Frequently Asked Questions

Have any other questions that aren’t covered here? Contact me directly!

+1.720.661.2211 or at

elle@the-courageous-life.com

  • Courageous Life is a homecoming to the real you and your most aligned life. In a world full of “shoulds” and lives designed for us, often in ways that serve the system more than our souls, it’s easy to slip into autopilot and wake up years later wondering where our aliveness went. Courageous Life is about shedding the layers of inauthenticity, old patterns, traumas and fear that keep you small, numb, disconnected or performing, so you can live by design instead of default. I spent much of my younger years trying to fit into the status quo, feeling like an outcast in a world that didn’t quite make sense, until I chose a different way and built a life that actually feels like mine (and I love it so much). Now I provide a grounded and safe space for people to return to themselves through breathwork and intentional experiences where you reconnect to yourself, reclaim your aliveness, and reboot your soul from the inside out.

  • I practice breathwork all around the world and currently in-person inColorado and South Africa. However, I also host virtual breathwork sessions for anyone to access in any time zone!

  • The Courageous Life offers breathwork, adventure and connection-based retreats in South Africa, Bali and so many other inspiring natural locations (more to come soon!). Each destination is chosen based on its energy and how the natural world can nurture us at different times throughout the year.

  • What makes Courageous Life retreats different is that it’s not a retreat where you just consume “wellness” and go home feeling inspired, but unchanged. This is an embodied, guided journey designed for the woman who’s high-functioning on the outside, but craving something real underneath it all. Through trauma-informed breathwork, intentional ritual, adventure, connection and spacious integration, you’ll actually move what’s been stuck in your body: stress, grief, old patterns, the constant mental noise and return to yourself in a way that feels grounded and lasting. It’s deeply spiritual without being performative, nurturing without being fluffy, and transformative without being overwhelming. You’ll leave with more than memories and incredible photos. You’ll leave feeling clearer, steadier, and more you while being connected to a growing, conscious and global community of alive women.

  • Not at all. My guided breathwork sessions are suitable for all levels. Every session is guided and designed to meet you exactly where you are. Breath is something we all have access to, and this work is about learning to use it intentionally in a safe, supportive way. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been practicing for years, all levels are welcome, and you’ll always be offered options to go gently and at your own pace.

  • Each session begins with a spacious 30-minute check-in where we connect, set intentions, review any boundaries or needs, and ease in with an introduction and guided breath awareness to help your nervous system settle and orient. We then move into a 45-60 minute conscious connected breathwork journey supported by carefully curated music-this is the heart of the session, where you’ll be invited to follow the breath, move emotion, and meet whatever arises with support. We close with 15–30 minutes of grounding and integration, including gentle down-regulation, embodied settling, and time for questions, reflection, and optional sharing so you leave feeling clear, held, and supported in what to do next. If you’re participating in a bundle of sessions, the first session includes the full orientation and education piece; after that, sessions can be slightly shorter since we’ve already covered the intro and can drop in more quickly.

  • Breathwork can support profound transformation on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. Benefits often include stress reduction, nervous system regulation, emotional release, improved mental clarity, better sleep, enhanced intuition, and a deeper sense of peace. Over time, consistent breathwork helps you cultivate emotional resilience and the courage to live more authentically and by design-core intentions of The Courageous Life.

  • While meditation focuses on observing the mind and yoga combines movement with breath, breathwork directly uses the breath to shift consciousness and release energy from the body. It’s an active, somatic process that can create rapid transformation, bridging the gap between body, mind, and spirit. Many guests find it deepens their meditation and yoga practice by opening new levels of awareness.

  • If you are pregnant (or think you may be), please know that breathwork can create strong physical and emotional responses, and there are additional considerations during pregnancy. For your safety, I require you to consult with and receive clearance from your medical provider before participating. By choosing to participate, you confirm you have discussed breathwork with your provider and accept full responsibility for your decision and wellbeing; you also agree to immediately stop and notify me if you feel any discomfort, dizziness, pain, bleeding, cramping, shortness of breath, or anything that feels “off.” To support a safe experience, I may ask you to modify your breath, shift to gentler practices, or opt out of certain techniques, and I reserve the right to decline service if I believe participation could pose a risk to you or your baby.

  • Because breathwork can create strong physical and emotional responses, please consult your doctor (and receive clearance) before participating if you are pregnant or postpartum, have a heart condition or high/low blood pressure, a history of stroke, aneurysm, seizures/epilepsy, glaucoma or retinal issues, severe asthma/COPD or other serious respiratory conditions, recent surgery or injury, or any condition that could be affected by changes in breathing patterns. You should also consult a qualified mental health professional before joining if you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or experience psychosis, or if you are currently in a highly fragile emotional state. If you have any questions about whether breathwork is appropriate for you, reach out in advance. I’m happy to help you choose the safest option, modify the practice, or refer you to additional support.

  • I am focused on making breathwork more accessible to everyone, especially BIPOC and marginalized communities. Please don't be shy in asking and contact me via my Get In Touch page. I will also be offering donation-based classes monthly for people to access breathwork who face more economical challenges.

  • I ask that you please cancel within 48 hours of the scheduled session to receive a full refund or reschedule within 24 hours to receive a credit.

TERMS

COURAGEOUS LIFE

BREATHWORK WAIVER, RELEASE OF LIABILITY & INFORMED CONSENT

Courageous Life offers trauma-informed breathwork experiences that may include conscious connected breathwork, guided meditation, somatic awareness, music, and optional coaching-style reflection (“Services”). By participating in any Services (in-person or online), you agree to the terms below.

1) Not Medical or Mental Health Care

I understand that Services provided by Courageous Life are not medical care, psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment, or a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. I understand that no guarantees have been made about outcomes.

2) Potential Risks & Effects

I understand breathwork can create physical, emotional, or psychological effects. Possible experiences include (but are not limited to): dizziness, tingling, temperature changes, muscle tension/cramping, nausea, headache, lightheadedness, emotional release, shaking/trembling, anxiety, or the surfacing of memories or strong emotions.

I understand there are rare risks, including injury from falling or movement, panic responses, aggravation of underlying conditions, or other unexpected reactions.

3) Contraindications / When to Seek Medical Clearance

I understand breathwork may not be appropriate without medical clearance for certain conditions, including (examples): pregnancy (especially high-risk), cardiovascular disease, history of stroke/aneurysm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, epilepsy/seizure disorders, severe asthma or significant respiratory conditions, glaucoma/retinal detachment, recent major surgery, severe osteoporosis, kidney disease requiring dialysis, or serious mental health conditions such as psychosis, schizophrenia, active mania, or current suicidal ideation.

I agree that if I have any medical or mental health concerns, I will consult a qualified healthcare provider before participating.

4) Personal Responsibility

I acknowledge that I am responsible for my own wellbeing during and after sessions. I agree to:

  • Listen to my body and participate at my own pace

  • Stop or modify my breathing at any time and return to normal breathing

  • Inform the facilitator if I feel dizzy, unsafe, overwhelmed, or in pain

  • Follow all safety guidance provided

5) Assumption of Risk

I knowingly and freely assume all risks—known and unknown—associated with participation in Services, whether in-person or online.

6) Release of Liability & Waiver of Claims

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I release and hold harmless Courageous Life, its owner(s), facilitator(s), contractors, assistants, volunteers, and any hosting venue or event partners (collectively, “Released Parties”) from any and all claims, demands, causes of action, damages, or liabilities arising out of or related to my participation, including claims arising from ordinary negligence.

This includes, without limitation: physical injury, emotional distress, property damage, illness, or death that may occur during or after participation.

7) Indemnification

I agree to indemnify and defend the Released Parties from any claims brought by or on behalf of me or any third party arising from my participation, my conduct, or my breach of this agreement.

8) Online / Virtual Sessions

If participating online, I understand I am responsible for creating a safe physical space (clear area, supportive surface, hydration, privacy). I agree not to participate while driving or doing any activity requiring attention for safety. I understand the facilitator cannot physically intervene during a virtual session.

9) Emergency Medical Authorization (In-Person)

In the event of an emergency during an in-person session, I authorize Courageous Life to contact emergency services and/or my emergency contact. I understand I am responsible for any medical costs incurred.

10) Confidentiality (Group Settings)

Courageous Life will treat personal information shared with care. For group sessions, I understand confidentiality cannot be guaranteed and I agree to respect the privacy of others by not sharing their personal information outside the group.

11) Optional Consent to Supportive Touch (If Offered In-Person)

If supportive touch is offered, it will only be with verbal consent/check-in. Participants may decline touch at any time.

12) Governing Law / Venue (Global Practice)

This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Colorado, USA, for any Services booked through Courageous Life or delivered while the participant is located in Colorado, except where prohibited by mandatory local law. For Services delivered while the participant is located outside Colorado (including South Africa and any other global location) or accessed internationally online, this agreement will be interpreted to provide the maximum enforceable protection permitted under the laws of the jurisdiction where the session occurs or is accessed. Any dispute shall be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction in Denver, Colorado, unless mandatory local law requires a different venue, in which case the parties agree to venue in the participant’s jurisdiction and that the remaining terms of this agreement shall remain in full force to the fullest extent permitted).

If any provision of this agreement is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13) Cancellation or Reschedule Policy

Please cancel within 48 hours of the scheduled session to receive a full refund or reschedule within 24 hours to receive a credit.

By booking and participating, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to this Waiver & Informed Consent and understand I am waiving certain legal rights.

Wild Within Retreat Terms and Conditions

The Wild Within South Africa Retreat

With Elle Winsted, The Courageous Life & Chantelle Adams, Courage to Shine

July 24th-July 29th 2026

Optional Cape Town Pre-trip Add On July 21st-24th

In consideration of my participation with The Courageous Life for the “Wild Within”, also known as “Retreat”, and associated events and activities, I agree to the following: 


Retreat Package Contents Includes: 

  • The luxury tented chalet accommodations

  • All of your food during the retreat. Please communicate major food allergies ASAP via email to elle@the-courageous-life.com to accommodate your needs

  • Round trip airport transfer from Nelspruit Airport to Mdluli Safari Lodge 

  • Access to all planned workshops, ceremonies and activities (subject to change): 

    • Three conscious breathwork journeys in nature with Elle

    • Local community dancing and drumming at welcome dinner

    • Four guided workshops with Chantelle (story activation + reclaiming voice)

    • Relaxation and Integration time

    • Three Safari game drives + 1 morning bush walk

    • Two boma dinners and one bush braai (bbq) dinner

    • Evening expression rituals

    • And more

  • Full Access to all of the property with time to process, relax, recalibrate and connect.

  • Does not include: 

    • Inter country flight from Cape Town to Nelspruit (MPQ) or Johannesburg to Nelspruit (MPQ) since some are coming from Cape Town pre-trip and some from overseas (around $150)

    • Travel Insurance

    • Alcoholic beverages

    • Spa packages

Optional Cape Town Pre-Trip Add-On (if purchased) may include:

  • Cape Town accommodation for July 21st–24th, 2026 (shared or single, depending on selection)

  • Group transportation within Cape Town for included activities (e.g., Ubers/organized transfers)

  • Select planned group activities (subject to change), which may include excursions and/or experiences coordinated through third-party operators

  • Optional breathwork session and/or integration activity (subject to change)

Note: The Cape Town Pre-Trip is an optional add-on. If I do not purchase it, the Pre-Trip terms below do not apply to me.

Does not include:

  • Inter-country flight from Cape Town to Nelspruit (MPQ) or Johannesburg to Nelspruit (MPQ) since some are coming from pre-trip and some from overseas (around $150)

  • Travel insurance

  • Alcoholic beverages


1. Definitions

“Activities” include all activities at a Retreat, and if purchased, the optional Cape Town Pre-Trip and shall include, without limitation, Conscious breathwork, swimming in pools, lecture, workshops, instruction, traveling to and from a Retreat and all other activities associated with the Retreat. 


“Risks” shall include, without limitation, vehicular traffic, road and sidewalk conditions, health and environmental conditions (including without limitation disease, infection and animals), weather, equipment failure, participant error, food provided, facilities, actions of other people, and the actions, negligence and carelessness of the Released, as defined below. 


“Released” shall include the Retreat, its officers, directors, facilitators, employees, contractors and agents, volunteers, the owners or operators of any Retreat facilities or equipment provided and the sponsors of Wild Within Retreat. 


2. Certification, Acknowledgements and Assumption of Risk

I hereby certify that I am physically and mentally capable to participate in the Retreat and have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person. I hereby assume all risks of participation in the Activities and the Retreat, including without limitation all Risks, whether such risks are caused (a) by the negligence or carelessness of, or (b) from dangerous or defective equipment or property owned or provided in any way by the Released. I hereby certify that I answered the registration questions regarding medications and health conditions truthfully and have discussed any potential contraindications with my doctor and Elle. I understand that even though I am accepted as a participant I am responsible for any consequence resulting from the breathwork and the retreat experience. I understand that breathwork is not a substitute for consulting my doctor or medical care provider. In the event of known medical conditions, I certify that I have consulted a healthcare professional regarding any condition (physical, mental, or emotional) that could interfere with my physical health, my judgment, or affect my mental health in any way, during or after the session. I acknowledge I am in control of my own experience, and I confirm that I take full responsibility for my own health and well-being. 


3. Waiver, Release and Agreement Not to Sue

I, and on behalf of my executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns, hereby fully release, waive any claims I or they may have against, discharge and agree not to sue the Released or each of them from any and all liability to me or my executor, administrator, heirs, successors and assigns for any and all damage, injury or death of myself or the participant while at, participating in, while en route to or from a Retreat, and/or the optional Cape Town Pre-Trip if purchased, or while participating in the Retreat or any Activities, whether caused by negligence or carelessness of the Released or otherwise. 


4. Shared Room

Unless I select a single accommodation, I will be in a shared room with 1 other retreat goer in a luxury chalet with a shared bathroom. Room assignments are up to retreat hosts and we will do our best to accommodate preferences. 


5. Indemnification and Hold Harmless

I, both on my own behalf and as the parent or legal guardian of a participant of a Retreat, hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released and each of them from any loss, liability or damage, including reasonable attorney’s fees incurred in any suit, demand or legal action arising out of any alleged injury, damage or death resulting from engaging in any activities or participation in any Retreat, whether such injury damage, death is alleged to or did result from the negligence or carelessness of any person. 


6. Personal Property

I acknowledge and agree that I am responsible for all my personal property during the Retreat and that the Released are not responsible in any way for such property whether it is lost, stolen or damaged. 

7. Force Majeure/ Disasters

I understand that events beyond the control of the Wild Within Retreat and/or its vendors may occur that could impact the retreat, including but not limited to: fire, severe weather, flooding, earthquakes, acts of war, terrorism, government action, labor strikes, pandemics/epidemics, public health emergencies, and interruptions of utilities or transportation (“Force Majeure Event”).

If a Force Majeure Event occurs, the Wild Within Retreat will make reasonable efforts to provide alternatives (e.g., rescheduling, modified itinerary, or a substitute experience, but cannot guarantee specific outcomes and is not responsible for additional expenses I may incur (including travel costs, lodging outside the retreat dates, or personal purchases). I understand that no refunds are available due to Force Majeure Events, and I agree that the best protection is to purchase travel insurance that includes trip cancellation/interruption, medical coverage, and travel delays.

8. Payments, Cancellation, Credit, and Transfers

I understand that by enrolling, Wild Within Retreat commits funds to vendors and accommodations in advance. Therefore, all payments are non-refundable, including the deposit.

Cancellation by Participant. If I cancel my participation, I must notify the Wild Within in writing.

Credit (Before Final Payment Deadline). If I cancel on or before May 10, 2026, I may request a retreat credit equal to the amount I have paid to date, to be applied toward a future offering with The Wild Within. Credit:

  • is non-transferable (may only be used by the original participant),

  • must be used within 24 months of issuance (or by May 10, 2028, whichever you prefer),

  • may be applied only to offerings with available space,

  • may not be redeemed for cash.

No Credit After Final Payment Deadline. Cancellations after May 10, 2026 are not eligible for any refund or credit.

Replacement Option (Recommended). If I am unable to attend, I may transfer my spot to a replacement participant approved by The Wild Within (must complete all required forms and agreements). If a replacement is confirmed, Wild Within Retreat will honor my paid amount as payment toward the replacement’s registration. Any price difference is the responsibility of the replacement participant. Wild Within may charge a reasonable administrative fee for processing a transfer (e.g., $150) and payment processing fees are non-refundable.

Non-Payment / Missed Deadlines. If I enroll using a payment plan and fail to make payments by the stated deadlines, Wild Within Retreat may treat my reservation as canceled and apply the above cancellation terms. I understand that missing payments does not entitle me to a refund.

Travel Insurance Strongly Recommended. I understand that travel insurance is strongly recommended and should include coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, illness/injury, and travel delays. Wild Within is not responsible for any expenses incurred before, during, or after the retreat.

Payment Terms

  • Early Bird (limited spots): Pay-in-full at time of booking.

  • Regular Pricing: Participant may choose either

    1. Pay-in-full at booking, or

    2. Two-pay plan: Deposit due at booking; remaining balance due no later than May 10, 2026.

  • All participants must be paid in full by May 10, 2026 to attend.

  • Deposits:

    1. Shared Accommodation: $2,000 

    2. Single Accommodation: $2500

8A. Optional Cape Town Pre-Trip Add-On Terms (Applies Only If Purchased)

A. Add-On Agreement

If I purchase the Optional Cape Town Pre-Trip Add-On, I understand it is part of the overall Wild Within experience but may involve different lodging, transportation, activities, and third-party operators. By purchasing the Add-On, I agree that all terms of this contract apply to the Pre-Trip as well, including the waiver, release, assumption of risk, and Force Majeure provisions.

B. Payments + Cancellation for Pre-Trip

All Pre-Trip payments are non-refundable, including any portion allocated to lodging deposits or activities.

  • If I cancel the Pre-Trip on or before May 10, 2026, I may request a credit for amounts paid toward the Pre-Trip under the same credit rules stated in Section 8.

  • Cancellations after May 10, 2026 are not eligible for any refund or credit for the Pre-Trip.

C. Pre-Trip Rooming (Shared vs Single)

If I select shared accommodation for the Pre-Trip, I understand I may be assigned a roommate. If a roommate cancels and no suitable replacement roommate is available, I understand I may be required to (a) pay the difference to convert to a single/private accommodation if available, or (b) accept alternate arrangements if available, at the sole discretion of the retreat hosts.

D. Third-Party Providers + Itinerary Changes

I understand certain Pre-Trip activities may be operated by third-party providers and may change due to weather, availability, safety conditions, or operational reasons. The retreat hosts are not responsible for third-party cancellations, delays, or changes and are not responsible for additional expenses I may incur. No refunds are provided for itinerary changes; reasonable substitutions may be offered when feasible.

E. Transportation During Pre-Trip

If group transportation is included (e.g., Ubers/organized transfers), I agree to follow group logistics and timing. If I choose to separate from the group or arrange my own transportation, I assume all associated risks and costs.

9. Words and Images

I understand that during a Retreat I will be photographed, videotaped and/or my words may be recorded and I authorize and allow The Wild Within Retreat and its agents to use such images, words and likenesses for marketing, on websites, in brochures or other writings, in social media, and any other legitimate purpose. EXCEPTION: If you do not agree, you do agree to informing Elle in writing and to your face being blurred out in any images taken to the best of her ability.