Deep U Retreat
An immersive and heart-opening experience designed to guide us into deeper connection with ourselves, others, and Life—drawing on cutting-edge methodologies carefully curated from diverse fields that contribute to human flourishing.
May 30-June 1, 2025
Solas Bhride Centre, Kildare, Ireland
Start your path of self-discovery
Every human being has a unique potential, as well as the right (and the responsibility) to manifest it fully, flourishing at their highest level. The Deep U Retreat helps participants become more aware, release and let go of obstacles, uncover their true Essence and highest Self, and prototype ways of working and living aligned with a Greater Good. Learn from Vasco Gaspar, an internationally acclaimed speaker trained by leading experts worldwide across diverse fields that contribute to human flourishing.
A combination of proven
methodologies
In the retreat, you'll experience carefully selected practices rooted in cutting-edge awareness-based, trauma-informed, and heart-centered methodologies, developed by internationally renowned institutions, teachers, and thought leaders, all within an environment of stillness and care.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a capacity all humans beings possess, and that can be cultivated, for being aware and awake rather than operating unconsciously. Being mindful helps you come off autopilot and shift up a gear, bringing wisdom and choice to all areas of your life.
Created by Prof Otto Scharmer from MIT, it is a awareness-based framework of leadership, innovation and change for understanding current reality and exploring emerging future possibilities—as an individual and as a group. Can also be body-based through practicing Social Presencing Theater.
Presencing
A powerfully transformative model of psychotherapy that states that the mind is comprised of multiple inner parts that contain valuable qualities that our core Self knows how to heal, allowing us to become integrated and whole.
Internal Family Systems
Heartfulness
A practical, innovative and secular approach that allows us to tune into our hearts and learn to be centered in ourselves. By strengthening that connection, we cultivate an inner knowing that wisely directs and guides us to become who we’re meant to be.
Polyvagal Theory
A neuroscientific and psychological approach to regulate emotions and social connection. It focuses on simple and practical adaptive behaviors that allow us to regulate our nervous system, making us feel adapted, connected and secure.
A psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr. Gabor Maté that reveals the level of consciousness, mental climate, hidden assumptions, implicit memories and body states that run our lives and how to liberate ourselves from them.
Compassionate Inquiry
What to expect
Immersive Experience
Engage in a deep exploration through brief insights, followed by experiential activities, including individual exercises (e.g., meditation, journaling) and group dynamics.
Leading Methodologies
Learn from proven practices like Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, and IFS, integrated with timeless wisdom to enhance personal growth.
Initiation to Heartfulness
Discover Heartfulness, a practical and modern meditation approach for personal flourishing.
Practical Takeaways
Become more aware, release and let go of obstacles, uncover your true Essence and highest Self, and prototype ways of bringing your uniqueness to the world.
Serene Environment
The venue is a place of stillness and nature. You will have the opportunity to follow a meditative walk, explore the labyrinth, and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.
Resource Toolbox
Leave the retreat equipped with practical tools and resources, and after the retreat you will get a +150 pages manual with exercises, and tips for ongoing practice.
Recommendations
Some testimonials or recommendations of previous participants.
“An exceptional experience. A living model of a new, brave, open, heart centred approach to being in the world."
Leisha
"Deep U was life changing. The program’s design and facilitation brought awareness to patterns of stuckness and provided practices to move through those patterns with ease. I now feel at peace and more connected as a result of the program."
Abri
"A beautiful course, with lots of magical moments. The essence of something beyond the known wanting to unfold. I loved each practice, allowing space for self discovery and for a new depth of intelligence to reveal itself."
Eva
"Deep U has given me a safe space to heal, a unique opening, just like a seed that has started to blossom into a bud and will slowly then blossom into a flower. I am now filled with new energy, feeling safe and protected."
Nehal
Get Inspired
Watch the video from a previous edition in India
About Vasco Gaspar
Vasco Gaspar holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Coimbra and is the author of the book 'Aqui e Agora - Mindfulness,' as well as the programs 'ZBHD: 8-week mindfulness protocol,' and 'Deep U - Awareness-Based Human Flourishing.' He works globally as a facilitator and speaker in Conscious Leadership and Human Flourishing, impacting over 30,000 people worldwide. Vasco specializes in integrating contemplative practices like Mindfulness, Heartfulness, and Presencing with psychotherapeutic methods such as IFS, Polyvagal Theory, and Compassionate Inquiry. He has collaborated with organizations like SAP, Santander, and the United Nations, and has been directly trained by luminaries including Kamlesh Patel, Gabor Maté, Otto Scharmer, Arawana Hayashi, Richard Schwartz, Daniel J. Siegel, and Deb Dana. Vasco is dedicated to inspiring a more human and compassionate world.
THE FACILITATOR
Maria is a core team member of the u-school for Transformation at the Presencing Institute, working to explore ideas on how to support and scale profound societal innovation. She is also a member of the BMW Foundation Responsible Leaders Network. Learn more here.
Claire Callery
for any questions
clairecallery9@hotmail.com
The team
The organizers
Rachel Sweetman
for any questions
rsweet4@gmail.com
Schedule and logistics
The program runs daily from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Several breaks are included, and vegan and gluten free lunch will be provided.
Please bring comfortable clothing and be prepared to remove your shoes.
The program is open to newcomers and Heartfulness practitioners above 16 years old. It will be conducted in English.
Sample schedule
09:00 - 10:30 Workshop
10:30 - 11:00 BREAK
11:00 - 13:00 Workshop
13:00 - 14:30 LUNCH
14:30 - 16:00 Workshop
16:00 - 16:30 BREAK
16:30 - 18:00 Workshop and closing
Solas Bhride Centre & Hermitages
Tully Road, Kildare Town, Ireland
Solas Bhríde is a Christian Spirituality Centre which welcomes people of all faiths and of no faith.
The venue
Tuition
Although similar programs in the market typically cost around 930 €, we have intentionally set the Deep U Retreat at a more accessible price to ensure broader participation while still creating a positive impact. The ticket price is structured as follows: 450 € (Normal - individuals), 400 € (Early Bird - individuals), and 700 € (Corporate). These prices are designed to cover all essential costs, making the project sustainable while also contributing to the Heartfulness European project in support of their emerging center in Portugal.
Note: Taxes included. Cancellation policy: The amount paid minus a 20% cancellation processing fee will be refunded for all cancellations received in writing before April 30, 2025. After that date no refunds will be granted for cancellations.
What's Included
3 full days of immersive experience
Vegan and gluten free lunch, tea, and fresh fruit provided during coffee breaks
Notebook and pen
Detailed manual
Free resources for you to implement in your context
Free Heartfulness Meditation follow-up sessions
Accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. If you are interested, the Solas Bhride Centre & Hermitages offers three self-contained hermitages, available on a first-come, first-served basis. You may contact the center directly to make a booking.
The nearest town, Kildare, is just 1.4 km away and offers a variety of additional accommodation options.
Address
Solas Bhride Centre & Hermitages CLG
Tully Road
Kildare Town
Co. Kildare
Ireland R51Y281
For any questions
See you there
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions.
Click on each question to expand and read the respective answer.
IMPORTANT!
Registrations are considered only after payment is received. Deep U accommodation is included from January 26th to January 30th.