Over the course of our lifetime, our identity evolves, and this may be more so for those in the LGBTQ+ community, as we’re continually coming out in new ways beyond our gender or sexual orientation: spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Join us on this explorative journey of belonging, self-discovery, and the soulful expression of who we are.
“Aging while queer” is a topic not widely discussed within the gay community. While it offers a different experience than hetero-normative culture, there’s quite a bit of upside if you’re conscious and intentional about your aging journey. This workshop will focus on mentoring, reclaiming one’s spiritual heritage (given our location in Santa Fe, we will explore the history of the “two-spirit” people through Wolf Martinez), uniting our diverse voices under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, becoming a political force, and consciously curating a “we-tirement” life that involves aging with chosen family.
The MEA core curriculum forms the foundation of each workshop we offer and is focused on equipping you with the skills to navigate transitions, break through life obstacles, and tap into your deeper life purpose.
Additionally, in this particular workshop, our expert faculty will take you on an interactive and life-changing journey that will empower you to:
MEA's team is composed of growth-minded individuals who are passionately dedicated to providing the mindset and tools to support our collective mission to discover purpose, grow wiser, and gracefully transition through the many stages of midlife. We are rooted in our commitment to community and guided by the belief that wisdom is shared, not taught.
Angela Kade Goepferd, MD, (they/them) is the Chief Education Officer and founder/medical director of the Gender Health Program at Children's Minnesota. Dr. Goepferd is a leader in the LGBTQ community who is driving equitable care for LGBTQ youth, particularly transgender and gender diverse youth, and is a sought-after speaker on these topics.
Christian de la Huerta is a personal transformation coach, spiritual teacher, TEDx speaker, and award-winning author of Coming Out Spiritually and Awakening the Soul of Power, described by music icon Gloria Estefan as “a balm for the soul.”
Wolf Martinez is a Two Spirited Native American Ceremonial Leader, facilitates retreats, and healing sessions nationally, and internationally. He is a personal guide, teacher of Indigenous perspectives on relationships and life ways. He brings the ancient wisdom of gender roles, being human, and our Original Instructions.
Chip Conley is a hospitality entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, and the founder and CEO of MEA. His two most recent books, Wisdom@Work: The Making of a Modern Elder and Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age, are the foundation for MEA’s curriculum.
All of MEA’s workshops are designed to support you to consciously curate the second half of your adult life. Our curriculum offers three paths through MEA content:
All workshops provide a comprehensive set of tools to use right away, a deep connection with a new community, and a 5-star hospitality experience to allow you to recharge and get ready for what’s next. You will learn:
Shift your mindset as we provide you with:
Themed in-person workshops are grounded in research based upon collaboration with academics and prestigious institutions like Stanford, UC Berkeley, Harvard, and Yale. Guest faculty weeks feature a chance to experience a deeper dive into their unique content paired with our MEA experiences.
Learning at all stages of life is the glue that drives us to purpose, community, and our evolving wellbeing. Make a commitment to staying healthier, continuing to grow, having an open mindset, and giving back to the world. Instead of “lifelong learning”, we believe “long life learning,” creates a life that is as deep and meaningful as it is long.
Discover the perfect blend of nature and luxury amenities at MEA's new Rising Circle Ranch, situated 25 minutes south of downtown. This marks our inaugural U.S. campus and is the first American “midlife wisdom school." Spanning a vast and exclusive 4-square-mile expanse, this secluded haven provides a remote yet conveniently reachable escape in the culturally vibrant Santa Fe region.
To help you plan your trip please arrive by 4PM on the start date of your workshop and depart anytime on the last date.
The cuisine of northern New Mexico is renowned for its unique blend of Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences, resulting in dishes that feature bold flavors and a rich cultural tapestry. All meals, beverages and alcohol are included in the cost of the workshop.
We know that our entire society is made stronger when everyone has the opportunity to learn, participate, and grow, regardless of economic status. To support diverse learning we are committed to having a portion of our workshop participants receive an award. We offer two levels of financial aid on a need-aware basis.
Participants are responsible for $3,000 tuition (50% of full workshop tuition) and their travel costs. We will announce gold-level awards within 5 days of application submission. You will be placed on an upgrade waitlist for a private room – exceptions for specific medical or personal conditions may be considered.
Participants are responsible for only $500 tuition (only 8% of full workshop tuition) and their travel costs. We will announce platinum-level awards no more than 5 weeks before the requested workshop start date. Applicants requesting financial aid will be in a shared room with another participant.
Given how much demand we have for this most generous form of financial aid, a small percentage of those who apply are able to be accepted.
