MEA + Arthur Brooks Presents:
Arthur Brooks’ The Meaning of Your Life
As seen in:
Build a life that means more.
Work through the meaning of your life alongside a small group exploring the same questions, guided by faculty trained by Arthur and his team.
You bring intention and effort to the things that matter: your work, your relationships, the person you're still becoming.
You've built a good life, and have never been one for coasting. That's why you reach for the hard books and ask the real questions. You’d rather be challenged than reassured.
By now you know happiness and meaning don't take care of themselves. They're built.
But finding the time and motivation to focus on intentionally designing a life that brings you joy can be challenging. Especially when you're so busy running the company, sitting on the board, checking in on your parents, showing up for your kids, and answering the four hundred small requests that arrive before noon. That’s the purpose of this retreat: to clear five days of everything else so you can do the work of building a life that means more.
Five deliberate days, grounded in decades of research, to find even deeper wells of happiness and meaning.
At Rising Circle Ranch in Santa Fe, you'll step away from the noise of everyday life and do the kind of deep inner work that most of us have been postponing for years.
You’ll discover how to:
It's about what comes next for someone who’s curious and driven, and wired to keep growing: a chapter that's less about achieving and more about understanding what it's all for.
This workshop
is for you if…
The method comes from Arthur Brooks, professor, social scientist, and bestselling author.
Arthur C. Brooks has spent a decade studying why so many successful people feel empty — and what it takes to change it. What came out of his research is a framework taught at Harvard and grounded in evidence, not affirmations.
But a framework you can grasp in an afternoon takes far longer to live. That's why this is a retreat and not a lecture — and why it's led by MEA facilitators Arthur personally trained, rather than by Arthur himself.
You don’t need to have read Arthur’s book, The Meaning of Your Life to attend. All you need is the recognition that something in your life has to change, and the willingness to do the work and make it happen.
Five days at Rising Circle Ranch, guided by people trained in the science.
Kari Cardinale
MEA Chief Content Officer | Longevity Industry Expert | Social Entrepreneur
Kari Cardinale brings nearly three decades of experience as a pioneer facilitator and social entrepreneur to her role at MEA.
With a rare gift for creating meaningful connections both in-person and virtually, she's mastered the art of bringing wisdom to life through community building and thoughtful conversation.
Kari's expertise in the longevity industry has led her to collaborate with hundreds of thought leaders worldwide, produce global summits on aging innovation and caregiving, and develop MEA's online programs that have served thousands across the globe.
As a former Huffington Post contributor and featured guest on Dateline NBC and PBS' This Emotional Life, Kari has contributed to the #1 Amazon bestselling anthology, Embracing Your Authentic Self.
Driven by insatiable curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning, she embodies MEA's core belief that wisdom grows through experience, reflection, and genuine connection with others.
Kari played an instrumental role in developing the curriculum for this workshop and is excited to share Arthur's Meaning of Your Life methodology.
“Completely surpassed my expectations in every possible way.”
Amy
“So many great insights… This is a special place.”
Chris + Chris
“It’s awesome… we couldn't have picked a more beautiful place to be.”
Jackie + Adam
“Amazing take-home value… just absolutely phenomenal.”
Jeff & Danielle
“This is magic… it just makes your heart and your soul sing.”
Maryanne
“It really exceeded our expectations, because it gave us really actionable stuff.”
Stephanie & David
Meaning has three parts.
Over five days, you'll work through all three:
Coherence
Why is my life unfolding the way it is? You'll trace the through-line of your own story — the one you've been too busy to make sense of.
Purpose
Where am I actually going? You'll get clear on why you are moving in your current direction, and how you can change course for the better.
Significance
Why does my life matter? You'll reconnect with the people and the work that make your life count — the rich soil of meaning itself.
BASED ON FRAMEWORKS IN THE BOOK
The Meaning of Your Life
If you struggle to discern life's meaning, you're not alone. Millions today describe a growing sense of emptiness, a lack of purpose and significance. And there's a reason: Rapid cultural, economic, and technological changes have rewired our brains, reducing their ability to perceive depth and purpose.
In The Meaning of Your Life, social scientist and happiness expert Arthur C. Brooks shows you how to push back against these changes and find the meaning you need to live a happy, fulfilling life.
Supported By the MEA Team
Todd Joseph
Todd Joseph is a facilitator, coach, and entrepreneur whose own life has been a continual practice in navigating transition. Over the years, he’s created places where transformation can happen. Sometimes those places have been coffeehouses and restaurants. Other times they’ve been men’s grou ...
View BioOur agenda at a glance
Wendesday:
Thursday:
4:00 PM: Check-in/Welcome
5:30 PM: Welcome Reception & Dinner
7:00 PM: Orientation Session
Friday:
7:00 AM: Mindful Movement
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Free Time
6:30 PM: Dinner
Saturday:
7:00 AM: Mindful Movement
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Free Time
6:30 PM: Dinner
Sunday:
7:00 AM: Mindful Movement
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Free Time
6:30 PM: Dinner
Monday:
7:00 AM: Mindful Movement
8:30 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Classroom Time
1:15 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Free Time
3:00 PM: Classroom Time
5:30 PM: Graduation
6:30 PM: Celebration Dinner
Tuesday:
7:00 AM: Breakfast
10:00 AM: Checkout/Departure
*Please note all times are estimates and not all “classroom activities” take place in the actual classroom. This agenda is meant to give you an idea of the general flow of activities.
Step into transformation in the high desert
Rising Circle Ranch | Santa Fe, USA.
Our spectacular Santa Fe campus is located on an upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historic Santa Fe, an artisan’s mecca.
PLUS: Gourmet from-scratch meals, snacks, and drinks featuring locally sourced ingredients, made by our in-house chefs
Explore the ranch
on horseback
Our Rising Circle Ranch spans 2,600 acres of New Mexico high desert, offering guided horseback riding for all experience levels through diverse terrains under the vast Southwest sky
You’ll experience highlights like:
Horseback riding is an optional add-on activity you can book once you arrive on the ranch. Whether you’re seasoned or brand new to horseback adventures, this guided experience lets you discover the ranch’s natural wonders alongside our gentle horses.
Your workshop also includes:
Leave with an understanding of the science and a plan to build deeper meaning in your life
Come find out what your life has been building toward – alongside a small cohort of other curious strivers and seekers exploring the same questions.
Book your spot today
Arthur Brooks’ The Meaning of Your Life
MEA is for anyone who wants to live with greater purpose and gratitude.I’ve banished the anxiety of being a cancer victim
I experienced MEA as a newly diagnosed multiple myeloma cancer patient, and as a result of the things I've learned - I've banished the anxiety of being a cancer victim, am in remission, and living with a newfound energy and purpose.
Eternally grateful for everyone and everything MEA!!.
Just know how grateful I am for the joy fuel you all put in my rocket ship. When I want to feel loved or just need a good smile I can think of my time at MEA, which came at the perfect time to encourage me on my journey. Thank you!
What a gift MEA is---the whole experience so awash in love. .
What a joy to be now a part of my phenomenal cohort. What a privilege to now be an MEA Alum. All of these are now woven into my daily life---just like my morning cup of black coffee! Or as sweet as my afternoon piece of dark chocolate. I'm so glad I said yes! I'm so glad I invested---in MEA in this season in my precious life!
Finding yourself - this is what happens.
Among a group of other souls who are also finding themselves. The experience has given me the ability - and capacity - to allow myself to see further, feel more and understand more completely - in very real ways.
Absolutely life changing! .
I have been sober for 36 years and have been looking for something to bring me to the next level. I believe I have found my tribe here. Everything about MEA resonates with me completely. It is lovely to have a community of like-hearted people and I am truly excited to see where this adventure leads me.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Arthur Brooks be at my retreat?
No, this workshop is led by MEA faculty Arthur has personally trained in his curriculum and methodology – people he has trusted to deliver this work with the same depth and rigor.
Do I need to have read Arthur’s book, The Meaning of Your Life first?
No. The retreat stands entirely on its own. That said, if the book spoke to you, this is where you start to live it.
I'm not really a "retreat person." Is this for me?
Neither are most of the people who come. This isn’t about crystals or journaling in a yurt. It’s structured, research-based work in a small group – demanding in the best sense. If you’re skeptical of the retreat format but know something needs to change, you’re exactly who this was designed for.
I've done therapy and other personal development programs. How is this different?
This isn’t therapy, and it isn’t another self-improvement program. It’s a structured framework for understanding meaning – why it’s missing, what it’s made of, and how to build it back into your actual life. You won’t leave with insights alone. You’ll leave with specific commitments you’ve made to yourself, spoken aloud in community.
Can't I just read the book?
Arthur wrote it and he’ll be the first to tell you: ideas are necessary but insufficient to achieve lasting transformation. You can understand the framework in an afternoon. Living your way into it requires time away from your routine, and doing the work in the company of other like-minded people in a setting that makes the deeper questions unavoidable.
I don't have five days to step away from my life.
You’ve been too busy to think about this for years. That’s precisely the problem this retreat is designed to address. Five days is not the obstacle – it’s the point.
What's included in the price?
All programming, three chef-prepared meals daily plus snacks and drinks, and lodging at Rising Circle Ranch in your choice of shared or private room. Travel to Santa Fe is not included.
What's the difference between a shared and private room?
Both options include full access to all programming and amenities. Private rooms offer single-occupancy for those who prefer more personal space and solitude during their time at the ranch.
How large are the groups?
This retreat is intentionally kept small – limited to 20–30 people – to support the depth of work involved. The size allows for genuine connection with your cohort and the kind of honest, unguarded conversation that this work requires.
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
Lucas Erie
Leslie Bartlett