• You come to this planet with gifts to share and enjoy.

    But the noise of the world—and the narratives in our own heads—often make it impossible to hear the signal.

    At this retreat, we’ll combine the interior work of Contemplative Spirituality & The Enneagram with the exterior work of Aptitude Science & Career Design. The point isn't to shape you into something new. It's to help you find the shape you were already given—so you can finally fit into your own life.

  • "Made..."

    You are made...

    How great is this?! You didn't make yourself. There's so much relief here. It means you can relax a bit. You come 'plugged in' to a Higher Power and are part of a vast tapestry of intelligence and creativity that's beyond your own (this is oh, so easy to forget).

  • "To Be..."

    ...is a double meaning.

    In one sense, it’s your Identity: You are already and forever beloved in the eyes of the Creator. Unchangeable. Fixed. Safe.

    In another sense, it’s your Action: You were made to be something in the world. To be active. A force. A gift.

  • Join Us

    For three days in the coastal sanctuary of Inverness, CA, as we connect your inner design with your outer impact.

    All-Inclusive Rates range from $799—$1600 depending on lodging preference. To check pricing and claim your spot...

  • Is This Retreat For Me?

    You might be the perfect fit for this cohort if:

    1

    You feel "successful" but misaligned. You’ve climbed a ladder, but you’re not sure it’s leaning against the right wall. You’re competent, but you don't quite feel alive.

    2

    You’re tired of "earning" your existence. You feel a constant, low-level pressure to perform, please, or prove your worth to the culture around you.

    3

    You want a plan, not just a feeling. You don’t just want a "spiritual high." You want to walk away with a concrete understanding of your aptitudes and a plan for how to use them.

    4

    You’re ready to leave behind your "False Self." You’re willing to look at the shadow side of your personality (with compassion) to clear the way for your true vocation.

  • The Flow of the Retreat

    We'll work from the inside-out...

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  • A "Thin Place" in the Forest on the Sea

    To hear your calling, it helps to leave your familiar geography. We’ll gather at St. Columba’s Retreat House in Inverness, CA, a sanctuary nestled in the heart of the Pt. Reyes National Forest.

    In the Celtic spiritual tradition, there’s a concept known as a "thin place"—a location where the veil between heaven and earth is porous, and the presence of the Divine feels almost touchable. St. Columba’s is one of these places.

    Over these four days, you’ll have ample time to wander the grounds and explore the seascape. We want you to feel the ground beneath your feet so you can find your footing within your soul.

  • The Table

    Deep work requires deep sustenance. We’re incredibly lucky to have Jeanne Whited serving as our private chef for the retreat.

    Jeanne is a retired executive chef who founded The Drifters Table in Loyalton, CA, which quickly became one of the Sierra Valley’s premiere dining destinations. Her cooking is an act of love, designed to comfort and restore you. We’ll gather at her table to laugh, share stories, and simply enjoy the gift of good food and good company.

  • Meet Your Guides

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    Jonas Ellison | The Interior Guide

    Spiritual Cartographer & Lutheran Priest Jonas spent twenty years in the unscripted space outside the church as a seeker before finding his home in ancient liturgy and contemplative spirituality. He specializes in the "Square One" identity: the truth that you are a beloved child of God before you produce a single thing. At the retreat, Jonas leads the contemplative rituals and "thin place" experiences, helping you silence the noise of the culture so you can hear the signal of your own soul. Jonas lives in Aptos, CA with his wife (see below) and daughter.

    -> Learn more about Jonas here. <-

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    Alex Ellison | The Exterior Guide

    Founder, Throughline Guidance & Co-Author, 'Your Hidden Genius' Alex is an evangelist of aptitudes. After a decade of helping students find their path, she now helps professionals navigate the complex waters of mid-career pivots. She co-authored Your Hidden Genius (Harper Collins) to prove that you don't need to change who you are to find success; you need to uncover who you were designed to be. Alex will lead the aptitude and vocational strategy sessions, using data-backed science to translate your inner gifts into outward service.

    -> Learn more about Alex here. <-

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    Keith Heller | The Bridge

    Enneagram Coach & Spiritual Director Keith brings a rare blend of corporate executive experience and nondual spirituality. As a certified Enneagram coach (trained in the Narrative Tradition), Keith acts as the bridge between your inner identity and your outer vocation. He will guide you through the "shadow side" of your personality—not to shame it, but to help you stop coping and start living.

    -> Learn more about Keith here. <-

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    Enrollment includes a free copy of the 'Your Hidden Genius' book and assessment

    "Adults of all ages want work that aligns with their potential, purpose, and preferences. Amazingly, Your Hidden Genius — and the accompanying assessment — can tell you what that work is.

    I wish I had this revealing and empowering book when I was starting my career."

    —Meg Jay, PhD, author of The Defining Decade

  • Enrollment Includes...

    • Lodging
    • All meals by Chef Jeanne Whited
    • Enneagram Assessment
    • 'Your Hidden Genius' Book (which includes a complimentary YouScience Assessment)
    • All sessions.

  • Come See What You're 'Made' Of (and For)...

    June 14–17, 2026

    St. Columba's Retreat House

    Inverness, CA

    All-Inclusive Rates range from $799—$1600 depending on lodging preference. To check pricing and claim your spot...

  • Contact Us

    Questions? Please reach out...

    12835 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Inverness, CA 94937
    jonas.ellison@gmail.com
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