniment. When the journey was over, the team was there with fresh fruit, snacks and coconut water. I really cannot imagine a more perfect set and setting for psychedelic exploration.

While the insights gleaned from the retreat will be different for everyone, this experience has left me with a much greater sense of gratitude for life's gifts and a greater ability to accept those things that are beyond my control. It has been life changing for me. I really cannot recommend it highly enough.

After significant research I settled on Synthesis to deliver a retreat in this complex, sensitive area. The team were impeccable and demonstrated world-class knowledge and experience. The schedule was thoughtfully put together and kept me engaged but not exhausted. The veggie/vegan food was wonderful. I found there was plenty of time for getting to know other retreat attendees but didn't get much personal/private time simply because our group was so lovely and sociable. I think in a quieter/less cohesive group I'd have got through at least one of the three books I took but it was not to be on this occasion and I'm very glad of that. Beautiful location. Excellent!

Absolutely beautiful and amazing. The facilitators and team were wonderful, the group became so connected and full of love, and I was genuinely transformed by the program focused around the two trips. At many moments it was completely transcendent, beyond words - I am so grateful. Please go!
PS the food was also delicious and the setting idyllic!

I'm not sure I'll find words that can convey how transformative this retreat was. I'm full of gratitude for the week we spent at new Eden, and the deep humanity and wisdom of the team, their unfailing support and the skillful way they brought us on this journey and made us all a 'familia'.
The effects will ripple through me for a very long time, which is a blessing. I'm taking this with me.

A word of advice; if you, dear reader are considering this retreat, you must make sure you are ready. It is not for the faint of heart. It requires moral courage. This is not 'woowoo' or fluffy or sparkly unicorns. Show up authentically and you will be rewarded a thousand-fold.

The synthesis learning will stay with me as a guide and resource centre for a long time to come, perhaps or even probably lifelong. The assignments were practical and thoughtful in the way they built on each module of learning. I found the curriculum, with its monthly focus on each area of psychedelic facilitation practice through each of the four lenses, provided me with an enjoyable and reliable cadence. The content was so rich and diverse, generously delivered by such different wise, experienced people, and considerate of many different perspectives that I felt it was expanding not only my understanding but also my toolbox of things to use straight away as well as learn more about. As the year progressed I felt more confident in describing my place in this field, where I have come from, where I may be headed and how my world today integrates with that. There was no pressure to perform or know, in fact the invitation was to remain as long as I wanted to be in liminality for all that could be learned and experienced there. I feel I have worked alongside and become more part of a network of professionals who care about what is most important - safety, ethics, keeping the dialogue open and reciprocity, amongst other things. It really has been a wonderful learning experience, which has expanded my repertoire and skills. Thank you