Those experiences shaped me, taught me that growth often comes not from comfort, but from the radical generosity of listening to those whose journeys look nothing like ours. At MEA, this belief is stitched into our DNA: the most profound learning happens at the crossroads of difference. This is part of the reason we are committed to boosting our representation of black faculty since most personal growth retreat centers around the world are woefully shy of having proportional representation of black attendees in their workshops.
I’m excited that Karen Walrond is joining us soon after her new book “In Defense of Dabbling” is coming out. You may have caught her on my podcast and I loved teaching with her in Santa Fe last year. She’s brilliant and a buddy of Brené Brown. Her workshop will focus on the upside of aging as well as how to rejoice in becoming a beginner.
Ricky Williams was the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner who shocked the sports world when he walked away from millions at his career peak. Behind his success were the pressures of being a rebel in the NFL, mental health struggles, and a growing sense that his true calling lay elsewhere. That complete transformation – from celebrated athlete to master astrologer – was so profound he changed his name to Errick Miron in 2022. Ricky/Errick will join me in a workshop about how we evolve our identity and you’ll experience the magic of his new calling.
I’ve now taught twice with Dr. Tererai Trent, the Zimbabwean educator, and she’s a lovely firecracker, especially when she teaches with author Elizabeth Gilbert. She is distinguished as Oprah Winfrey’s “All-Time Favorite Guest” and is a scholar, humanitarian, motivational speaker, author, and founder of Tererai Trent International. Her “Awakening Magic” MEA workshop always sells out months in advance.
And, finally, I’ve gotten to know Ray Jetson over the past decade because we served on a Board together. His new book, “Aging While Black,” is a revelation. He has spent over four decades bridging faith, policy, and community leadership to address aging, equity, and purpose. A former Louisiana state legislator, senior pastor, and CEO of a statewide health and human services organization, he brings both lived experience and institutional knowledge to this work. For those who’ve experienced (or were curious about) our two previous Black Modern Elder workshops, this one is for you and is scheduled over a weekend.
Karen Walrond: Join the Radiant Rebellion & Reclaim Aging November 4-9 Santa Fe (from $4,000)
Ricky Williams (now known as Erick Miron): Evolving Identity: Learning How to Let Go February 8-12 Santa Fe (from $3,300)
Dr. Tererai Trent (and Elizabeth Gilbert): Awakening Magic February 9-14 Baja (from $5,000)
Ray Jetson: Aging While Black: Leaving Fingerprints on Eternity March 19-22 Santa Fe (from $2,600)
Hope you’re able to experience one of these workshops.
-Chip