From cracks to sparks
There’s a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in… 6 days to let your inner light shine through.
A powerful immersion
From 11 to 16 May 2026, this six day immersion offers a gentle initiation into your inner world. A time to turn inward, allow what needs to surface to come through, welcome what settles, and bring coherence back to your path.
An inner journey carried into light
It is an inner journey that takes shape in matter, becoming an anchor that invites you to inhabit your life more fully. Following the golden thread of Kintsugi, this week-long pause invites you to explore your own resilience in depth. We will let each of the six steps of this symbolic art infuse through you. It is a sacred space to rest, to replenish yourself, and, finally, to care for yourself.
Let yourself be held, so you can rise again like the phoenix you are, more luminous than ever.
Turning grief into gold
Kintsugi is an ancestral Japanese practice that repairs broken objects by highlighting their cracks with pure gold. Instead of hiding the break, the gold reveals it. The object regains its wholeness, and even gains new value by embracing its story. This philosophy invites us to look at our own path differently, where scars carry meaning and unexpected beauty.
From emotion to integration
This six day immersion unfolds through six key moments, each reflecting one of the six traditional stages of Kintsugi. Day after day, you will discover how the golden lines of this Japanese art resonate with your own life story. You will learn to listen to your cracks, gather them, contemplate them, refine them, protect them and illuminate them.
Step by step, you will see them transform into lines of gold, a tangible testimony to your inner journey.
Piece your peace together
Each morning: illuminating and resonating
In the morning, we explore what the day’s step reveals. A time to understand, to connect, and to shed light on what is unfolding within you.
• the history and traditional practice of Kintsugi, to understand its cultural foundations
• the symbolic resonance of the Kintsugi philosophy
• psychological insights that link meaning with your emotional landscape
• guided introspection exercises that open inner pathways
• expressive art therapy pieces directly linked to the step of the day
• gentle group sharing that helps clarify what connects you to others
Morning Introspection
Afternoon Practice
Each afternoon: embodying and anchoring
In the afternoon, we move from understanding to embodiment, from meaning to gesture.
This is when matter enters the scene, the senses awaken, and the morning’s insights find a place to settle and take root.
We explore:
• the hands-on creation of your personal Kintsugi piece, where your morning insights take form
• sensory and mindfulness practices that refine presence
• symbolic and psychomagical rituals designed to speak to the unconscious
• collective body-based practices that support grounding
• guided meditations to let the day’s discoveries sink in
• sharing circles to integrate, connect and release
Inner shifts
This long, steady rhythm creates the conditions for deep transformation. A movement from mind to heart, then from heart to body, where insights become inner shifts.
The facilitator
Celine Santini is the author of more than fifty self-help books and an international speaker. Her book Kintsugi, Finding Strength in Imperfection helped bring this approach far beyond Japan. Translated into twelve languages, widely awarded and featured in media around the world, it played a key role in the global emergence of Kintsugi as a symbolic, artistic and psychological practice.
Her work weaves together matter, introspection and transmission to accompany each person on their path of repair.
What they SAY
These testimonials were recorded just after the immersions, in the freshness of what had just been experienced. Their words express the intensity, insights and energy that arise when Kintsugi becomes lived experience.
Caroline, Paris
Full of surprises, emotions, smiles, joy, and discoveries!
“It was quite an incredible moment ; almost outside reality. A collective introspection, which made it even more powerful. Guided by Celine Santini, an exceptional coach and facilitator, the experience was full of surprises, emotions, smiles, joy, and discoveries! It was truly a beautiful experience, and I’m so glad I lived it. This interlude helped me reflect on my life, my wounds, the bruises and bumps I carry, and transform them. That was the purpose! I turned them into gold, into beauty, into who I am. I’m deeply grateful to have experienced this with Celine, and with the group. Doing this alone, with a book, would have been nothing like the power of the collective, the immersion, the shared energy of two full days. Thank you, Celine.”
Nathalie, Paris
An exceptional facilitator who revealed so much within me
“I was truly delighted to take part in this two-day Kintsugi weekend. I loved absolutely everything. Infinite gratitude! Each step was unique and brought me something different. Thank you so much… The group was extraordinary. There was the hands-on practice, the personal growth, the inner return. So much harmony, poetry and gentleness. Meditation, a spiritual dimension; yet at the same time, grounding. It felt like a winning combination, especially with such a wonderful group. And of course, an exceptional facilitator who revealed so much within me.”
Hélène, Tours
A great experience with a deep meaning
Patricia, Luxembourg
A golden week-end to reconnect to our inner beauty.
“I’m honored to present my Kintsugi bowl, created this weekend in Tours. It was a weekend full of beautiful surprises. Several moments touched me deeply — it’s hard to pick one, but I think it was one of the last exercises. I had done something similar before, but living it in this context was truly moving. Thank you for this golden weekend full of surprises. It’s worth doing this workshop, it is truly amazing. Thank you for this week-end, a chance to reconnect to our inner beauty.”
Véronique, Montargis
A magnificent discovery of myself
“A magnificent discovery of myself… Seeing these two pieces come back together warms my heart. I made it through! It feels like the birth of a new self: different, stronger. Thank you for the sparkles, the magic, the strength growing inside me: one that may now allow me to continue forward, and perhaps pass this strength on to others. Thank you, Céline, from the bottom of my heart.”
Fanny, La Rochelle
Proud of my golden scars
“In life, there are things you have to experience fully. And I truly lived my Kintsugi this weekend. I’m almost proud of my golden scars… They allow me to leave with a bright smile, and above all, with the beautiful encounters this time together made possible. Thank you, Céline: these were precious moments that will stay with me for a long time. I’ll think of them often.”
Vincent, Tours
Peaceful and introspective
“I really enjoyed this experience, first because it helped me discover so much about myself. It offers a space to reflect inwardly. And simply dedicating that time already creates a deep introspective process that helps you move forward. Beyond that, it’s also highly contemplative, aesthetically rich, and truly soothing. In two words: peaceful and introspective.”
Sandra, Tours
Everything makes sense…
“Thank you, Céline, for this moment. I built, deconstructed, and rebuilt my Kintsugi. It was a beautiful interlude, a precious experience. My intention was to repair and to accept. And I truly feel that I’ve healed certain things and that I can now move forward with trust, which has become something of a mantra for me. The most illuminating moment was the revelation of my artwork and of my inner beauty, which I’m now fully aware of. Everything makes sense… Thank you, it was a very beautiful experience.”
Samira, Tours
I discovered parts of myself that had been buried and were finally expressed
Elizabeth, Paris
A moment of gathering
“It was a moment of gathering: between participants, but also within ourselves. And I think it was a success.”
Caroline, Issy-Les-Moulineaux
Pure Wonder
“These two days were pure wonder. Magic, childlike spirit, symbolism, kindness. Something within me was repaired,and something new began.”
Nadine, Tours
A beautiful moment, blending introspection, creativity, and gentleness
“I had the chance to take part in a workshop inspired by an ancestral Japanese art: Kintsugi — the art of repairing a broken bowl by highlighting its cracks with gold. A symbolic way of saying that our wounds, far from diminishing us, can become the most beautiful parts of our story. Celine, who leads this workshop, has turned this ancient craft into a model of emotional repair. Like those bowls, we all have our fractures — moments that broke or marked us. Yet when we look at them with kindness, they can become sources of strength, beauty, and resilience. A beautiful moment, blending introspection, creativity, and gentleness. Everyone left with a unique bowl — a reflection of their own journey. Thank you, Celine, for this soft and powerful interlude. I leave with a richer bowl — and a heart a little more golden.”
Julie, Brazil
Everyone absolutely loved it!
“Thank you so much, Celine: everyone absolutely loved it!”
Géraldine, Tours
A delicate process where every step carries meaning
“A moment suspended between gold and light — a wonderful experience I didn’t expect at all. This morning, I had the chance to join a Kintsugi workshop led by Celine Santini, as part of the Femmes de Territoires network gatherings.
I’m still filled with this gentle yet powerful introspection. Everything was there: the harmony of the space, the warmth of the welcome, the light dancing on the walls, and above all, Celine’s generosity — so open, sincere, and attentive. I knew Kintsugi as a technique, but had never considered it as an inner journey. Now, it feels obvious.
Celine guided us through a delicate process where every step carried meaning. You can feel that everything is thought through, yet nothing is rigid. Her approach reflects who she is — beautiful, coherent, inspiring, and never forced.
I leave with a precious object — one I’ll keep secret, as part of the magic — and with a new conviction: our scars don’t need to be erased. They can be revealed. And even become strength.
Thank you, Celine, for this moment of alignment, and for your gentle, luminous presence.”
Hélène, Tours
An inspiring workshop
“Thank you so much, Celine, for this inspiring workshop!”
Katia, Tours
A workshop worth its weight in Gold
“Beautiful encounters. Magic. A workshop worth its weight in gold… It honors us, strengthens us, and reminds us that all our emotions are treasures. With Love.”
Nathalie, Tours
A wonderful Experience
“Thank you, Celine, for your warm welcome and this morning’s workshop. It was a wonderful experience. Things truly shifted for me…”
Françoise, Angers
A discovery which makes me want to go further
“Thank you for this discovery. It makes me want to go further.”
Paul, Angers
A golden, delicate, and deeply symbolic moment.
“Thank you for this golden, delicate, and deeply symbolic moment.”
Flavie, Angers
A wonderful life lesson
“A beautiful experience and a wonderful life lesson — thank you :)”
Christel, Angers
A striking result paired with powerful symbolism
“A beautiful discovery. A striking result paired with powerful symbolism. Thank you.”
Olivier, Angers
A workshop that really makes me want to explore further
“Thank you for this workshop. It really makes me want to explore further.”
Nathalie, Angers
A thoughtful and Caring workshop
“Thank you for this thoughtful and caring workshop. Hope to see you again soon.”
> All video testimonials can be found here.
Six days, Six steps
1. Monday: Break
Seeing clearly and taking stock of your inner puzzle just as it is. Identifying what has cracked within you, what still holds, what calls for change. This first day is grounded in lucidity and gentleness: gathering your pieces without judgement, naming them, feeling what they reveal about you, and choosing to rebuild.
2. Tuesday: Assemble
Gathering yourself, consciously reconnecting what can be reconnected, accepting what remains fragile.This step speaks of your unity, even if imperfect. The artistic gesture becomes a mirror: as your fragments touch, something within you reorganises and begins to come back together.
3. Wednesday: Wait
Learning not to force, giving time for things to settle, letting what needs to mature emerge.
This step invites trust and release. You explore your relationship with control, rhythm, inner tempo, and patience. It opens an inner space that is calmer, softer and wider.
4. Thursday: Refine
Removing what suffocates, overwhelms or no longer needs to stay. A day of sorting, clarifying, opening space. In matter as in your inner world, the essential appears when you dare to remove what is too much. A return to simplicity, truth and essence.
5. Friday: Protect
(Re)learning boundaries, choosing what is right for you, protecting yourself, knowing when to say yes and when to say no, reconsidering self-respect.
This day strengthens solidity, safety and foundation. You identify what truly supports you, what deserves protection, reinforcing your inner stability.
6. Saturday: Illuminate
Allowing yourself to shine, to place gold on your cracks… because you are worth it.
Recognising the path you have walked and your own value. This final step reveals everything that has shifted over the week.Your cracks light up, the gold highlights your journey. You feel aligned, gathered, whole. It is time to let the light in and reconnect with joy.
Creating your Kintsugi
Materials chosen to support transformation
For this immersion, we provide high quality materials exclusively in black and gold. Every object has been chosen with care. Their texture, weight and beauty contribute directly to the experience.
A symbolic object that represents you
The retreat includes the bowl that will become your working piece. A simple and beautiful object chosen to receive your story. You will break it on the first day, then transform it through the six steps.
If you prefer to work on a personal object, you may bring one. We will assess it together beforehand. Pieces with two to four fragments work best. For many, working with a meaningful object opens a deeper dimension.
A contemporary technique that honours the spirit of Kintsugi
At the end of the immersion, you will leave with:
• your symbolic collage, a true inner self-portrait
• your Kintsugi bowl, a concrete witness of your inner journey
• and other symbolic creations that have accompanied your path
We use a contemporary technique we have refined over the years. After extensive testing, it preserves the essence of the six traditional Kintsugi steps while remaining suitable for a retreat format.
The final bowl is not intended for food use, but for display as a piece of resilience, a sensitive reminder of your path.
> You can discover the materials and Kintsugi kits here.
Découvrez ici le matériel et les kits Kintsugi qui vous attendent
Rituals that speak to the heart
Engaging the senses
By engaging the five senses, matter, light, texture and the four elements, this immersion becomes both sensory and initiatory. Each day is woven with symbolic rituals that echo the step being explored.
Fire, water, earth and air support each step in subtle ways. Light moves through the week in many forms: symbolic, real, inner. Textures, scents, sounds and tastes accompany the transformation without forcing it.
It is an embodied and grounded experience.
A touch of magic
These are not tricks, but true psychomagical acts that allow the unconscious, emotions and gesture to meet. Participants often describe them as unexpected, touching, sometimes playful, often moving. They unlock something quietly, without passing through the mind.
In quiet…
Some rituals remain secret. They take meaning only in the moment they are lived. What we can share is that these six days are designed to bring you back to yourself, your breath, your rhythm, your essence, your truth.
Gathering together, in every sense
A safe space
As the week unfolds, the group becomes a safe and welcoming space. Masks fall quickly, and everyone finds their place. You will cry, laugh, share surprises and find clarity together.
And often, something subtle begins to happen: the people who join this retreat are rarely here by chance, there is often a quiet thread of synchronicity guiding the group, a golden thread woven by the spirit of Kintsugi.
A bilingual retreat
The immersion takes place in France, in the centre of Tours, just one hour by train from Paris and five minutes on foot from the train station. Participants often travel from abroad to join the retreat, which is why we offer it in a fully bilingual English French format. The facilitator is completely bilingual, allowing both languages to flow naturally without interrupting the experience.
Set in the heart of France, in the Loire Valley with its châteaux and vineyards, this retreat is also a perfect opportunity to enjoy France’s gastronomy and the natural beauty of the region!
PIECE YOUR PEACE TOGETHER
A place that feels like home
The immersion unfolds in a serene white loft studio where light moves gently through the space. The place is harmonised by a geomancer and regularly cleared so it remains calm and welcoming. It is a space where you arrive, breathe, settle and feel held. A warm cocoon that makes you feel at home while supporting the depth of the experience.
Practical information
Place: France, Tours (37), in the Loire Valley, just one hour by train from Paris and five minutes on foot from both the train station and Place Jean Jaurès.
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
Price: 950 euros, which includes:
• all materials
• the bowl you will transform through Kintsugi
• your symbolic collage
• all symbolic rituals of transformation
• a professional quality photo and video report
• your Before and After portrait
• the WhatsApp group for ongoing sharing
The retreat is non residential, with many accommodation options, cafés, restaurants and takeaway choices available nearby.
Bilingual English French immersion
The spirit of Kintsugi
This immersion invites you to look at your cracks differently, not as flaws to hide, but as passages that illuminate your story.. Over six days, you will learn to care for yourself, and to recognise your own light.
This approach goes far beyond an artistic practice. At the end of the week, you will leave with your Kintsugi bowl, your symbolic collage and, above all, a new way of seeing your life, with simple and concrete tools to continue your inner journey supported by the Spirit of Kintsugi.
FAQ – Kintsugi Immersion
Who is the Kintsugi Immersion for?
This immersion is for anyone who feels that a chapter of their life needs to be crossed, understood or integrated. It may relate to a visible break or a quiet fracture, whether physical or emotional. A transition, a search for clarity, or an inner call to rebuild differently.
The immersion offers a sensitive and structured space to explore your story in depth. It is a place where you gather the pieces of yourself with honesty and lucidity, where the metaphor of Kintsugi becomes a guide to help you regain coherence, grounding and stability.
The only shared prerequisite for all participants is a genuine sensitivity to the symbolism of Kintsugi.
What makes this immersion different from a regular Kintsugi workshop?
The immersion goes far beyond repairing an object. It offers a complete process where psychology, felt experience, creativity and symbolic integration come together.
More than in a purely artistic workshop, this is personal exploration through gesture, matter and meaning. Each day follows one of the six Kintsugi steps, creating a natural inner progression. Over six days, the transformation becomes deep and anchored, because the experience has time to infuse, settle and take shape in the body.
How does the six day immersion unfold?
Each day follows one step of the Kintsugi process.
The mornings are dedicated to philosophy, psychology, guided introspection and sharing circles.
The afternoons open into artistic practice, sensory rituals and integration.
This movement from mind to heart, and from heart to body, creates a coherent inner path. Each step has the time and space to be experienced fully.
How is the six day immersion a unique self-development experience?
The six day immersion offers the spaciousness needed to settle, unfold and open, like a lotus blooming petal by petal. It gives every step of the Kintsugi process enough time to resonate, allowing insights to deepen and emotions to soften.
This extended rhythm invites nuance, silence, sharing and meaningful integration. It becomes a complete inner journey where understanding meets embodiment, and where transformation grows day after day, supported by a calm and continuous pace.
The immersion offers a wider radiance, a path that lets each stage take its full place so that change can settle naturally and lastingly. It is an experience designed to meet you exactly where you are, with the time and space needed for genuine inner coherence to emerge.
Will I leave with my own Kintsugi piece?
Yes. Each person leaves with a unique object, infused with their story and with the gestures carried throughout the retreat.
The bowl becomes an inner witness, a tangible trace of the path you have walked. It is much more than a souvenir: it is a deeply symbolic object, a fragment of yourself, a link to your own soul.
Do I need artistic, psychological or personal development experience?
No experience is required. The immersion is designed to be accessible to everyone, including complete beginners. People already familiar with introspective work often discover an unexpected depth, because the connection between material, symbolism and gesture opens a different entry point into themselves.
The Kintsugi Spirit method, developed over many years and unique in the world, offers a new perspective and often brings surprising insights, even to very experienced participants. Everyone moves at their own pace, with gentleness.
Can I join if I am highly sensitive?
Yes. The immersion is designed to welcome all forms of sensitivity. At the beginning of the retreat, we establish a caring, safe and non judgemental framework that helps everyone relax and feel supported.
Nothing is ever imposed. Each exercise is an invitation, and you choose your level of engagement at every step. Many highly sensitive participants share that the softness of the process helps them feel respected, understood and able to open up.
Your natural sensitivity and your needs will be fully respected. Some parts of the immersion take place in silence, allowing the material, the gesture and the emotions to settle without pressure. These moments are always guided with care.
Do you use traditional Kintsugi?
We use a contemporary technique developed specifically for 6 day formats while honouring the six steps of the Kintsugi spirit. This ensures safety and fluidity.
Traditional Kintsugi materials require months of drying time and can contain allergens. Here, the inner transformation remains faithful to the ancestral symbolism, without the practical constraints of the classical process.
What will we explore during the six days?
Each day follows four movements:
• Understanding with the mind
• Feeling with the heart
• Creating with the body
• Integrating what settles more deeply in the soul
This progressive cycle allows you to reach deeper layers of yourself. The symbolic work becomes a complete experience, weaving together mind, emotion, gesture and imagination.
Is the material provided?
Yes. Everything is made available throughout the retreat. The materials have been carefully selected in black and gold tones to support the sensory experience. All the tools are provided for use during the sessions, and you will leave at the end with your repaired bowl and your symbolic collage.
Can I bring a personal object to repair?
Yes. If you wish to work on an object that carries personal meaning, you may bring it. Simply contact us beforehand so we can check technical feasibility. An object broken into two to four pieces usually works best.
Is the retreat better experienced alone or with someone?
Both are possible. Many participants come alone, as it supports introspection. Others choose to come as a pair when they are walking a shared path. The experience naturally adapts to each dynamic.
How many people attend the immersion?
Groups are intentionally limited to preserve an intimate atmosphere and attentive guidance. This small group size allows for deep exchanges while respecting everyone’s rhythm.
On average, groups consist of 8 to 12 participants.
Where does the immersion take place?
The immersion takes place in France, in the Loire Valley, in Tours (37), five minutes on foot from the train station and Place Jean Jaurès. The space is bright, calm and designed as a sensory cocoon.
There are many accommodation options nearby, and we can guide you if needed.
Is the retreat residential?
No, it is non residential.
Kintsugi immersions open dense and sensitive inner spaces, and the evenings offer time for everything to settle. This pause helps you integrate gently, recenter yourself and let insights mature at your own pace.
Many people prefer to keep this time for themselves to preserve their inner quiet. For the same reason, meals remain free. But if you would like to share these evening moments with other participants, we can connect you of course.
Why is the immersion bilingual?
The method we have developed is truly unique, and we often welcome participants from different countries. Offering a bilingual version opens the process to everyone without losing depth: the translation blends naturally into the flow of the retreat. The transitions between languages are smooth and spontaneous. The facilitator is fully bilingual, ensuring continuity and a unified experience for all.
For a fully personalised experience in English, you may also consider individual guidance.
Is the retreat accessible to everyone?
Yes, the retreat is open to everyone, whatever their gender, age (from 15), background or personality. It is a deeply human and inclusive approach where every story naturally finds its place. The groups are mixed and bring together people with very different life paths and identities, which creates a dynamic that is rich, alive and consistently caring.
What we all share is a natural resonance with Kintsugi, and in many ways, we belong to the same club of resilient souls.
How can I prepare for the retreat?
No specific preparation is required. You may simply come with an open intention, and if you wish, you can note a few themes or personal questions. It is surprisingly common for insights to begin as soon as you register. You may even notice powerful dreams or impressions in the days leading up to the retreat.
Are animals allowed?
No, animals cannot be accommodated.The space already hosts a cat, very gentle and very discreet. We mention this mainly for people with allergies. The cat usually keeps to himself during the retreats, as he is shy.
What if something unexpected comes up?
If something arises up to ten days before the retreat begins, contact us. We will offer you a free postponement to another session, or a refund.
Can I call you with a specific question?
Of course. We are available to answer your questions and help you feel fully prepared and at ease. You can reach us at +33 (0)6 63 00 19 71.
For a personal, tailored experience
And if you prefer a more personal form of guidance, or wish to create a bespoke workshop for your group, you can simply contact us. Together, we will shape the experience that best meets your intention.
Contact us
If you have any questions, or would like more information, feel free to reach out. You can call us at +33 (0)6 63 00 19 71 or write to contact@esprit-kintsugi.com, we will be glad to assist you on your Kintsugi journey.
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What is the six-day Kintsugi immersion?
A deep, extended process combining artistic practice, guided introspection and integration of the six steps. Over six days, participants move slowly through gesture, reflection and silence, allowing the experience to unfold with depth, continuity and meaning.
Who is this immersion for?
For people at a turning point, ready to engage in deeper inner work. It often resonates with those facing transition, exhaustion or reorientation, who feel the need for time, structure and a symbolic framework to reflect and
Why does it last six days?
Because meaningful transformation requires time and continuity. The six-day rhythm echoes the 6 steps of the Kintsugi process, and allows insights to emerge gradually, emotions to settle, and understanding to mature, without rushing processes that need space to become stable and integrated.
What does the immersion transform?
The way one relates to personal history, wounds and life direction. Rather than erasing the past, the immersion helps participants reframe their story, recognize their lines of strength and regain clarity about what matters moving forward.
Is the immersion demanding?
Yes, in a supportive way. It requires presence, honesty and engagement, while fully respecting individual limits. The process is carefully held so that intensity is balanced with grounding, rest and attentive guidance.day immersion centered on resilience and creative inner work.
What remains after the immersion?
A stronger inner stability and a more peaceful relationship with one’s story. Many leave with clearer inner landmarks, a calmer relationship to their fractures, and a renewed capacity to move forward with coherence and trust. And, of course… Your own Kintsugi piece.