Our partners in Morocco, Allma Ocean House, sat down with Djai to talk about the work that he does with Ripple, about the common experiences of the participants in the retreat, and about his vision for what growth could look like. It was a lovely conversation to have, which you can read here!

Allma: What makes surfing such a central element in your retreats?
Djai: The big thing we’re trying to do at Ripple is help people bridge the gap between understanding therapy and actually living it. Modern psychology gets stuck in the head. It leans heavily on “getting it,” on intellectualizing. But insight without action doesn’t change much.

Surfing gives us a playground to apply what we explore in our sessions right away. It challenges you. And if you can learn to meet one challenge, you start to believe you can face others too. On top of that, it’s the connection — to the water, to nature, to your body — that brings you back to what really matters. That connection is healing in itself.

Allma: What patterns do you often see participants working through in the water?
Djai: So many. Everyone brings their own little backpack of life with them, but if I had to name a common thread, it’s control. Or more specifically, letting go of it.

You can’t control the waves. You can’t control how quickly you progress or what other people do in the water. What you can do is learn how to move with it. You learn how to flow. How to use the momentum that’s there instead of resisting what is. That shift in attitude toward life, not just surfing, is where the real transformation happens.

Allma: What surprises participants most about joining a Ripple Retreat?
Djai: How powerful the group experience is. Most people are a bit hesitant about the group element. They worry they’ll have to share too much or carry the weight of someone else’s process. But it’s not like that.

It’s about being in something together. Supporting and being supported without pressure. That shared journey becomes a whole extra layer to the retreat. A depth and richness that you don’t easily find elsewhere. People always tell me afterwards how meaningful it was to go through it with others.

Allma: Do you notice any difference between people arriving at the start of the week and how they leave?
Djai: Absolutely. The shift is visible, even in the body. People look lighter, younger almost. There’s something that happens in the way they move, speak, and look at the world by the end of the week.

Most people arrive thinking they’ll just have some fun surfing and maybe pick up a few insights along the way. But what happens is so much more than that. They say things like, “I had no idea I’d learn this much about myself.” And that’s the magic of it. How far it takes you, often without you even realizing it at first.

Allma: What’s one thing you hope every participant takes away from this retreat?
Djai: I always come back to two things: balance and direction.

Balance is about being grounded, resilient, and flexible. That solid sense of self that doesn’t get thrown off course too easily. It changes everything when you can find that inside yourself.

Direction is about knowing what matters to you. What do you want your life to stand for? How do you want to be remembered by the people you love? When you have that sense of purpose, you walk through life differently. And ultimately, that’s what this retreat is about. Building a life that feels worth living.

Allma: What makes the Ripple Community unique? What kind of people tend to join?
Djai: We always seem to attract the most incredible humans. I think there’s a natural filter in place because it takes a certain kind of spirit to sign up for something like this. You have to be open, curious, and ready to step into the unknown.

People who join Ripple tend to have that adventurous spark. A lust for life. And when you bring those people together, something beautiful happens. The group always bonds so quickly. It’s like they’ve been waiting to find each other.

Allma: Why did you choose Allma as the location of this retreat?
Djai: We’ve hosted retreats in different places over the years and I’ve learned how important the space itself is. Ripple needs room to breathe. Beauty, calm, and comfort.

Allma is just that. The house is perched right on the cliffs, looking out over the sea. The rooms are beautifully designed, with Moroccan character woven through everything. It offers that deep sense of rest and arrival that we want people to feel the moment they walk in. It’s honestly the perfect fit.

Allma: How does Moroccan culture, nature, and the Ocean influence the experience you're creating here?
Djai: I’ve spent a lot of time in Morocco, even lived here for a while. What always strikes me is the calm woven into everyday life. There’s a deep connection to the land, to the ocean, to something bigger.

That energy aligns perfectly with what we do at Ripple. The ocean here isn’t just scenery. It’s part of the process. And the cultural rhythm, the way time feels different here, gives people the space to truly slow down and listen.

Allma: Looking ahead, what's your vision for Ripple Retreats in the next few years?
Djai: We’re growing fast, doubling every year, and it feels like the ripple effect is just getting started.

My vision is for more people to experience this way of working. A new generation of psychology that’s not just about the mind but about integrating body, nature, community, and spirit too. I want Ripple to be part of a movement that redefines what healing can look like.

Allma: Finally, if someone is hesitating to join, what would you tell them?
Djai: If you’re on the fence, I get it. It’s a big step. But I promise you this will be one of the most meaningful experiences you’ll ever give yourself. You won’t regret it. I’d love to have you!

Inspired by this interview? You might be lucky! As of now, there is only 1 spot left for the Allma x Ripple retreat starting November 22nd. Find more information on the link below!