Reframing the Human Experience
“The future enters into us, in order to transform itself in us, long before it happens“
Rainer Maria Rilke
Complexity is expanding, interconnections are multiplying, social systems are morphing, and technology is accelerating.
Are the tools and methods touted through futures thinking propelling us into a new world of equity, empathy, and generative consciousness?
Is foresight enough?
Fortunately, an even deeper and more holistic perspective around foresight is emerging as practitioners and researchers are pulling from domains such as systems thinking; complexity, ecological, and anticipatory sciences; and pattern identification to amplify our global foresight capabilities. As a discipline, foresight is transcending risk management, opportunity development and alternative visions of the future. A new view is arising that embraces the biological, regenerative, and progressive nature of foresight. A beautiful, unfolding reality depends on an awareness and transformation of futures thinking. Is it possible to cultivate foresight as a collective capability – a “mental technology” of care, empathy and love – that transforms our broken systems to become more human, more planetary, and more restorative?
We at The Futures School answer with a resounding YES.
Our endeavor will take on the evolution of foresight through intimate, diverse conversations.
Transformations of Natural Foresight is not a traditional training, and will be unlike any other TFS offering.
There will be no slides or formal exercises, but instead the experience will evolve organically from the contributions of the diverse foresight professionals who attend.
The lush and tranquil setting will provide a safe space to imagine, to be vulnerable, and to learn, unlearn, and relearn.
Planned group excursions and meditation opportunities will balance genuine fun and connection with incredible personal metamorphosis.
A central theme in our Transformations of Natural Foresight Retreat will be the concept of Holopticism, and how this concept relates to our view of foresight and futures thinking.
Transformations of Natural Foresight will explore the framework beyond its practical applications– towards the cultivation of foresight as a collective, cooperative and co-creative trait. We hope to promote an internal, personal transformation in each of us, as well as an evolution of the field.
One of the most unique aspects of Transformations will be the intimate discussion and dialogue fostered throughout the retreat.
This is a selection of the topics we are curating for our time together:
This all-inclusive, immersive experience will be hosted by the world-renowned TFS team.
Here are the important details:
Location: Bell Valley Retreat at the Toll House in Boonville, CA
Program Fees: Cost is per person and inclusive of airport transfer (optional), lodging, meals, and experiences. All-inclusive, tiered pricing honors individual budgetary constraints and reflects the following lodging options:
Group Size: 20 guests max
COVID Requirements: We will require that each guest have proof of vaccination by the first installment on May 15.
“Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places to play and pray, where nature heals and gives strength to body and soul alike.”
John Muir
Reservations are on a first come, first serve basis.
You may confirm your participation by paying a non-refundable $500 USD deposit by April 29th (with additional installments due on May 15 and July 15).
Reserve your participation here:
We will have exclusive access to all property amenities including hiking trails, hot tub, fire circle, and swimming pond.
Bell Valley, home to the historic Toll House of Boonville, is secluded in the elevated hills east of Anderson Valley. Its
original human inhabitants were of the Pomo tribes who lived off the bounty of the land and maintained the healthy
balance of the ecosystem. When Anderson Valley was settled by Europeans during the gold rush era, Bell Valley’s
stewards grew hops, kept sheep, and provided lodging and staples for early settlers in the area.
Jon and Karin, the husband & wife who currently steward the land, pieced back together these 650 acres of open meadows, oak woodlands, and fir forests with the vision of creating a purposeful place for retreats. Since 2008, in addition to crafting creative and comfortable accommodations & meeting spaces, they worked with their team to develop over 5
miles of trails to traverse the pristine land, expand and upkeep a luscious swimming pond, and maintain picturesque
and peaceful gardens. Together with naturalist and permaculture experts, they drafted and enacted a wilderness
management plan aimed to keep the whole valley and protected watershed thriving. Bell Valley Retreat at the Toll House is a center for restoration—for people and land. By gathering in nature, we
believe that people can access the sensitivity, courage and vision necessary to live in alignment with the earth and
amplify positive social change. We offer Bell Valley as a place to listen, open, connect, and be guided by the wisdom
inherent in the earth’s living systems.
On September 26th, please arrive between 2 pm and 4 pm.
We will provide all meals while you are on property including light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner.
We will NOT provide alcoholic beverages.
When submitting your deposit, you will choose an accommodation package:
$2,950 – Indoor Lodging (AC) / Shared Common Spaces / Restrooms May Be Shared
$2,450 – Glamping Tent or Cabin provided (No AC) / Outdoor Bathhouse
All tents have electricity, wifi, lanterns, blankets, mattress heating pads for each bed, and a fan. Guests are encouraged to turn on the heater,
fan and/or mattress heating pad in the late afternoon/early evening to make the tent warm and cozy for bedtime. Please turn everything off during the day when away from the tents. There is a shower/bathhouse at the top of the Knoll near the Yurt. Towels are provided in your tent, robes are at the bathhouse for you, and the walkway to the bathhouse is dimly lit at night.
Based on your selection, our team will place individuals in the respective accommodations.
If there is a desire for roommate matching to save on expenses, we can assist and offer a deduction on per person pricing. This arrangement will depend on availability and on another person willing to share accommodations.
If a spouse is interested in attending, they must complete the registration process and participate in the full experience. A small discount would be provided to each person’s program fee.
We will require that each guest has proof of vaccination by the first installment on May 15.You are considered fully vaccinated:
If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT considered fully vaccinated. A booster dose is not needed to meet this requirement.
We have been following CDC guidelines regarding masking and social distancing recommendations. As of Feb 25th, the CDC no longer states that indoor masking is necessary with low to medium COVID-19 risk in most parts of USA. Thus, at this time, we will not require that masks be worn during our retreat. This is subject to change for indoor activities.
We encourage all participants to take the precautions that make them most comfortable.
A non-refundable deposit of $500 USD is due on or before April 29th.
Installment one is due May 15th and installment two is due July 15th. These installment amounts will depend on the lodging type selected.
If you would like to pay in full, please contact us directly.
Reservation transfers will not be accepted.
You may not defer your program fee to a future program.
Cancellations made six weeks before the start of a program will receive a refund less 25% of your purchased program fee (post-non-refundable deposit);
Cancellations made five weeks before the start of a program will receive a refund less 50% of your purchased program fee (post-non-refundable deposit);
Cancellations made four weeks before the start of a program will receive a refund less 75% of your program fee (post-non-refundable deposit). Beginning two weeks before the start of a program, all reservations are non-refundable.
We suggest you consider investing in travel insurance, in case an extenuating event prevents you from attending.
Yes, you can pay for the full tuition in full.
We will provide a shuttle at 1 pm from SFO to Bell Valley on September 26th at 1 pm. The shuttle will also depart Bell Valley on September 29th at 11 am in route to SFO. During the second installment, we will ask for your flight details.
