Homo Ahimsa Rising
Whole Planet Spirituality Forum & Retreat
October 16-19, 2025
Attend in person or virtually!
“Our Tree of Life” art of diNo
This is the time. This is the place. Come to connect, collaborate and co-create a love-centered world, free of exploitation.
Where: In person at Unity Village, Missouri (near Kansas City) or virtually from your home
When: October 16-19, 2025
Are you becoming aware of your true heart which sees all life as sacred and interconnected.? Does your compassion for Life and all beings feel incongruent with the world/culture around you? Are you trying to sort out how to live as Peace and Love in the face of this incongruence? Do you want to better align your values and actions, but also minimize your own suffering? If your answer is yes to any of these, this event is for you. And the community we are building here will welcome you with open arms.
This year’s theme is Homo Ahimsa Rising. Ahimsa is the Sanskrit word for non-harm, and more broadly includes reverence and care for all life. Homo Ahimsa* is the consciousness rising within us beyond the destructive ‘wisdom’ of Homo Sapien. While Homo Sapien lives in a dominance/war paradigm, Homo Ahimsa lives in active connection, nonviolence and compassion, with no boundaries. It is a paradigm that recognizes all beings have their own purpose and no one lives for the purpose or use of another — an all-inclusive Golden Rule. Many of us feel the evolutionary call to Homo Ahimsa. We may also feel it as a return to our original nature. Either way, living as Homo Ahimsa requires an internal shift in consciousness beyond philosophical ideas and oppositional activism. We must learn to be in the world but not of it, and do our best to practice what we say we believe even in the most difficult of circumstances. We must also practice inner peace and self-love.
In our fifth year, we are once again calling all spiritually minded, planet-conscious and animal-loving people to enjoy three days (Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon) of inspiration, learning, renewal and collaboration as we co-create a world that works for all beings on the planet. Experience the sacredness of the Unity Village grounds, home of the Unity movement where co-founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore pioneered and advocated for ethical vegetarianism in the early 1900’s. Participate in the awakening of consciousness in the heart of our nation. Recognizing that we are all at different stages of our evolutionary process, we invite anyone - vegan, vegetarian or curious omnivore - who is open to sharing, learning and connecting. All lunches and dinners will be plant-based.
Check back regularly or sign up for updates. Retreat e-newsletters will go out every other week beginning March, 2025.
* This phrase was coined by author, Judy Carman, in her book, Homo Ahimsa: Who We Really Are And How We're Going to Save The World. We are grateful for Judy’s Divine idea!
***** REGISTRATION FEES ARE UNDER DEVELOPMENT - LAST YEAR THE RETREAT WAS $389 FOR EARLY REGISTRATION AND $429 LATER *****
During these three days we will engage in inquiry, learning, and play in the realms of ahimsa, awakening and co-creation. We will also enjoy fabulous plant-based meals, engage in spiritual practices, honor our animal friends and enjoy the beautiful grounds of Unity Village. Bring your heart and willingness to connect with other wonderful people who are also called to rise as Homo Ahimsa.
Everything about the retreat is on this web page! Scroll down to learn about registration, Unity Village, the hotel, the retreat schedule and more!
Programming Includes (scroll down for schedule):
Workshops on Whole Planet Spirituality, Ahimsa, Paradigm Shifts, Social Change by the Few, The Natural World and Our Place In It, and more
Keynote speaker TBD
Morning body movement class
Spiritual practices centered on self-care and inner peace
Connection/collaboration with like-hearted people
Animals and World Religions traveling exhibit by curator Dr. Lisa Kemmerer
Evening social gatherings
Meditation, labyrinth, walking trails for renewal, restoration and self-care
Ceremony to honor animals and habitats
Support in making values based lifestyle transitions to align your actions with your heart
Support of your creative process and effective action
Creative activities to support your inner journey and awaken the world
NOTE: Virtual attendance includes all daytime programming on Friday, Saturday & Sunday morning
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“It is so amazing to be in this beautiful, relaxing place with other folks on their journeys and sharing with them their journeys and my journey. The education is so absorbing and the food is quite delicious.”
“My life has done a 180! This retreat was like a shot in the arm that saved my life for me. I was dying on the vine at my empty job, desiring to align with my core values and life purpose, needing community and love, healing and joy--and I received all that and more in full measure here! My heart overflowed with gratitude and I wept for the graces God was bestowing upon me at Unity Village in this beautiful retreat. I received insight and clarity into my next steps, my strengths and true heart's desires to serve in growing compassion for all life. I left completely inspired and lifted up.”
“I have been to three of these retreats so far. Each one has been unique and full of new information and inspiration. Each time I felt like I was home with my family of dear people who care so deeply about all sacred life and about each other. I will be back.”
"Being on Unity's beautiful grounds and spending time with the most loving and authentic people I have ever met has deepened my spiritual journey and consciousness in ways I could not have predicted."
“Unity Village is the most peaceful setting for this spiritual retreat. You will find yourself surrounded by wonderfully compassionate people who care so much about all beings on our planet. You will be inspired and renewed. You’ll also make new friends who share your compassion."
“I truly benefited from all that was offered....the presenters, break out sessions with other attendees, the morning and midday prayers, the documentary, the evening cafes, and the closing ritual, and just being on the beautiful grounds of Unity Village. I feel empowered and emboldened to do my own inner work and to share this message more effectively.”
“This event was well thought-out, and had the right amount of activity, reflection, study and individual time. It provided a comfortable and welcoming environment to meet people and express oneself and their experience and have respectful and caring exchanges with the other persons attending. The speakers and activities engaged our attention throughout, even as we sat towards the back of the room. The people who came were all approachable, interesting and surprising. This is the second year that we attended and we are anxious to go again to learn, be in community and eat delicious food.”
“This retreat soothed my soul, inspired me and gave me so many things to think about and ideas, and made deep connections with some beautiful people.”
“I attended the retreat by myself not knowing anyone else and had a fantastic, enriching experience. I met new friends, made connections and had time to reflect. All my needs were met on every level. I came home revitalized and nourished mentally, physically and spiritually.”
“I went to the retreat primarily to hear the speakers who interested me. They delivered. However, it was the unexpected moments of connection during some of the group activities and evening 'games' at the cafe that provided joyful and heartfelt connections that I cherish.”
"Everything was delicious! I loved all of the vegan food served and was thankful the hotel was so accommodating too! I felt full and energized throughout the day and enjoyed the engagement in discussion during dinner time! The catering choices were brilliant."
"I definitely plan on returning next year because I made such good connections with many people, learned so much about myself and veganism through presentations and discussions, and of course, loved the amazing food!"
"I can't stop thinking about how great this retreat was. I already can't wait for next year!"
“I've been to hundreds of vegan conferences and workshops and expos and festivals over the years. I've never had one speak to my heart the way this one did.” —Victoria Moran, author, podcaster, and co-founder of Compassion Consortium
Accommodations
You can make your room reservations now for 2025. We have reserved rooms for our retreat attendees at the Unity Village Hotel and Conference Center, which is a short walk to/from the event space. The room rate is $149/night plus taxes. The direct number to make your reservation is 816-347-5537. If they do not answer, leave a message and they will call you back! When you call be sure to say you are with the “WHOLE PLANET RETREAT.” That is how you will get the discounted rate.
There are many other area hotels in close proximity. As the time for our retreat draws closer, we will facilitate people who want to find roommates.
If you live locally and would like to open a room in your home to a retreat attendee, please email me at revcarolsaunders@gmail.com.
For retreat updates:
NOTE: PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER FOR THESE UPDATES AND MOVE TO YOUR INBOX FOR FUTURE EMAIL UPDATES. I SEND OUT MONTHLY OR BI-WEEKLY EMAIL UPDATES, SO IF YOU DON’T RECEIVE THEM, THEY ARE LIKELY IN YOUR SPAM FOLDER!
Event Host
Financial and Promotional Sponsors
Last year were were grateful to two anonymous donors and the Circle of Compassion for their financial donations to this event. It makes a big difference in what we can offer during this retreat. We were also grateful to Fillmore Church, Compassion Consortium, and Vegan Spirituality for their willingness to promote our event through social media. We are open to any and all donations and acts of support for our event in 2025! Contact revcarolsaunders@gmail.com if you would like to be a 2025 sponsor.
Registration
Registration for 2025 is not yet open. Retreat pricing will be adjusted for catering and rental rate increases, but we will keep it as close as possible to last year’s. As in past years, we have three levels of registration - full experience, single day and virtual.
Full experience: The retreat fee includes all programming, three plant-based dinners (Thursday, Friday & Saturday) and three plant-based lunches (Friday, Saturday & Sunday). Accommodations and breakfast at the Fillmore Cafe are not included in the registration fee. Call the hotel (816) 347-5537 to book separately and mention your attendance at this retreat to get a reduced price. The Unity Hotel will NOT be serving a plant-based breakfast for us, but you can select vegan options from their regular hotel guest breakfast (included in your room rate) or walk across the street to the Fillmore Cafe. The registration fee for the full in person experience is $TBD through September 5. After that it increases to $TBD. Note: In 2024 the early registration fee was $389 and increased to $429.
Single day: If you can only attend for a single day, you can register for either Friday or Saturday. This registration includes all programming and lunch and dinner on that day. The single day registration is $TBD, but will go up after September 5. Note: In 2024 the single day fee was $149.
Virtual: Virtual attendance will be held via Zoom and will include all daytime speakers/workshops, spiritual practices and break out sessions from Friday morning through Sunday lunch. It will be a fully immersive experience with the opportunity to connect and engage in group work/sharing with fellow virtual attendees. The virtual registration is $109, which supports the expense of two dedicated staff people. Note: In 2024 the virtual fee was $109.
Sunday afternoon dialogue workshop: Again this year, Laura Aube will lead a communications workshop after lunch on Sunday for those who can stay.
YOU CAN ALSO PAY BY CHECK TO: THE SPIRITUAL FORUM, N5684 COUNTY ROAD F SULLIVAN, WI 53178.
PLEASE NOTE: YOU CAN CANCEL YOUR REGISTRATION WITH FULL REFUND UNTIL SEPTEMBER 16, 2025. AFTER SEPTEMBER 16, YOUR REGISTRATION FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE, BUT CAN BE APPLIED TO THE VIRTUAL OR DAILY EXPERIENCE.
About Unity Village
The Unity Village grounds are beautiful and offer many amenities. For your stay, there is a hotel and three Airbnbs on site, plus others nearby (scroll down for links to accommodations). Our room rate is $149/night plus tax. Call (816) 347-5537. Do not register online or you will miss the retreat discount.
For reflection/renewal time there are several chapels, gardens, sitting areas, walking trails and a labyrinth. Tours of the grounds will be offered on Thursday afternoon. Here are just a few photos of the Unity Village grounds and trails. The Unity Cafe, located across from the Unity Hotel, serves Starbucks drinks and is open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Here is a downloadable map of Unity Village. Our meeting room is the Fillmore Chapel.
2025 featured speaker to be named - here is information on last year’s speaker:
John Pierre
is a champion for environmental, humanitarian, and animal rights issues. He has devoted more than 35 years to improving the lives of others in the areas of nutrition, fitness, women’s empowerment, compassion for animals, green living, and cognitive enhancement. A renowned nutrition/fitness consultant and dedicated activist, he works with people of all ages promoting the benefits of a plant-based diet, stress reduction, and physical fitness, and the importance of compassion for all life. John has authored two books, The Pillars of Health: Your Foundation for Lifelong Wellness and Strong and Savvy and Safe: Empowering Tools for Self Protection and Vibrant Health. His heart of service is a nonprofit called Living with Harmony, which works to heal, inspire, and transform the lives of people, animals, and the planet, through the education of “PLANET-Based Living.”
“John Pierre is special. He understands the value of living a truly ethical life. His actions are not for show. They’re for humanity, for the animals and the planet. Naturally, that commitment rubs off on those that are lucky enough to spend time with JP. I’m one of those lucky ones.” Joaquin Phoenix, actor and client
Meet the Organizer
Rev. Carol Saunders, organizer
Rev. Carol Saunders is an ordained Unity and interfaith minister; founder/host of The Spiritual Forum, a podcast, prayer & retreat ministry; author of Wolf and the Lamb, an online ministry to awaken the world to the Truth that we are ALL One; and author/compiler of the booklet, The Forgotten Teachings of Charles Fillmore: How Our Relationship with Animals Connects to Universal Love, Ethical Living, Spiritual Development and World Peace.
Schedule of Activities:
This schedule will be updated regularly as we fill in the program content. Many people arrive early on Thursday. We recommend that you arrive on Thursday at least by 4 pm and stay through at least lunch on Sunday. If you arrive earlier on Thursday, there is a nature walk and a tour of Unity Village for you to enjoy. We do not recommend leaving on Sunday morning because there are reflective and group activities planned to complete your experience. If you stay after lunch on Sunday, there is a communication workshop tailored to making the retreat as meaningful as possible.
For onsite attendees, you are free to attend any of the programming you wish and take personal reflection time as you see fit. The retreat meal plan begins with dinner on Thursday and ends with Sunday lunch. For breakfast, you can find some vegan options among the regular breakfast served at the hotel for guests OR the Fillmore Cafe across the street will have a vegan breakfast sandwich available for sale.
Each morning we will offer a body movement class starting at 7 or 7:30 am.
Thursday, October 17
1:00 - 5:30 Registration - pick up nametag at Fillmore Chapel, check out the Animals and World Religions display
1:30 - 3:30 pm - Mindfulness nature walk on Unity trails led by Kristin Cherry (meet in the hotel lobby)
4:00 - 5:30 pm Walking tour of Unity Village grounds and archives
5:30 - 6:30 pm Dinner
6:45 -8:30 pm Orientation and introductions in the Fillmore Chapel
Friday, October 18 - The Fillmore Chapel
7:00 - 8:30 am Breakfast at the Unity hotel (with some vegan options) or at the Fillmore Cafe (not part of retreat meal plan)
7:30 – 8:15 am Body movement class
This is JP’s most popular movement class. He will cover why training your balance and coordination are the real keys to longevity, health and vitality. We will do practical and functional movements that will wake up your nervous system and stimulate your cognitive functioning. You’ll also learn fall prevention skills.
8:45 – 9:00 am Morning meditation/music
9:00 – 9:50 am Opening presentation by Rev. Carol Saunders
9:50 – 10:20 am Interactive Forum
10:20 – 10:30 am Break
10:30 - 11:20 am Group connection/collaboration
11:20 - 11:50 am Meditation and group art project
11:50 am – 12:00 pm Prayer Circle for Animals
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch in Executive Ballroom
1:15 - 2:45 pm Featured Speaker
2:45 - 3:00 pm Break
3:00 – 4:00 pm Presentation with Q&A
4:00– 4:15 pm Animals and Habitats meditation
4:15 - 5:00 pm Group connection/collaboration
5:00 - 5:30 pm Free time
5:30 - 6:30 pm Dinner in Banquet Room
6:30 – 7:30 pm Café hangout in Fillmore Chapel
7:30 – 9:00 pm Possible movie screening
Saturday, October 19 -The Fillmore Chapel
7:00 - 8:30 am Breakfast at the Unity hotel (with some vegan options) or at the Fillmore Cafe (not part of retreat meal plan)
7:00 – 7:45 am Body movement class
8:45 – 9:00 am Morning meditation/music
9:00 – 10:00 am Featured Speaker
10:00 – 10:15 am Break
10:15 – 11:15 am Presentation TBA
1l:15 - 11:50 am Group Connection/Reflection time
11:50 am - 12:00 pm Prayer Circle for Animals
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch (meal plan) with dessert demo by our visionary/caterer, Gigi Jones
1:10 - 2:00 pm Panel Discussion
Churches have been at the center of some of the most influential shifts in humanity, and now Rev. Shad’s lived experience shows him that the next shift towards a plant-based future may need the power and influence of the church once again.
2:00 - 2:10 pm Body movement with John Pierre
2:15 - 3:15 pm Presentation TBA
3:15 - 430 pm Spiritual Practice
4:30 - 5:30 pm Ceremony to Honor the Animals and Habitats led by Rev. Carol Saunders
5:30 - 6:30 pm Dinner in Banquet Room
6:30 - 8:30 pm Cafe hangout/Open mic to share your heart and talent, evening labyrinth walk
Sunday, October 20 - The Fillmore Chapel
7:00 - 8:30 am Breakfast at the Unity hotel (with some vegan options) or at the Fillmore Cafe (not part of retreat meal plan)
7:00 – 7:45 am Body movement class
8:45 - 9:00 am Meditation
9:00 – 10:00 am Debrief the events of the weekend dialogue with Rev. Carol Saunders
10:00 - 10:15 am Break
10:15 - 11:15 am Group labyrinth and reflection
11:15 – 11:45 am Group sharing - Who am I going forward?
11:45 – 11:50 am Closing words (for those who have to leave early)
11:50 am - 12:00 pm Prayer Circle for Animals
12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch in Banquet Room/good-byes to those who are leaving
1:15 - 3:30 pm Dialogue workshop with Laura Aube
Laura’s workshop will give you the opportunity to deeply dialogue with other conference participants on the insights gained over the previous few days. You will experience the power of dialogue to help you expand your understanding, solidify insights, and tap into inspiration for implementation in your life. You will also gain skills to help others tap into their own inner compassionate nature.
Ground Transportation to/from the Kansas City Airport:
For ground transportation to and from the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), we recommend BATS (Better Alternative Transportation Service). BATS has reliably served Unity retreats for many years and will coordinate shared rides to give you the best price possible.
Accommodation Options (click on photos and links):
Other Area Hotels:
Join us in 2025 to birth Homo Ahimsa in You!
Questions?
Do you have additional questions? Please first see if your question is addressed on our FAQ page. If it isn’t, submit your question below. Thank you.