Embark on a soul-stirring journey of rest, reconnection, and regeneration at our Racial Healing and Equity Practitioners Retreat, nestled amidst the enchanting beauty of Riviera Maya's fertile jungle at the Lunita Jungle Hotel in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, from October 11th to October 14th, 2024.

Crafted as an intimate gathering, this retreat beckons Practitioners in the areas of Racial Healing, Equity, and Restorative Justice to convene in a nurturing haven, inviting them to reconnect with themselves and their communal roots while drawing upon the wisdom passed down through generations. Over four immersive days, we invite you to join us in an emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and cultural experience, weaving together community-building activities, heartfelt dialogues, and visioning experiences in a sensory-rich environment.

Amidst the lush embrace of the jungle environment, let your senses awaken to the symphony of nature's melodies, as the vibrant foliage and fragrant blooms trigger an exquisite sensory experience in a premier retreat center. In this sacred space, we'll prioritize mindfulness and self-care practices, recognizing the paramount importance of nurturing our well-being as we engage in this pivotal work.

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner steeped in ancestral wisdom or just embarking on your journey in racial healing and equity, our retreat offers a sanctuary for connection, exploration, and transformation. Join us as we commune, celebrate communal joy, and empower each other to radiate positive change in our communities and beyond.

  Participants will leave with:

• Deepened self-awareness and connection to ancestral wisdom.
• Renewed energy and inspiration to enact positive change in their personal and professional networks.
• Practical tools and strategies for advancing racial healing and equity work in their communities.

Welcome to Self Mastery Retreats International, co-created by Omar Buckner and Dr. Gerald Hassell, where we are dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. Our mission is to create transformative international retreat experiences that equip individuals with the essential tools and strategies for self-mastery.

We believe everyone has the innate ability to achieve greatness. Our carefully curated retreats are designed to provide a nurturing environment for personal growth, allowing participants to tap into their inner strengths and capabilities. Our expert facilitators guide participants through transformative workshops, coaching sessions, and immersive experiences that facilitate deep self-reflection.

Join us at Self Mastery Retreats International and embark on a life-changing journey. Together, we will pave the way for personal transformation and help you reach new heights of Self-Mastery.

Omar Buckner (He/Him/We)

Omar seamlessly integrates his extensive experience and skills into creating transformative experiences. With over three decades of expertise in youth, organization, and community development, Omar is not only a masterful trainer and coalition builder but also a dedicated advocate for fostering connections and empowerment within marginalized communities.

His deep belief in the transformative power of the circle process is evident in his portfolio, which includes designing, developing, and facilitating Community Building, Racial Healing, Recovery, and Solidarity Circles. Omar's passion for building bridges between communities is reflected in his work, during the past three years, he has immersed himself in the vibrant cultures of Black and Indigenous communities across Latin America and the Caribbean.

As a co-creator of two international virtual circle series, Omar leveraged his expertise to enhance the capabilities of Black and Brown communities worldwide. With his wealth of experience and heartfelt commitment, Omar brings a unique blend of skills and dedication to his role as a Retreat Host, ensuring that every participant experiences profound growth and connection during their journey.

Jose Rico (He/Him/El)

Rico has worked as an educator, community organizer and philanthropist to ensure the human needs of our most vulnerable are met and our collective human dignity is practiced. Born in Jeruco, México, located in the p’urhepecha mountains of Michoacan, Rico immigrated to Chicago as a child, where his father worked on the railroad and his mother was a homemaker. He is blessed to be partnered with Cecily and together they co-parent their 5 children Tizoc, Vanessa, Amaya, Diego and Mia.

Rico’s personal healing journey began when his abuela transitioned in Mexico City and he could not attend her funeral because he was undocumented. Over the years, he learned to transform pain, anger, grief and shame into a source of strength, compassion and purpose. He has practiced racial healing as a way to maintain and elevate our physical, mental and spiritual energy for himself, his relationships and with organizations, locally, nationally, and internationally.

Named after the Afro-Mexican Independence leader, José María Morelos. Puerto Morelos is a charming and authentic beach town and quaint fishing village. With warm and welcoming locals, Puerto Morelos offers off-the-radar beach destinations that are just as beautiful as the more extensive resort town beaches.

Puerto Morelos remains an undiscovered hidden gem only 30 minutes north of Playa del Carmen and 15 minutes South of the Cancun Airport. This lesser-known fishing village is praised for its beautiful beach and coral reef. You’ll love the casual coastal feel of Puerto Morelos.

Puerto Morelos is widely considered a safe town like most of the Yucatan Peninsula. Most visitors to this chill beach town say they feel safe at any time of the day or night.

Born from a vision to create a harmonious space that resonates with the rhythms of nature, Lunita is more than just a destination and it isn’t just built on the land, it’s crafted with heart, soul, and a commitment to creating a space that fosters a deep connection with Pachamama, the nurturing spirit of Mother Earth. 

Their core values are rooted in the profound respect for the natural world, offering a tranquil escape that stands in serene contrast to the clamor of city life.

At Lunita, they believe in the power of nature to restore and rejuvenate the spirit, providing an intimate backdrop for retreats that inspire and celebrate love in its purest form.

Each experience at Lunita is infused with the essence of local culture, honoring the vibrant heritage and the people who have nurtured this land for generations. Every moment is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection with nature and embrace the local customs that make this corner of the world uniquely enchanting.