David Deida-Inspired Embodied Men’s Work Retreat Near the Bay Area
Access Your Deepest Purpose
Have you ever felt a pull toward deeper intimacy, unwavering purpose, and a more authentic expression of your masculinity? If so, the Not Done Yet men’s retreat offers exactly that. Hosted at Spirit Camp from January 16–20, 2025, this immersive program takes a cue from David Deida—renowned for his teachings on spiritual intimacy, masculine-feminine dynamics, and embodied living. Designed as a Men’s intimacy and purpose retreat, these four nights and five days will invite you to explore the depths of your heart, mind, and body in a supportive brotherhood circle nestled within the towering redwoods of Northern California.
Men in their 20s through their 60s—CEOs, entrepreneurs, fathers, creatives, anyone craving a West Coast men’s embodiment experience—are welcomed to step into a container of deep presence, emotional intelligence, and mutual accountability. Over the course of this retreat, you’ll refine your leadership style, expand your relational capacity, and learn practical ways to integrate Deida-style men’s workshop teachings into everyday life.
The Foundations of David Deida: Polarity, Purpose, and Presence
Modern men often compartmentalize their lives, separating work from personal relationships, or sacrificing heart-led intimacy to chase career goals. David Deida challenges these splits by insisting on spiritual integration—where your drive to succeed and your capacity for love fuse into a single, embodied expression. His frameworks revolve around several core principles:
Polarity: Recognizing the magnetic interplay between masculine and feminine energies, whether in intimate partnerships, creative projects, or spiritual practice.
Purpose: Anchoring your life’s mission in something bigger than personal gain—an offering of your best gifts to the world.
Presence: Cultivating the ability to remain anchored in your body and soul, even amidst discomfort, conflict, or uncertainty.
When men begin to embody these principles, they find themselves living with greater vibrancy and influence, not through force or manipulation, but through alignment with deeper truth. A Deida-style men’s workshop aims to awaken that alignment, ensuring you can bring your whole self—both head and heart—to every sphere of your life. If you’d like to delve deeper into Deida’s body of work. Learn more.
Why a Men’s Intimacy and Purpose Retreat Now?
Our modern world seldom encourages men to cultivate emotional intelligence or spiritual awareness. Yet within many of us lies a silent yearning for a more integrated, soul-driven existence. By weaving Deida’s ideas of polarity and presence into a communal men’s circle, the Not Done Yet program offers a structured path for experiencing—and sustaining—life-altering shifts.
Men’s emotional intelligence immersion is more than a buzzword. It’s an opportunity to:
Confront and heal unresolved emotional patterns that sabotage relationships.
Explore a fuller range of expression, from tender vulnerability to assertive strength.
Learn practical techniques to lead from a place of calm, clear intention rather than reactivity.
This journey also acknowledges how critical brotherhood is for men’s growth. While self-help books or videos can spark interest, there’s no substitute for real-time feedback, accountability, and camaraderie in a shared physical space. The Brotherly support circle you’ll encounter at Spirit Camp may become a lifelong resource for reflection, challenge, and mutual uplift.
Photo of Deer Haven, one of the our many unique cabin spaces. This cabin has three beds. Cabins have between 1 to 8 beds each and provide several different sleeping arrangements for David Deida. All cabin spaces are included in Men’s intimacy and purpose retreat.
Photo of Group Glamping Tents Setup in Sunset Meadow. We have 10 Glamping Structures that can be added with 1to 3 beds each. This can increase bed capacity of campus to 50 guests across 20 unique accommodation spaces.
About the Facilitator: Travis Streb
Travis Streb is a coach for men who sense there’s more to life than earning, performing, or “staying comfortable.” His own path included a stint in executive coaching, where he witnessed how knowledge alone failed to catalyze deep-rooted transformation. Determined to crack the code of genuine change, he immersed himself in embodied leadership modalities, shadow work, and relational techniques that echo the teachings of Deida and John Wineland.
Travis combines pragmatic coaching strategies with embodied movement, breathwork, and group facilitation. His sessions are both energizing and confrontational, helping men identify hidden blind spots while discovering new edges of possibility. Above all, he believes in implementing tangible shifts—ensuring that insights gleaned during this Northern California men’s event don’t vanish once you return home.
The Retreat Experience at Spirit Camp
Located in Mendocino County, Spirit Camp merges the rustic allure of a summer camp with refined amenities for a truly transformative stay. Once a youth camp, the property has evolved into a holistic gathering space infused with Redwood vitality, open-hearted community, and the mindful touch of its owners.
Daily Flow: Sunrise to Sunset
Sunrise Embodiment
Each morning begins with gentle movement or breath-focused practices that open the body and anchor your awareness. You might step onto a yoga mat in the Redwood Lodge as sunlight streams through skylights or gather in the Magic Meadow for a grounding circle.Men’s Circle on Presence & Purpose
Late mornings and afternoons center on guided discussions and experiential exercises. These sessions might dig into your current life mission, probe any lingering doubts around your relationships, or prompt you to practice partner-based activities that highlight polarity. Expect raw honesty, collective support, and a chance to practice emotional expression in real time.
Afternoon Reflection
Between group gatherings, you’ll have pockets of free time to stroll through the private trails, journal beneath Redwood canopies, or rest in your cabin. This rhythmic balance of activity and rest ensures steady integration of fresh insights without mental overload.Evening Group Integration
As twilight settles, the day’s lessons culminate in group shares or fireside dialogues. The Redwood hush creates a sacred container for vulnerability, while the echoing forest hush allows your reflections to resonate more deeply. Some evenings may feature dance, breathwork intensives, or personal coaching sessions with Travis, further consolidating your emotional and spiritual breakthroughs.
Throughout it all, you’ll be nourished by plant-forward meals that marry local, organic ingredients with a flair for creativity. Eating together fosters community bonding, turning each mealtime into a relaxed extension of the Brotherly support circle.
Near the Bay Area: A Convenient Escape with Profound Impact
Located only about three hours from San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley, this retreat offers easy access for those seeking a restorative break without the hassle of long-distance travel. Driving through picturesque roads—past Sonoma County vineyards and shady Redwood groves—prepares you mentally and emotionally for the “journey within.” You can even plan extra days before or after the retreat to indulge in local attractions.
Nestled close to the ocean, Spirit Camp also provides ample opportunities for nature exploration—coastal cliffs, hidden beaches, and the charming town of Mendocino are all within a short drive. This synergy between Redwood forest and ocean breeze underscores the essence of a West Coast men’s embodiment experience: you’re grounded by towering trees one moment and swept away by the ocean’s majesty the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Is this retreat exclusively for men familiar with David Deida’s work?”
No, the retreat is open to any man drawn to deepening his presence, clarity, and relational skill. While it’s David Deida-inspired, newcomers and longtime practitioners alike will find value. The facilitator, Travis, weaves Deida’s teachings into accessible exercises suitable for beginners and advanced students.“How intimate or personal are these practices?”
You’ll be invited to explore personal stories, emotional blocks, and relational dynamics, but you choose how much to share. The container is carefully held, encouraging vulnerability without forcing anyone beyond their capacity. Most participants discover that the depth of their sharing correlates directly with the breakthroughs they experience.“Does the retreat cover accommodations, or do I book separately?”
Retreat pricing typically includes lodging and meals, though the exact structure varies. You can choose between private cabins, bunkhouses, or (in warmer months) glamping tents. Check with the event organizer for specific booking details.
Additional Local Activities
Hot Springs Near Mendocino
After the intensive, consider treating yourself to a day of relaxation at nearby hot springs (such as Orr Hot Springs, if you don’t mind a scenic drive). Steeping in warm, mineral-rich water can soothe tired muscles and further integrate the emotional releases from your men’s emotional intelligence immersion.
Visit Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens
Home to dazzling flora that thrives in the region’s temperate climate, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offer a tranquil break from the day-to-day rush. Stroll among blooming rhododendrons, coastal succulents, and forested trails overlooking the Pacific. Observing the harmony of natural elements in the gardens can inspire insights into your own internal symphony of body and soul.
Extend Your Stay
The Redwood forest synergy often leaves men yearning for more time to process. If you have flexibility in your schedule, consider adding an extra night or two at a local inn or Airbnb. Stroll the cliffside paths, savor a cup of locally roasted coffee in downtown Mendocino, or journal by the coast—simple yet potent activities that ground your retreat experiences into lasting memory.
A Final Invitation
A David Deida-inspired Not Done Yet retreat isn’t about memorizing tips or adopting rigid rules. It’s an invitation to radically inhabit your masculine essence—balancing head and heart, drive and tenderness, purpose and play. Over four immersive nights near the Bay Area, you’ll engage in a Deida-style men’s workshop designed to help you embody your highest potential, forge authentic brotherhood bonds, and emerge with a clearer sense of who you are and what you stand for.
If you feel that inner nudge, that stirring in your chest signaling you’re ready for deeper intimacy, unwavering clarity, and an expanded capacity to lead and love, then now is the time. Learn more about the Not Done Yet men’s retreat here and reserve your spot among men dedicated to living life at full depth. For additional soul-nourishing options, see all similar themed retreats at Spirit Camp—where Redwood forests, ocean breezes, and heartfelt community converge to spark real transformation.
TOPICS:
David Deida, Men’s intimacy and purpose retreat, Deida-style men’s workshop, West Coast men’s embodiment experience, Northern California men’s event, Men’s emotional intelligence immersion, Brotherly support circle, Mendocino County, Not Done Yet, Redwood hush.
