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Deep U Retreat

A journey to self-discovery, healing, and beauty, guided by cutting-edge methodologies inspired by the insights of the world’s leading experts in human flourishing.

Start a journey
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 is an immersive experience rooted in Heartfulness meditation and integrated with contemporary approaches such as Theory U, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic practices. It helps participants become more aware, release and let go of obstacles, uncover their true Essence and highest Self, reconnect with their inner being, pause to listen to what wants to emerge through them, and ascend with greater clarity about their authentic purpose and next steps. Guided by Vasco Gaspar, an internationally acclaimed speaker trained by leading experts in human flourishing, participants will join a safe space full of beauty, presence, and transformative depth.

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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 human 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 an 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

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What to expect

Immersive Experience

Engage in a deep exploration through brief insights, followed by ​experiential activities, including individual ​exercises (e.g., meditation, journaling), ​group dynamics and moments of beauty.

Leading Methodologies

Learn from proven practices like Mindfulness, Polyvagal Theory, Somatic Practices and IFS, integrated with timeless wisdom to enhance personal growth.

Safe Space

Every Deep U happens in a carefully chosen place. And within it, the facilitation team builds a container of trust and warmth where something real can open.

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.

Resource Toolbox

Leave the retreat equipped with practical tools and resources, and after the retreat you will get a 150+ pages digital manual with exercises, and tips for ongoing practice.

Recommendations

Some testimonials or recommendations of previous participants.

"Deep U has given me more awareness of the many ways in which i am not being authentic, and the courage to accept and embrace these parts more and to slowly start addressing imbalances in my life. I feel a sense of something new awakening within, new inspiration, a renewed joy of being. I can highly recommend the Deep U experience."

Claire

“I cannot express in words what the Deep you retreat has done for me. It is the most profound retreat on self development I've ever attended. I highly recommend the Deep U to anyone who is at a crossroads in life or who would just like to develop themselves further. Just do it! You wont regret it!"

Norah

"The journey from beginning to end flowed gracefully. I came away with a sense of soothing in my system and hope for humanity in my heart. I am still amazed by the energy. I feel it alighted a sense of awe in me - a sense of surprise that such generosity is available."

Shirley

"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

"The Deep U retreat has created a warm, expansive light space within me. Being with Vasco, Maria and the group reminded me that change is possible and that love supports our healing, growth and expansion."

Catherine

Get Inspired

Watch the video from a previous edition

About Vasco Gaspar

Vasco Gaspar has worked with over 30,000 people across 25+ countries—from startup founders navigating uncertainty to leaders at organizations like SAP, Santander, and the United Nations, as well as individuals and communities—helping them find clarity in complexity, presence under pressure, and the courage to move forward authentically.

His work creates the conditions for deeper wisdom to emerge: the intelligence of the body, the knowing of the heart, and the intuition that arises when we slow down enough to listen.

Through immersive retreats, contemplative sessions, and individual deep dives, Vasco weaves together awareness practices (Mindfulness, Presencing, Heartfulness), trauma-informed methods (IFS, Compassionate Inquiry), and somatic and artistic approaches (Social Presencing Theater, movement, poetry).

Trained with pioneers such as Gabor Maté, Otto Scharmer, Richard Schwartz, Kamlesh D. Patel, and Arawana Hayashi, he holds a Psychology degree from the University of Coimbra and serves as faculty at both the Presencing Institute and Heartfulness Institute.

At the heart of his work is Awareness-Based Human Flourishing—a way of facilitating that honors human complexity while guiding people toward their essential, healing simplicity.

THE FACILITATOR

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

Sacred Grounds

Every Deep U happens in a carefully chosen place — somewhere the land itself holds the work. We seek out spaces that carry stillness, beauty, and a quality of presence that supports deep inner listening. Whether nestled in nature, rooted in contemplative tradition, or quietly set apart from the noise of everyday life, each venue is a co-facilitator: it shapes the field before a single word is spoken. From Kanha Shanti Vanam in India to the wild Atlantic edge of Galway, from the warmth of Lisbon to wherever the next edition takes root, the place is always part of the experience.