Born in Brighton and raised in Lewes, Sussex, UK, Tom Slater has devoted his life to pioneering work in self-discovery. With recognition from Scottish Screen, the Irish Film Board, and Channel 4, Tom has spent over four decades immersed in creativity, healing, and human potential. From Great Britain to Australia, and from the jungles of Malaysia to the spiritual landscapes of Bali, he and his team help individuals seeking transformation. Through his company, Sapience, Tom offers a profound understanding of the power of presence and connection.

We spoke with Tom about his unique work and the upcoming Sapience Retreat in Bali.

Welcome, Tom. Can you share a bit about your background and spiritual journey?

I was born in Brighton and raised in Lewes, Sussex, where my love for creative expression shaped my early years. As a child, I dreamed of joining the circus, and by eight years old, I even started a circus school for kids. At 10, my family moved to Scotland, where I joined a theatre company. However, I struggled to find the same joy and freedom I had in Lewes. I became withdrawn, battling depression, and left school at 17.

My search for meaning led me around the world, beginning in Australia and unfolding into an 18-year journey of exploration in culture, spirituality, and human connection. I lived with tribal communities in Borneo, apprenticed in ancient fire-making techniques in Malaysia, and immersed myself in native spiritual practices and medicinal plants. I also spent time with Bedouins in Egypt’s Sinai Desert and worked as an underwater cameraman in the Red Sea.

These experiences sparked my passion for storytelling, leading me to film tribal life in Malaysia and document street children running their own bank in India. My work was recognized by Scottish Screen, the Irish Film Board, and Channel 4. 

Throughout my travels, I healed my mind and body and discovered that I had a unique ability to help others do the same. Looking back, I see that the most profound lessons came through relationships. I once believed peace could only be found in isolation, but it was through connection with others, especially during challenges, that I truly came to understand myself. These difficulties became the path to deeper self-awareness.

Now, through The Sapience Retreat, I guide people in breaking free from the limitations of their past to rediscover their authentic selves. Through connection, we find our way back home to who we really are.

Your teachings have resonated globally, especially with your emphasis on mindful living. What is your perspective on true spirituality and inner peace?

For me, spirituality is a deeply personal journey, a continual exploration of who I truly am. Often, we see the world not as it is, but through the lens of our inner state. Spiritual inquiry, then, is about stepping aside to perceive and feel more clearly.

The first step is acknowledging that I don’t have all the answers. From this place of humility, true exploration begins. As I deepen my understanding of myself, I’m called to embrace the parts I’ve rejected, the parts that seem unworthy or unlovable. Integrating these aspects is essential for growth. Through this process, I reclaim more of my humanity.

Spirituality isn’t about transcending the human experience. It’s about coming home to myself, grounding myself in my humanity. The search for peace often arises from internal conflict. When I reclaim the parts of myself, I’ve rejected, whether it's anger, sadness, or fear—my nervous system naturally calms. This integration leads to lasting well-being. To me, that’s spirituality: being fully at home within myself.

What traditions or leaders in this space have influenced you significantly?

For much of my life, I sought truth outside myself, through meditation, rituals with medicinal plants, and native spiritual practices. These traditions were instrumental in shaping my journey. But eventually, I realized that no external authority holds the ultimate truth for me. No guru, lineage, or tradition can define my path.

Truth itself became my guide. I learned to trust my perception and listen to my body’s wisdom. Life itself became my greatest teacher. Every moment, when met with presence and curiosity, offers a lesson, whether in joy or challenge.

This shift transformed my relationship with the world. I stopped seeking validation from outside sources and began learning directly from life. Wisdom isn’t confined to temples or esoteric teachings; it’s embedded in everyday existence. Life is a constantly evolving field of wisdom, and truth is revealed through lived experience. This realization continues to shape my work, reminding me that the journey itself is the teacher.

How do you maintain a consistent spiritual practice amidst the noise of everyday life?

For me, spirituality isn’t a separate activity or ritual, it is life itself. I integrate presence into every moment, including both successes and challenges. It’s about meeting life as it unfolds, embracing its practical, creative, and emotional aspects. 

Rather than prioritizing one part of life over another, I aim to stay present with whatever life requires in the moment, whether it’s work, emotions, or relationships. I try to respond with curiosity and groundedness.

This approach requires flexibility and adaptability. My spiritual practice is woven into everyday experiences, feeling into subtle moments, responding authentically, and attuning to what’s emerging. The key is trusting that life presents the perfect opportunities for growth, as long as I remain open. It’s not about withdrawing from the world but fully embracing the dynamic experience of being human.

What are your core spiritual beliefs, and how do they inform your approach to leading retreats?

At the heart of my beliefs is the understanding that life itself is the ultimate teacher. Spiritual growth, for me, isn’t about transcending human experience; it’s about coming home to who we truly are and integrating all parts of our humanity.

I believe that spiritual growth starts with deep self-inquiry, asking profound questions and embracing all parts of ourselves, even those we’ve denied. True healing happens when we reclaim these neglected parts.

Relationships play a vital role in this process. I once thought isolation and self-practice were the path to understanding, but I’ve learned that connection with others offers the greatest opportunities for growth. Through relationships, we confront our edges and discover deeper truths. 

These beliefs shape how I lead retreats. I don’t view retreats as spaces to “teach” or “fix” anyone. Instead, they’re containers for deep exploration. Participants are encouraged to lean into their edges, confront limiting patterns, and explore suppressed parts of themselves. Through guided processes and authentic connection, I hold space for profound healing and self-discovery.

Each participant’s journey is unique, and the retreats are fluid, responsive to the group’s needs. My goal is to create an environment where participants feel safe to explore and empowered to discover their own truth.

How do you choose locations for Sapience retreats?

The locations for our retreats are chosen with care to support the work we do. We often hold them in Bali, as the island’s nurturing energy helps participants feel held during deep work. We ensure exclusive use of the space, offering privacy and containment so we can dive deeply without distractions.

The environment must also support our processes. For instance, open-sided yoga shalas, common in Bali, aren’t always ideal for the work we do.

Another key consideration is the sense of commitment participants feel when traveling to a remote location. The journey itself adds significance and reinforces the intention to engage in transformative work.

Who benefits most from these retreats?

This work isn’t for everyone. It requires readiness and courage. Those who benefit most have reached a point where they’re questioning long-standing patterns that no longer serve them. These patterns might have been vital for survival or seeking love, but they’ve become limiting.

Participants thrive when they’re open to being challenged and willing to face themselves honestly. Those ready to release old defenses and step into the unknown are most likely to experience transformation.

Ultimately, this work is for people who’ve reached a turning point, where the discomfort of maintaining a facade outweighs the fear of letting it go. It’s for those ready to confront their edges and discover a deeper, more authentic way of being.

What can participants expect from an upcoming retreat?

Participants can expect to enter a supportive, transformative space where authenticity and emotional expression are prioritized. The retreat is a shared journey toward self-discovery, where participants drop their masks and reconnect with their true selves. Vulnerability, met with compassion, can dissolve old stories of unworthiness.

While discomfort may arise as old defenses surface, these challenges often lead to profound growth. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of empowerment and a deeper connection to themselves and others.

After the experience, what do you hope participants leave with?

I hope participants leave with greater clarity and empowerment. They’ll have a deeper understanding of how past experiences have shaped their present behaviors and relationships. With this awareness, they can address patterns that no longer serve them, particularly the parts of themselves they’ve neglected or resisted.

They’ll also leave with tools to foster authentic connection and relational intelligence, helping them navigate relationships with empathy, honesty, and intention.

Ultimately, I want them to leave confident in their ability to create meaningful change, not just during the retreat, but in their everyday lives. The goal is for them to feel grounded in their humanity, empowered to show up authentically, and capable of building fulfilling connections.

What are your thoughts on the role of technology in today’s spiritual journey?

Technology is undeniably a significant part of modern life. It connects us, offers endless information, and allows us to explore spiritual practices from across the globe. However, as much as it offers opportunities, it can also distract us from the present moment. Constant notifications and the pressure to engage often fragment our attention, making it harder to cultivate mindfulness and connect with our deeper selves. 

Technology can also fuel insecurity and comparison, leaving us feeling disconnected from our authentic selves and others. The addictive nature of technology, its infinite scroll and constant engagement, can pull us further away from the subtle truths that lead to real spiritual growth.

Finally, what message would you like to leave with those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves?  

The journey of self-understanding is profound and lifelong. We may never reach a moment of full realization, and that’s okay. The path is a continuous unfolding, inviting us to embrace the beauty of not having all the answers.

There will always be a sense of incompleteness, but this is where self-compassion comes in. We are constantly evolving, learning, and embracing our beautiful imperfection. Forgive yourself for your humanity, embrace your flaws, and allow them to be part of your unfolding journey.

For further information and to connect with Tom, visit: https://www.journeytosapience.com/