This past week was one of the busiest—and most meaningful—I’ve had since moving to the retreat center in Topanga. After weeks of coordination and preparation, we welcomed Vivobarefoot to the property for a three-day team conference and distributor gathering. More than just a logistics-heavy event, it was a glimpse into the kind of aligned, values-driven collaboration I’ve been envisioning for a long time.
From Film Crews to Footwear Conferences
The week started early. Literally. At 7 a.m. Monday morning, before Vivo’s conference even began, a full film crew arrived to shoot an episode for Chris Hemsworth’s upcoming adventure series—an episode sponsored by Vivobarefoot and filmed in part here on the land. They focused on some of the property’s health-oriented features like the hot and cold contrast therapy setup. Meanwhile, I was overseeing the final cleanup from the previous weekend’s retreat and helping the grounds crew flip the entire space to prepare for 50 incoming guests.
The transition was fast, intense, and (thankfully) smooth. By the time the first dinner rolled around and the initial exhibit was staged, everything was in place.
Crafting a Wellness Experience
While Vivo brought their own plans for runway shows and footwear exhibitions, I was invited to curate a couple of the midweek wellness offerings.
I coordinated a craftsman workshop with a local leathermaker—Topanga Creek Outpost—who rolled onto the property in a converted firetruck and helped guests create personalized leather goods: belts, wallets, keychains. It was hands-on, earthy, and connected.
But for me, the highlight was leading two sessions that merged movement and mindfulness: a sunrise hike and a guided mindfulness walk with meditation.
The Morning Hike
At 7 a.m. Wednesday morning, a group of Vivo attendees met me at the top of the driveway. We walked up the winding canyon roads until we reached a ridge overlooking the valley. Mist clung to the hills, softening the morning light. Many of the attendees were from different parts of the world, and it felt good to connect through breath and movement. I wore my new Vivo hiking shoes—generously gifted to me as a perk for working on site during the event—and felt every step more intentionally because of it.
We paused at the top for photos and a few deep breaths. Just that—breath, presence, landscape—was the practice.
The Mindfulness Walk + Guided Meditation
Later that day, I led a smaller group through the retreat grounds on a walking meditation. We visited the bee palettes, sampled fresh honey, and observed the wisdom of creatures who make sweetness one drop at a time. At the chicken coop, I shared how routine and simplicity can also be part of the practice. In the orchards, we sampled apricots, apples, and oranges, and paused under the trees. During one portion of the walk, I encouraged everyone to proceed by walking for a couple minutes in silence.
At the first perch, I guided a sensory mindfulness exercise. We named what we could see, hear, feel, and smell. I call it the “4-3-2-1” sensory awareness exercise. We placed our awareness both on the landscape and ourselves—bridging the inner and outer.
At the second perch, we sat for a longer meditation together. I led them through a practice that began with open awareness, moved toward focus on the breath, and concluded in stillness. Nature held the space. The birds became our mantra.
A Dream Alignment
Facilitating meditation and mindfulness for a global brand like Vivobarefoot—right here on this land I help steward—felt deeply affirming. I’ve often dreamed of working more directly with outdoor companies who understand that wellness starts not just in the body but in our relationship with the earth. Vivo walks that talk. And to guide their team through breath, presence, and embodied awareness felt like a powerful moment of alignment.