The retreat opened in me a state of tremendous gratitude for life, for the subtle noticing of things, and for being in such an extraordinary group of people that Darrell, always, without fail, manages to lead into rare and beautiful depths of consideration!

Eli Buren, Teacher & craftsman

No one I know, and I've been doing courses and groups for 27 years, has the same intent of heart, integrity and self-respect that Darrell does. And he lives it. He does not back down from supporting you to live truthfully and authentically no matter what. That is sheer passion in its purest form.

Mirko Pansera, Coach

What I think is that you and your work are a miracle on earth. How stunning is it that no one teaches it?!

Herzl Tobey, Actor

I realized this weekend [seminar] I was afraid to believe what I have always known to be True. Thank you for helping me hear the Harmony and the courage to truly smile. I will always honor the memory and you in the same spirit you celebrate Nature with your every breath.

Jeff Eshbaugh, Student

Honestly the seminar was one of the greatest true experiences I have had in my life. To be able to get to the core of what matters by using music, martial arts, and other techniques was awesome. I am a changed human being.

Gary Mello, Construction Management

Where to begin when describing work with Darrell? With gratitude. He can add midwifery to his list of considerable talents–natural gifts bestowed upon him but offered to us through his sheer determination. 'Why not try building something beautiful out of yourself?' He begs me to ask the question, then gives me the most important tool: The power of devotion. He offers the possibility of experiencing intrinsic wholeness and warrior spirit in safety and spaciousness, to bear witness to the dance, joyful and humbled, that each of us has the possibility–no, the responsibility–to take our place within. Each encounter with Darrell is a tour de force as he offers a glimpse into that huge imagination that gave birth to us all.

Rebecca Carpenter, Artist-Teacher

Working with Darrell has been a breakthrough experience in terms of my purpose in life. This constant and tender accompaniment to my creative process showed me a way of knowing myself and observing others better, listening to voices that reach beyond the pettiness of the trivial, accomplishing my humble contribution in an honest, responsible and faithful way. I gained the power of decision and fulfillment. Of researching into my values and honoring them. And fascinating connections between my needs, my hopes, my consciousness and my generosity; an overwhelming sense of gratitude and joy that has enriched my life as a mother, a friend, a writer and a member of the human race.

Aurora Lopez, Writer

In the long and tedious battle towards that which I perceive as ‘my destiny’ I have met many advisors, mentors, teachers, masters, inventors and salesmen. Over time some of them have affected me and even left me with a few supplies. Darrell Calkins is the only person I’ve met who has replenished and inspired my mind, body and spirit. Darrell dazzles me time and time again with his wisdom and ability to open up a window to the reality of the world I live in. At the same time he has supplied me with a toolbox to deal with what I've seen. Darrell is a sensitive, balanced man blessed with the brilliance that can take you on the ride of a lifetime…and a step closer to ‘your destiny’.

Shahar Sorek, Actor

I just want to thank you again for a magical weekend. I really didn't have an agenda in mind for the seminar […] but this was way beyond anything I could have anticipated. 'Magical' is the only word that comes close to describing it for me. You are not obscure, nor are you getting more obscure. The world, though, for me, is truly becoming more and more obscure as the years go on. You are a beacon of clarity that keeps me going.

David Palmer, Writer-Researcher

It is hard to express what really happened. For sure it is overwhelming... As Darrell said during this last retreat, we have been reminded of who we are and what life can be. Oh, man, I didn't expect it to be so big! The retreat has been truly SPECTACULAR, more than I can say. I saw the other side of the moon: I had the impression to be allowed to watch in detail how you make such an event possible. I think of the beauty and precision of the inside of those Swiss watches. It is so complex yet so precise. I was extremely impressed by the work of the team: everyone was acting with great urgency, precision and a lot of care, but what struck me most was the intensity of the devotion, dedication, endurance... I have the impression that my life is just starting, that a whole new world is opening in front of me. My deepest respect and gratitude to you all.

Raphaël Radoux-Rogier, Musician-Composer

Thank you for a wonderful, fun and very grounding retreat. I'm deeply grateful to have taken part in this. Your work always astonishes and almost paralyzes me, to grasp the depth behind it! Impossible and yet it's there. How absolutely surprising and then again completely natural, calming and reassuring.

Pia Engmann, Sculptress

The retreat was f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s, deep, refined, dangerous. It was the week of my life. Nothing short of miraculous.

Claire Savage, Writer

Trying to write a testimonial about Darrell Calkins' work is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. The depth and beauty of what he does simply don't lend themselves to easy description (which is, in and of itself, one of the most potent testimonials I could offer). Imagine having all of your comfort zones yanked out from beneath you all at once—but that makes it sound so painful. Imagine being nurtured at the hands of someone who sees you in all your naked truth, and senses immediately how to lead you to a deeper experience of yourself than you've ever known before—but that makes it sound so New Age. So try this: imagine such ruthlessness coupled to such compassionate insight. Work that paradox and you'll have a sense of Darrell. Hunger for it and you'll be ready to dive in.

Kevin Krieger, Playwright

Darrell sets the bar a notch above reality, goes there himself, and by doing so brings participants with him to create an experience that one's entire being is immersed in. The retreats are layered in complexity, from the most practical ideas to direct personal insights to the illumination of mystery and what lies beyond. There really is no adequate verbal expression that one could give to convey the experience. Fasten your seat belt and get ready for a wild ride.

John Guaspari, Vice President, Brokerage Firm

Darrell's thought-provoking revelations are a joy for me, and I am constantly desirous of observing his thought processes. I recognize his mind and talents are giant-sized.

Ted Richardson, Exploration Geologist

It is a thrill to watch Darrell in action. He is an impeccable example of what he calls being "a good animal." Watching him move is indeed like watching an animal in the wild, with an economy, precision and power of movement all calibrated perfectly to the present need of expression. The physical work that I have learned from Darrell has had an invaluable effect on all areas of my work and my personal life. I am consistently more centered, calm, focused, and alert in all situations. My mind is much sharper, and I have more energy. I feel much more attuned to everything around me, and the door to my creativity and a certain magic is more readily accessible.

Karen Strassmann, Actress

Darrell's seminars and retreats are what we didn't learn in school, can't learn from books, and won't overhear at cafes. Still can't figure out what you've been missing? This is it.

John D. Mitchell, Chief Technology Officer

I experienced a lot of emotions: fear, frustration, anger, but also joy, pleasure and astonishment. Darrell, thank you, thank you, thank you to have created the opportunity for me. The joy and fun it gave me are not only a memory that I will cherish forever, but an extraordinary experience.

Agnès Michot, Journalist

For more than 35 years I've been teaching and studying yoga and other forms of movement. I have not in that time seen or been taught a more creative and effective range of movements and exercises that have so immediate and lasting impact as those of Darrell Calkins. Nor have I met anyone with more expertise at this than Darrell.

Sam Levy, Yoga and Exercise Teacher

I hesitate to define Darrell's work, because it is not a system, a set of rules, pearls of wisdom, or any of the other class of things that people have come to expect from workshops and seminars. All I know is that after working with Darrell I see more clearly. It hasn't made life any easier, but that, oddly, is what makes it all more compelling.

Carter Brooks, Climate Change Specialist

It was an honour to be part of something as high end and life altering as I find the retreats and seminars to be. Darrell, I want to thank you for providing an arena where all these magical things happen, and where people like me get to rise above our simple existence.

Jim Walsh, Engineer

The retreat—what a vivacious memory. Darrell's work acts like a video camera that zooms in infinitively inside and outside of people. Everything wakes up, gets larger, deeper, becomes inspiration, joy, fascination, organically, intellectually and emotionally. This work wakes up the authentic part of life, this inspired and creative breath, the very essence of our being.

Isabelle Byloos, Voice Coach

I come back with a richness of extraordinary experiences. I am simply astounded by the power and the depth of Darrell's work, which helps me to find a sense of enchantment/magic in my daily life. It provides me with a new freedom.

Christian Demeuré-Vallée, Public Relations

It was a powerful, world-changing event in itself. I continue to think of how strong and amazing everyone was, every one. What a rare treat to work and play with endless greatness.

Grace Agustin, Student

I now wear a custom-made tool belt. On it are tools—and toys—for how to live. But in working with Darrell, he didn't just hand me over his tools, instead he suggested where I might find materials to build my own and generously gave me opportunities to learn how to work them. That's because he doesn't want me to become like him, he wants me to be me.

Sharon Mann, Actress

... Darrell's work is carefully calibrated to the specifics of the audience, taking into account their humanity and capacity, with the carefully placed philosophical resonances finessed through the students' discoveries to become not ideas but knowledge, like an arrow shot, as though someone were to ask, 'But what is rain?' and have instantly a thundercloud burst above their heads...

Ethan Dunn, Writer

When is the last time you were filled with profound appreciation, enjoyed a sense of pure wonder, or grasped something significant with piercing clarity? Darrell's seminars and retreats offer these treasures, the opportunity to rediscover, refine and heal ourselves, our families, and our planet, to become the persons we can and would like to be. Experiencing this work is like taking a magical mystery tour to forgotten places of the mind and body. Darrell's unique and fascinating conversations and exercises dealing with intellectual, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being remain present and useful in our lives long after the life-altering, truly exceptional event is over. After such an experience, you will never look at anything in the same way again, ever.

Judith Jecmen, Entertainment Lawyer