Mythologist and bestselling author Michael Meade presents…

Decode Your Mythology, Shape Your Future

Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2025 in Santa Fe, USA
Led by: Michael Meade, Chip Conley, Sarah Byrden

Financial aid is available. Apply Here.

Feeling Lost? Learn to Read the Map of Your Life and Discover Your Path to Fulfillment.

What if every challenge, every crossroad, every moment of transformation you’ve ever experienced holds the key to your purpose?

Your toughest struggles aren't meaningless barriers to your happiness. They’re proof that your life story is part of an ancient pattern, just waiting to be discovered.

It's time to decode the signs and step into your true path.

Join legendary mythologist Michael Meade in Santa Fe's magical high desert for a deep-dive exploration of your personal mythology – and illuminate the way forward to the life you’ve always dreamed of.

Through ancient wisdom and transformative practices, you'll uncover how your birth story, challenges, and untapped gifts form a journey waiting to be revealed.

You'll leave with the wisdom to decode life's sacred patterns, the power to transform challenges into guides, and the clarity to walk your authentic path.

Your story is calling. Answer it here.

Join legendary mythologist Michael Meade in this transformative workshop that will show you how to decode the mythic wisdom beneath your life's turning points, unleash your authentic genius, and transform struggles into strengths.

What you’ll gain

With Michael Meade’s wisdom and MEA’s intimate approach, you’ll gain real tools, clear direction, and a kindhearted community that has your back:

  • Learn how your birth story carries hidden keys to your destiny, stirring to life whenever change beckons and challenges appear.
  • Find a true sense of purpose by letting go of who you thought you were and what you were supposed to do.
  • Trust the wisdom of timing by using ancient stories and deep intuition to cut through doubt and step boldly into action at the right time.
  • Recognize how your calling speaks to the sacred gifts within you, awakening dormant talents as your true path unfolds.
  • Use a mythic lens to refocus your current challenges with timeless archetypes that show how your struggles have shaped your journey.
  • Find your true path – Leave with a plan to bring your vision to life, along with strategies to overcome obstacles along the way.

This goes much deeper than motivation – it's your story's turning point. You'll have your authentic path illuminated, your energy ignited, and a community of fellow travelers to continue supporting you.

Meet your faculty

Michael Meade

Author of The Genius Myth and Awakening the Soul

Mythologist | Master Storyteller | Guide to the Soul

For decades, mythologist Michael Meade has revealed the hidden wisdom in ancient myths, proving that these timeless stories hold the keys to navigating modern life. 

Often compared to Joseph Campbell, Meade delves into ancient stories to reveal their relevance to modern life, blending mythology, psychology, and philosophy to help people navigate personal and cultural challenges.

► Bestselling Author: The Genius Myth and Awakening the Soul show how mythic imagination unlocks purpose and potential.

► Renowned Speaker: His electrifying talks and Living Myth podcast inspire deep self-discovery and connection.

► Cultural Visionary: Founder of the Mosaic Multicultural Foundation, he helps at-risk youth, veterans, and those in transition find healing through story.

► Myth & Meaning Guide: His work reveals how ancient tales hold modern wisdom, helping us find clarity, courage, and a deeper sense of belonging.

In this immersive workshop, Michael will lead you on a journey through myth and meaning, helping you uncover new insights, embrace your inner genius, and step into a more authentic life.

Chip Conley

MEA Co-Founder and Author of Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age

A three-time TED speaker on the big stage, Chip Conley is one of the world's leading experts at the intersection of business innovation, psychology and spirituality.

As one of the creators of the boutique hotel movement and the "modern elder" to the young Airbnb founders, Chip's been a disruptor and expert on entrepreneurship and business leadership. He’s a globally-recognized thought leader on the future of work and the competitive advantages of a multi-generational workplace.

Inspired by his experience of intergenerational mentoring as a “modern elder” at Airbnb – where his guidance was instrumental to the company’s extraordinary success – Chip founded MEA and has since dedicated his midlife years to reframing the concept of aging and helping people navigate midlife with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.

This workshop is for you if...

You sense there's a deeper story within and you're ready to uncover the threads linking your past, present, and future

You're facing change and want to find meaning in life's transitions – whether career, relationship, or what's next.

You love stories – not just telling them, but uncovering their impact – this workshop will feel like coming home.

You're ready to uncover the deeper patterns in your life and discover how its twists and turns shape your true path.

You’ve wondered what your life story reveals, explore the power of myth, meaning, and self-discovery.

If you’re ready for a new perspective, join this transformative experience and uncover the wisdom in your story.

Meet your MEA facilitators

Our trailblazing guides share hidden wonders across our 2,600-acre sanctuary, leading you from sunrise mountain hikes to secret Sangre de Cristo overlooks for unforgettable moments.

Sarah Byrden

Experience Facilitator

 
Sarah Byrden has been an experiential educator, wilderness guide, storyteller and writer for over 25 years.
 
Her life is an unfolding love affair with the poetics of land, story, body, movement, nature and word. She is the founder of The Elemental Self, an ecosystem of soul-centered work.
 
She lives in Santa Fe and has called the Tewa lands of Northern New Mexico home for most of her adult life.
 
 
 
 

Do this powerful work on our beautiful regenerative ranch in Santa Fe

Santa Fe, USA

Rising Circle Ranch

An upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and spanning nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, with ancient petroglyphs, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historic Santa Fe, an artisan’s mecca.

  • Big-sky desert country
  • Breathtaking nature
  • Interaction with horses and donkeys
  • Evenings around the campfire
  • Star-gazing

Step Into Your True Story with Michael Meade

Unlock the mythic wisdom within you. In this transformative workshop, explore how your life’s challenges, callings, and transitions are part of a deeper, soul-written story. Discover how embracing your personal mythology reveals purpose, awakens inner genius, and brings meaning to both your life and the world.

People come for the workshops,
but they stay for the community

This is truly MEA’s “secret sauce” and something you can only experience in person: the powerful connections you will make, not only with your fellow participants and the incredible MEA faculty, but also the deeper sense of connection you will feel to your own inner self and the natural world around you.

Research into aging shows that your relationships play a HUGE role in your health and wellbeing later in life. At MEA, you will make deep and lasting connections and become part of a larger community that will make your life richer and more meaningful.

Many of our alumni cohorts have stayed in close touch for years after their workshop and we have a growing number of local alumni chapters all over the world. It’s a joy for us to see them continuing to offer each other community, friendship, and support as they create thriving midlives for themselves. So if you have been feeling at all disconnected or isolated on your journey, we would love to have you join us!

Have we mentioned the food?

The MEA experience is designed in part by Chip Conley, a world-renowned boutique hotelier, which means the food is amazing.

All of the ingredients are locally sourced, organic, and made from scratch in our kitchens by hand-picked chefs. The delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners will leave you feeling nourished inside and out – not to mention the blended drinks made with fresh fruit and other top-shelf ingredients. 


Each retreat center has multiple kitchens that always have snacks and beverages available. At MEA, we believe that thriving is delicious!

Your Workshop Includes

  • 5 days and nights of lodging at our boutique luxury retreat center in Baja or Santa Fe with all of your meals, snacks, drinks and other amenities included
  • Daily sessions and experiential activities to help you connect with your inner self, envision your desired experience, and release what no longer serves you
  • Meditation covering a range of practices to soothe your nervous system and help you cultivate greater mindfulness and presence in the moment.
  • Movement to get the energy flowing and build your strength and agility as you chart your course forward to the life you want to live.
  • Incredible bonding experiences with the most amazing humans you’ll ever meet.
  • Three delicious, chef-prepared meals plus snacks throughout the day prepared from scratch with the freshest local ingredients.
  • Festive gatherings to cultivate connection and celebrate the joy and beauty of life.

Tuition starts at $4,000

Ready to start your journey?

Decode Your Mythology, Shape Your Future

Sep 1 - Sep 6, 2025 in Santa Fe, USA
Led by: Michael Meade, Chip Conley, Sarah Byrden

Step into your next chapter with confidence and ease, knowing that every detail of your experience is being taken care of by our world-class faculty and hospitality team.

Starting at

$4,000 per person

Financial aid is available. Apply Here.

Still deciding or have questions?
Connect with our helpful team of Advisors

Our Advisors are all MEA alumni who can offer genuine insights into our programs. They’re passionate about helping you finding the right fit to make your next chapter the best one.

Daniel Booz

Dana Anton

Lucas Erie