Embark on a
Journey of Self-Care
& Personal
Spiritual Renewal
From thoughtful workshops to
soul-centered dialogue, each day builds toward deeper connection—with self and others.
2026 Program Details
Created by faith leaders for faith leaders, The Sacred Pause offers a space for wisdom-sharing across traditions.
Each cohort is limited to 30 participants from geographically, ethnically, and spiritually diverse communities.
Participants each bring 10+ years of experience in ministry, spiritual guidance, chaplaincy, or faith-based nonprofit leadership.
An interfaith Advisory Committee selects each cohort to ensure balance, diversity, and a shared commitment to renewal and connection.
Summer 2026 Dates
Choose one of the two 5-day retreats offered:t:
June 22 - June 27, 2026
August 10-August 15, 2026
Retreat location:
MEA is the world’s first midlife wisdom school, located outside Santa Fe, New Mexico.
— Deluxe rooms with private baths & desert views
— Gourmet farm-to-table meals provided for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
— Rated by Time Magazine as one of world’s top greatest places to visit.
Participant Cost:
— Option 1: $1500 / single occupancy
— Option 2: $900 / double occupancy
— Option 3: $300 / double occupancy with scholarship (limited scholarships are available)
*The all-inclusive program costs include workshop facilitation, guided hikes, three daily gourmet meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), accommodation, and shared ground transport from/to airport.
*Air transportation is not included.
The Sacred Pause is made possible by donors committed to supporting faith leaders.
Facilitated by Proven Leadership in Midlife Renewal
Chip Conley is the lead facilitator for the Sacred Pause in collaboration with other MEA facilitators.
Chip Conley
Founder of MEA &
Best-Selling Author
Chip Conley is on a midlife mission. After disrupting the hospitality industry twice, first as the founder of Joie de Vivre Hospitality, the second-largest operator of boutique hotels in the U.S., and then as Airbnb’s Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy, leading a worldwide revolution in travel, Chip co-founded MEA in January 2018.
Watch Chip’s TedTalk:
The “midlife chrysalis”- an alternative to the "midlife crisis."
Bestselling author Chip Conley, featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, and Forbes.