Natalie reflects on the Fill Your Cup Retreat, a gathering of Groundswell facilitator graduates at the Yoga Farm in Costa Rica, hosted by alumna Susan Wood. Rather than a typical training, this was a space where everyone was both student and teacher to share new ideas, try new curriculum, and simple be held. Inspired by Machu Picchu as an ancient gathering place for healers, the retreat became a living reminder of what Groundswell believes in most: communities rooted in reciprocity, with each other and with the earth.

Community Partner Spotlight Series: One Sea Wellness

One Sea Wellness is a trauma-informed, water-based healing project rooted in both the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and the river communities of Gunnison, Colorado. Founded by PJ, whose own healing journey led her to surf therapy, the program supports women, youth, and survivors in reconnecting with their bodies through water, movement, and community. Whether in ocean waves or flowing rivers, One Sea Wellness creates spaces where healing is grounded in belonging rather than performance. For PJ, water is medicine—and her vision is to expand access so more people can find safety, strength, and connection through it.

Community Partner Spotlight Series: Groundswell Peru | Mujeres y Mar

Mujeres y Mar is a women-centered surf therapy project based in Huanchaco, on Peru’s northern coast. Founded by Patty after her own healing journey with the ocean, the program invites women to experience the sea as a place of transformation and belonging. Mujeres y Mar is growing a powerful sisterhood, normalizing conversations about mental health, and deepening care for the ocean. For Patty, the sea is resilience, balance, and transformation—and she dreams of expanding this work so more women in Peru can rise with the waves.