Conscious Communication: Retreat Level 1 with Roy Jacob

“When a person realizes they have been deeply heard, their eyes moisten. I think in some real sense, they are weeping for joy. It is as though they were saying, “Thank God, somebody heard me. Someone knows what it’s like to be me.”
― Carl R. Rogers (pronouns modified)

This retreat aims to empower you with tools of self-awareness as well as the practice of being more authentic, in ways that can be heard by others. We will learn the empathy languages that give a variety of means of hearing out others as well as ourselves. We will practice slowing down in heated moments, so that we can have more flexibility with our thoughts and more choice with our actions. This allows conflicts to be alchemized into deeper understanding, connection, and positive change. It also allows us to take a stand, set boundaries or assert ourselves instead of shrinking. This work can be transformative for your life, relationships, and work in the world.

Conscious Communication is rooted in the ancient Indian values of ahimsa (nonviolence) and anekāntavāda (not-one-sidedness), and brings together modern lenses of inner parts, trauma, power and privilege, systems and more. It is inspired by Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC), yet goes beyond it in important ways. It gives many more choices for empathy as well as assertiveness, and gives more emphasis on the energy we carry and not just the words we use. It shares with NVC the vision of creating a world that works for all.
For more about Conscious Communication, see: https://consciouscommunicationacademy.com/ or send an email to: connect@consciouscommunicationacademy.com

About the retreat:
This 6-day retreat will begin at 9:00 am on Saturday, May 9th and end at 5:00 pm on Thursday, May 14th, 2026.
Participation in the full schedule is requested in order to maintain the integrity of the group process.

More emphasis will be put on practice than on theory; activities will include exercises with a partner, in small groups, and in the large group.

The language of the retreat will be in English; however, you are welcome to speak in other languages during exercises.

Tentative Schedule:
9 am – 10:30 am: Session 1
10:30 am – 11 am: Break
11 am – 12:30 pm: Session 2
12:30 pm – 3 pm Lunch Break, Self-Care
3 pm – 4:30 pm: Session 3
4:30 pm – 5 pm: Break
5 pm – 6:30 pm: Session 4
6:30 pm onwards: Dinner Break
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Optional Participant-Led Activities

Who is this retreat for?
This workshop is open to anyone above the age of 18 years. We welcome diversity and aim to be an inclusive space.

Registration
While this retreat is offered by dana/donation and accommodation and food are as per actuals, a contribution of INR 200 is requested to cover the material costs.

About the facilitator
Roy Jacob (he/him) is a facilitator, trainer, and conflict mediator. He is the founder of the Conscious Communication Academy. He grew up in the U.S. and worked as a software engineer before finding his true calling 20+ years ago and coming to Kerala, where his family is from. In India he does permaculture on a farm and works with various non-profit organizations, companies, and individuals looking for transformation. He also facilitates workshops and retreats including Yes! Jams, Authentic Relating Games, and other programs especially for young adults. He believes in the transformative power of ‘slowing down’.

Testimonials from Previous Retreats:
“This workshop gave me 6-7 years’ worth of personal development in 5 days. Roy and his team are incredible at what they do and for anyone looking to become better at just being more conscious of themselves and learn to communicate better, I’d strongly recommend it.” – Prem Shankar

“This is WAY beyond communication. My mind is blown. Learning about my inner self, the part of me I didn’t know existed, which influences my whole experience of life, my relationships with others and with myself. How powerful words, language, and empathy are. How I now believe any relationship can be repaired. These 5 days have permanently changed my life. ” – Seema Gupta

“If everyone knew this toolkit, there wouldn’t be wars and violence in the world.” – Shivangi Jindal

“Doing the Conscious Communication course at Deer Park has been a blessing in disguise and a super pleasant surprise. I didn’t know the amount of self-work that could be done in an intensive course like this. The best thing that stood out for me were the exercises that were designed around the theory. And how powerful they were. Ever so grateful,” – Palak Chaudhary

“Attending the Conscious Communication workshop was a turning point for me.
I realized that true connection begins not with perfect words, but with honest presence.
Through simple yet powerful practices, I learned how to express my truth with kindness, listen with my whole heart, and create spaces where even difficult conversations feel safe.
If you’re longing for deeper, more real relationships — with yourself and others — this is not just a workshop, it’s a gift to your life.” – Mrinal Gautam

Please note- “attendance in all sessions is mandatory.”
For queries, registration & accommodation, please email: info@deerpark.in

Date

May 09 - 14 2026

Location

Deer Park Institute, Bir
Deer Park Institute