ANATOMY OF TRAUMA
A weekend immersion
with Kali Basman
october 16-18, 2026
Held at the sacred sanctuary of True Nature in the heart of the Roaring Fork Valley, this two-day immersion is an invitation to enter the subtle interior, where Yin Yoga, Internal Family Systems, and contemplative practice converge.
We will work gently and precisely with the nervous system, supporting the body in releasing long-held patterns of bracing, guarding, and dissociation. Through guided parts work, somatic inquiry, and restorative stillness, we learn to meet the inner landscape without forcing it to change.
Drawing from Buddhist psychology, Internal Family Systems, the meridian theory of Chinese Medicine, Yin Yoga and the physiology of connective tissue, we will explore how emotion, memory, and identity are stored within the body — and how they can be respected, befriended, and integrated.
We do not carry trauma as a story alone.
We carry it as tension in the jaw, as pressure in the diaphragm, as a holding pattern through the spine.
This immersion explores how experience becomes structure in the body and how the body, when approached with precision and patience, becomes the doorway to integration.
Together, we will listen for the self that lives beneath the survival strategies.
INVESTMENT: $375
This work unfolds at the meeting point of three intelligences:
the anatomical body, where stress organizes into fascia, breath, and posture
the inner landscape of parts, where protective strategies shape perception and behavior
and awareness itself, which has the capacity to witness, relate, and soften what has been held
Through Yin Yoga, parts work, and Buddhist methods of contemplative inquiry, we begin to sense how these layers are not separate, but braided.
“To speak of sorrow
works upon it
moves it from its
crouched place barring
the way to and from the soul’s hall.”
ELEMENTS OF THE PRACTICE
Buddhist Methods of Mindfulness & Meditation
Yin & Restorative Yoga
Neurophysiology / Neuroplasticity
Mapping the Subtle Body
Navigating the Nervous System
Traditional Chinese Medicine & Organ Health
Internal Family Systems
ITINERARY:
FriDAY, OCTOBER 16
5:30Pm - 7:30pm
Entering Retreat: Where Buddhism meets Neuroscience
Cultivation of Hara: Island of Safety
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
9:30am - 11:30Am
Anatomy of Survival: Insula, Amygdala, Vagus Nerve
Internal Family Systems: Awareness of Multiplicity & Self-Energy
1Pm - 3pm
Vagus Nerve Yin Practice, Inquiry, Visualization & Meditation
SUNday, OCTOBER 18
9:30am - 11:30am
Anatomy of Trauma: Somatic Memory of Trauma, Shock & Trauma
Internal Family Systems: Heart Protectors & Compassion Practice intermingled with Yin Poses
Suggested Reading: though not required, we encourage you to choose one of the following to read in preparation for our time together
The Wild Edge of Sorrow, Francis Weller
The Trauma of Everyday Life, Mark Epstein
MEET YOUR HOST
KALI BASMAN
Internationally celebrated Dharma teacher of teachers, Kali Basman, intermingles Buddhist Psychology & Internal Family Systems Therapy into the living discipline of Yin Yoga
Kali’s work intermingles the outer constructs of anatomy & Traditional Chinese Medicine with the inner methods of mind training and trauma healing. She is a certified Internal Family Systems coach, holds an MPH in Environmental Public Health and serves as a Project Director for the United Nations Association Global Health Initiative on the Africa Affairs Committee. She has been working with the UN as a Global Health consultant for a decade.
We invite you to learn more about Kali Basman here
Check out free dharma talks / teachings from Kali here
Join us for a transformative weekend!
Spaces for this enriching experience are limited to ensure an intimate, powerful experience for each participant.
INVESTMENT PATHWAYS
$375
Joining us from out of town?
Refunds are available within 24-hours of purchase, otherwise, there are no refunds available.
Food and lodging not included in any of the packages. There is a wonderful Gourmet Cafe on-campus, and some great local dining options just down the block.
If you have any questions, you may contact Megan Miller, Director of Education and Programming at megan@connectionisthemedicine.com
This programming is brought to you through the Connection is the Medicine Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicated to co-creating opportunities for people to connect – with self, community, and the natural world – so they can discover meaning, purpose, and happiness in service of our shared consciousness. We envision a world where connection is embodied as a core value that nurtures wholeness within and between us all.
If you would like to connect directly with retreat facilitator Kali Basman, you may reach her at kali.basman@gmail.com
Self-care and holistic wellness are at the center of True Nature’s spa services. We offer luxurious treatments meant to soothe, revitalize, and support introspection.
Please explore our nourishing offerings and book online to reserve a treatment during the weekend!
Food and lodging are not included with these tickets. There is an incredible Gourmet Cafe on campus, open everyday 9 AM - 4 PM!
Please refer to the travel and lodging recommendations below—Carbondale and the surrounding areas offer a wide range of wonderful accommodation options.
We highly recommend exploring our other regularly scheduled yoga program offerings in preparation for the weekend intensive.
We have an incredible crew of highly skilled yoga instructors, and a variety of nourishing classes to add to enrich your practice!
