Reality Sandwich Plant Medicine Retreat
Reality Sandwich invites you to embark on an eight-day shamanic journey of deep healing, discovery, and transformation. Set in the breathtaking natural beauty of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, participants will take part in 3 sacred ceremonies with the Amazonian plant medicine, the "vine of souls." This Reality Sandwich spiritual excursion will be hosted by RS's editorial director Daniel Pinchbeck and executive producer Ken Jordan. Colombian healer Nando Vila and his partner Kathi will lead the ceremonies. In this retreat you will be guided into deeper realms, opening you up to the healing energies of this powerful plant teacher. The retreat will be held in the tropical paradise of Guaria de Osa, a stunning sanctuary of primary rainforest and pristine beaches alongside the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica. This inaugural Reality Sandwich Plant Medicine Retreat takes place August 15 - 22, 2010.
We know that there's a high level of interest in Reality Sandwich organizing medicine retreats for our community, and that it's important the experience be one we can recommend without reservation. This is it. A number of us in the Reality Sandwich crew have been in ceremonies with Nando and Kathi, and trust them to hold a safe, sacred healing space. We're extremely excited about collaborating with them on this adventure, and for it to take place at such an ideal location.
On the evenings between ceremonies, the retreat leaders will lead discussions about: going beyond the psychedelic experience into the realm of healing; techniques for staying connected to the plant medicine experience after the ceremony is over (how can we "be" the medicine); and the growing global shamanic underground. During the days, workshops will include: learning how to deepen our connection to the plant kingdom; the Divine Feminine within contemporary ritual; and understanding water as a messenger and a source of intelligence.
Before and after ceremonies there will be sharing circles, for discussions on how to integrate knowledge gained during the ceremony into our daily lives. There will also be opportunities for private consultations that address how to best develop our core intentions during ceremonial works.
There will also be a special focus on how to bring our lessons with plant medicine into our public actions, with sensitivity to the transformational times we live in, and an awareness of how our actions can effect others in our community. Each of us can be a leader to help make the change we know is necessary.
The Osa Peninsula is also known as the "Little
Amazon" of Costa Rica. The immediate environment is superb for swimming,
bird-watching, canoeing, hiking, kayaking, ocean & river swimming, and
star-gazing. There will be guided nature walks, and scuba diving and surfing
will be available (for an additional fee).
Mornings will begin with a toning movement session, which combines yoga, Qi Gong and bioenergetics into a healing session that helps you to know your body better, and to integrate the ceremonial work of the week. During off-days, there will be a group bathing ritual at the beach, as well as optional dances that honor the elements inspired by the eastern movement arts. Bodywork is also available (for an additional fee; schedule once you arrive).
CEREMONY LEADERS
Nando Vila is a Colombian healer, musician, and
environmentalist. He has worked closely with indigenous groups across South
America – such as the Camsra, Kogis, Sionas, Kofanes ,Emberas and Fulnio –
assisting with ecological projects and keeping alive the traditions of music,
plant medicine and ancient wisdom. Nando offers his gifts of song and purifying
healing in many ways, from holding prayer circles and workshops to, founding
indigenous preservation projects and youth leadership programs. His prayers are focused around the sweat lodge, pipe ceremonies, and the continuity of
herbal remedy wisdom and earth teachings.
Kathi is a dancer and healer from Germany and South
Africa. She has spent time with elders from Bushmen tribes in southern Africa;
the Tuareg in the Sahara; Gabonese Eboga priestess Bernadette Riebenot; the
Lakota, Navajo and Cherokee in the United States; Xawante and Fulnio in Brazil;
and the Camsra and Kogi in Colombia. Kathi works toward the preservation of
indigenous wisdom, advocating rituals as a key element in human evolution and
initiation into adulthood. She embraces the spirit of the divine feminine through communion with the elements: the earth and its foods, the fire and its transformation, the water and its purifying power, and the air in which we move in our dance of life.
RETREAT CENTER
Guaria de Osa
Guaria de Osa is a truly untouched haven of vibrant rainforest, coastal wilderness, and picturesque beaches along the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Named after the beautiful purple orchid that grows there, it is a place of repose, rejuvenation, and connection with the spirit of nature. Guaria sits just south of Drake Bay on the westernmost cove of the Osa Peninsula, nestled in a secluded ethnobotanical garden of vivid ornamentals, fruit trees, and medicinal plants. Just a short stroll from the lodges, its beaches are home to a "biological treasure trove" of marine life in undisturbed, protected waters. Dedicated to preserving the rainforests and biodiversity of Central and South America, Guaria de Osa is a place for those who truly love nature.
Tucked away just inside the forest edge from the coast is Guaria's campus, a unique collection of elegant lodges and cozy bungalows. Guaria de Osa's main lodge is called the Lapa Lapa Lodge, named after the majestic neighborhood Scarlet Macaw (Lapa) that reside permanently on the beaches. Surrounded by exuberant botanical gardens and topped with a meditation cupola and observatory, the Lapa Lapa Lodge is an impressive feat of architecture set in a tropical paradise.
COST & ACCOMMODATIONS
To sign up for the retreat, see the Registration section at the bottom of this page.
$100 discount to Evolver Social Movement Members
The Retreat cost includes:
* 3 sacred Amazonian plant medicine ceremonies
* 3 delicious, freshly prepared meals a day (vegetarian options are available by request
* Transportation to Guaria de Osa from Drake Bay (see Travel section below)
* 2 guided nature hikes
* Morning toning sessions each day (yoga/qi gung/bioenergetics)
* "Off-day" activities (bathing rituals, dances)
Other activities are available for an additional fee, including: horseback riding, snorkeling, scuba, surfing, bodywork, and extended hike.
Indoor Lodging
* $2000 per person (bungalows and tented lodging)
Specific accommodations are offered on a first come, first served basis, depending on availability. There are private double-occupancy rooms available for couples, as well as singles beds in rooms shared between 3 to 4 participants.
Camping
ALL CAMPING SPOTS ARE CURRENTLY FULL!
Please note: Travel into and out of Costa Rica is not included in the Retreat cost. Participants will need to make their own arrangements to fly into San Jose. Please plan on arriving no later than August 14th, as we are arranging flights departing early on the 15th to make the trip to Guaria de Osa from San Jose by air.
Participants will also need to book overnight accommodations in San Jose for the evening of the 14th. We have a hotel in San Jose, where we recommend all participants to stay.
Early on the morning of the 15th, we will depart from San Jose airport to Drake Bay on a chartered flight with Nature Air, enjoying spectacular views along the way. Once you sign up for the retreat you will be given the details on how to reserve your seat on the flight.
Participants traveling on their own will meet with those coming via the flight in Drake Bay on August 15th at a time to be determined. (The bus from San Jose to Drake Bay is 5-7 hours.)
Upon arriving at Drake Bay, all transportation will be provided as part of the Retreat cost. Together we will be transferred by jeep to San Josecito beach and then by boat to Guaria de Osa. From here, it's a leisurely 20-minute walk to reach our Retreat center. Any luggage will be brought directly to the center, so a small day pack is recommended for the beach hike.
If you choose not to take the chartered flight from San Jose, it is possible to make your own way down to Drake Bay. There are other options by air and over land available, including public buses. You would need to plan on meeting the rest of the group at Drake Bay at a specified time on August 15 to be transferred to Guaria de Osa. Please contact us for more details.
Space for this inaugural Reality Sandwich Plant Medicine Retreat is limited to 39 participants.
To participate, please download an application below, and email your completed application to stfrequency (at) gmail (dot) com. If you have questions regarding the retreat, accommodations or travel, please email us at the same address.
50% of the Retreat cost is due by July 22, 2010 to reserve your space. Full payment is due by July 26th.
We look forward to joining you on this unforgettable adventure!
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Comments
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Seems quite a pitiful shame
I agree fully....
Golfito area
I used to own the property that is now called Nicuesa Lodge back in the 90's.
http://www.nicuesalodge.com/
It's just around the corner to the north of Reymundo's Dolphin Quest. Both of these places are extremely beautiful but very hot and humid...even the Gulf water is warm. I sold the property partially because of the poverty that abounds in the area; it made dealing w/the locals a bit uncomfortable and I was ripped off more than a few times. Golfito is a bit how I imagined the oldwest in the US...traveler beware. Once in the jungle it's a different story; I spent most of my time hiking deep in the jungle near my favorite waterfall where the water is refreshingly cool.
I owned the whole central valley called Playa Nicuesa. It was once achocolate farm but as all the chocolate trees got some fungus in the sixties and was heavily logged by the Japanese in the fifties what was left was secondary jungle...still very beautiful. The mountain behind the valley has a huge waterfall and primary jungle; very magical.
If you find yourself in the area check out my friends Ron and Trudy's Casa Orquidea.They have collected orchids from all around the area and have spectacular botanical gardens.
http://web.mac.com/alanwolf/iweb/Costa%20Rica/Getting%20There.html
The other side of the Osa to the north where the retreat is being held is very different in that the beaches are sand and not gravel due to full exposure to the Pacific Ocean. The water is cooler as well. Diving is incredible at the tip of the Osa, Matapalo, as well as Coco island way off drake Bay.
Anyway, I enjoied my time in Costa Rica and I am sure you will as well. Don't forget to have a drink at the Key Largo when you're in San Jose. Also if you visit the Arenal volcano a soak at the hot springs "El Tabacon" is a must; hot waterfalls!
http://www.tabacon.com/
Golfito
Let's talk about that....
"trying to frame it differently then you might perceive it as?"
How much does it cost?
$1100-$2000 for 8 days isn't too bad
I'm a strong critic of overpriced workshops, but IMHO, this price range is pretty reasonable for a week-long retreat/workshop. Some folks are now charging $600 or more (I've even seen $3000) for weekend workshops. Certainly it would be nice to have some scholarship or sliding-scale options (sharing a tent fits here), but true sliding scale is hard to come by unless you have big donors or some other way to offset costs.
For those of us with fewer economic resources, luckily every night we have the opportunity to enter the dreamtime for free. It's certainly nice to go there in an exotic and beautiful place like Costa Rica with a like-minded group, but ultimately the experiences we crave are closer than our own breath.
http://twitter.com/duffmcduffee
Finally!
Costa Rica, cool. As for
As for costs... c'mon y'all naysayers. You want to rally against something? Try an oil leak or a mega all-inclusive white-lawnchair trip to mexico.
Just over a grand for this, if you camp out with a friend, which would be my preference, not too bad.
Even some really big permaculture conferences recognize the benefit of the experience outweighs the liabilities of the air travel.
If you're going - make the most of it.
If you can't go, for whatever reason, make the most of where you are.
:)
c'mon
I understand this
I understand this criticism - and of course at this point I expect it - but I would suggest that the community take a much broader and more comprehensive perspective on the situation.
First of all, as other posters noted, by the standards of many similar retreats, this is not terribly expensive. I am sorry if you and other commentators here can't afford it, but there is nothing Reality Sandwich can do about that right now. Unfortunately, these types of experiences are still illegal in the US, and therefore we cannot steer you to experts in plant medicine who may be crossing the country and offering these types of experiences near your local settings. Since we can't do that for you, you would have to do that for yourself if you wanted to have the experience. You could also do the necessary research to discover plants that produce similar or identical effects, that you can find, if even the price of a traveling plant medicine expert is too much for you.
The actual fact in our world today is that some people do have more resources than other people. Those people have a vast range of options of what they can do to relax or take an adventure in an exotic locale. Personally, from my own observations over many years now, I have found that when people who have the resources choose to investigate visionary plant medicines (rather than a yachting voyage or safari or whatever else), it often leads to a range of positive modifications in their behavior, their thought-patterns, and their future use of their resources, toward the prospect of creating a better and more sustainable world for all. Once they have encountered the spirit of nature through the plant world, they often become influencers in their world of privilege and power. If they are not given good opportunities to have these kinds of experiences, this type of transformation does not take place.
Considering the dire state of our current world situation, I believe that the best and most strategic plan is to work with everyone, exactly where they are. We have created the Evolver Regionals and Evolver Spores which are regular events that are generally "suggested contribution" - perfect for people who have little resources. At these gatherings, they can connect with others who share their interests, leading to many fruitful developments, as we have seen in Atlanta, SF, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Baltimore, NYC, Budapest, and many other places.
If we are serious about transformation, we will also work with other people who do have resources - without getting locked into judgments that only end up alienating people, and lead to no good results. The fact is that people possessing of financial capital or even what the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu calls "culture capital" have the potential to influence more people, and to bring about a larger transformation at a faster rate. Therefore, it is a good idea to reach out to those people and create experiences that help them in their evolution.
The tiny amount of pollution it takes for a group to visit a place like Costa Rica is not even a drop in the bucket at this point, so I find this criticism meaningless. In any event, there is no compulsion about this - we can create or offer a range of options for people to have different types of experiences and adventures, and it is up to you whether or not it is worth your effort to find a way to join in. If you don't, that is fine. If you do, we look forward to meeting you.
"Will the transformation."-Rilke
Thank You!
Daniel Pinchbeck and the rest of the Reality Sandwich crew,
Thank you so much for making opportunities like this available for the people of this community. I would love to participate in an incredible event such as this one but at this time in my life I cannot afford it. I am a younger member of the community (18 years) and I know that along with myself, many of my friends are ecstatic that such a trip has been organized. We ask that you continue to make these sort of trips available as we will continue to work towards being able to take part in them. Thank you for all that you and your team have done.
sounds great
growing sad phenomena
gripes and more sour gripes
hi brooklynphotogsculptor,
I know where you are coming from, and you make some legitimate points. Right now, i am trying to reduce the amount of travel that I do, partially for the reasons you mention. I think that our goal, increasingly, should be to build utopia where we are, rather than lunging across the world to seek it out. I see a future where rather than being flown out to give a talk, most of the time I can do it via Skype, as I did recently with the Vancouver Spore. On the other hand, there does remain a real tangible value in bringing people together, and I will say that personally my life was deeply transformed by getting to visit the Amazon jungle. I believe others will similarly benefit from such n experience.
The reason we call this company "Evolver" is that we understand that we are in an evolving process. Not everything can be accomplished in a single moment, and there needs to be strategic pathways created for transformation. Your totalizing dismissals are, to me, sour gripes that don't have a basis in reality. As for some examples, Sting started his Rainforest Foundation after ayahausca experiences in Brazil. James Cameron is now campaigning against a major dam slated to be built in the Amazon - and apparently his interest in this region was also the outcome of ayahuasca. You may want to check out the work that Lynn and Bill Twist are doing with the Pachamama Alliance - after working with native shamans, they did massive organizing to get Ecuador to revise its environmental laws. I think I could find many more examples.
As for what we are doing with Evolver, right now we are in the process of building the community, and beginning to field-test different pilot projects, such as Time Banks, permaculture projects, and much more. Eventually, as we build up, other types of actions will become appropriate. PErsonally I would like to see a nonviolent civil disobedience campaign develop that could be effective in its strategy against GMOs and nightmares like the BP oil spill. At the moment, we don't have the manpower to take on such endeavors, but could develop in that direction over the next year or two, hence I invite you to not just grouse but get involved. I believe that the lack of a civil society infrastructure is one of the main reasons that there is no progress, and in fact constant regress, against corporate domination.
Generally I find it is so much easier for people to criticize than to actually undertake doing anything, and I could spend my whole life answering criticisms. Perhaps you also need a wakeup call.
"Will the transformation."-Rilke
ohh geez
absolved of guilt
Fantastic
Yes
Had to excuse myself for a
Good grief people...
I mean really... The RS crew can't fix all the world's problems in one fell swoop, just to be able to host a 100% everything-friendly event. This event has taken, and will continue to take, tremendous sacrifices from the RS crew and all those involved. How about, instead of nit-picking the negative aspects that -- unfortunately -- are a necessary evil at this point in our society, let's focus on what an awesome and much needed opportunity this presents for our culture, and see this as another step in the path toward consciousness evolution! I get chills with excitement and immense gratitude knowing that efforts like this are being made for the betterment of our civilization (those who are willing to embrace the change, anyway).
All of you Evolvers who are in attack mode over this... what are you doing here? Are you so used to being on the defense against our corrupt society, that you don't know when to turn it off?? The way I interpreted Daniel's comment was not insensitivity to the travesty of our fuel-based transportation systems. My interpretation was of a bit of sarcasm and cynicism to drive home a point about how important this event will be, to everyone who is able to attend. And out of all the people traveling unnecessarily by air, let's direct that hostility toward those who are flying for less worthwhile causes. My point is, let's be a bit realistic. Yes, many things about our world suck, but we still live in it, and we have to make it work for now. At least we are operating within the "suck-ness" to try and make some improvements.
Some of you obviously have a very negative, jaded view of this effort, which makes me very sad for you, but please take that animosity elsewhere, or keep your "mouth" shut. You are serving to infuse negative energy into the foundation of this event, and undermining its potential effectiveness and importance. Even those who are fortunate enough to attend, if they happen to read your posts, then despite all openness and readiness, there will still be a slight sense of negativity and wariness tainting their experience.
Regarding the money issue, if this event were less expensive, there would be a lot more people in attendance, which would kill the intimate, private nature of such a delicate, spiritually significant experience, and it would also open the doors to some who may not be ready. I personally would *LOVE* to be there. I can't afford it right now. That's unfortunate. But instead of perceiving that as an unfair limitation based on money, I see that as a sign that I'm not quite ready for it. I have faith that my time will come, and all pieces will fall into place.
So, THANK YOU, RS crew. Please keep doing what you're doing!
Benefits
Blessings Everyone,
Its easy to pin-point some really negative outlooks on what could be deemed "shamanic tourism"... the fact is... Kathi and Nando do great work! They are gifted healers... Authentic Beings that will inspire you.
A retreat like this is not only supporting RS, it is also supporting the teachings themselves. It is supporting a way of life that needs preservation. It is supporting the amazing beings that carry their medicine and live their life of divine service.
When we interact with one another we carry the seeds of our experience which can then be transmitted. The external world IS a mirror to our inner reality. Our relationships are mirrors. Inner transformation DOES change the world. If we can discover greater clarity of universal principles through direct experience, we start to make healthier choices from that space of self awareness and self empowerment. When we touch our centers more and more we can release the false mask of defense. We can learn to share, connect, give and receive in a space of love and not of dominance, fear and manipulation. This is a healing and evolutionary process we are all involved in.
I completely support Daniel's sentiments on how inner transformations that a retreat and ceremony offer an individual are worth the external damage so to speak. A peak experience and a healing with the medicine can really shift an individuals resonance; this can actually re-structure how that person is co-creating their reality. From the lens of of interconnectedness this IS changing the world.
Also...if some one is going with "spiritual-materialism" in their intentionality... THE MEDICINE will humble them. No money wasted.
RS; I think its beautiful that you moved forward with this retreat. AHO!
With Love Always,
~Aloka
"When the power of LOVE overwhelms the love of power, the world will know peace" - J.H
Reality Rationalzingg
Plant Medicine Retreat
Can you tell me how many spaces you have left on this retreat? My husband and I are seriously considering attending, we'd want a room together. We're waiting to make our decision based on developments in our business...and we don't want to wait too long and lose this opportunity.
Thanks!
Spaces are still available
Hi Causeyourlife,
There are still rooms available right now. Please send in an application just to get that process started, and you can let us know ASAP if the circumstances will allow you to join us. I hope that they do!
Cheers,
ST
I've been researching Ayahuasca trips...
Hi there
Hi KindaGamey,
Yes, the double occupancy rooms are $2000 per person, for couples sharing a larger bed. I hope all goes well with your citizenship and you can join us in Costa Rica!
Cheers,
ST
Consciousness Reality
Blessings In Love , Light & Awakening,
Solairis
when you stop talking shit, you start doing shit.
to the people who are complaining about the price and money, maybe consider doing a fundraiser for future retreats instead of complaining to these good people who have done all the leg work to make this retreat happen. regardless of the cost, bottom line is they are just trying to organize something really special and have made it available to the public. also you could organize your own retreat and offer it at a lower cost or free. just some thoughts.
Is there a phone number I can call?
Retreat
Fake Burner Profiteers
wow, DESERTDWLLR got it right on
any such events held locally?
authentic healers
i have just been at a ceremony under the guidance of nando and kathi, and can assure the doubting thomases that these two beautiful people are the REAL DEAL. Never have i experienced such a profound healing, and trust me, i've tried a lot of different ways to get back home in my 48 years on the planet. I am so grateful to them. I appreciated that the ritual wasn't laced with Christianity, which it is a fair bit these days i understand (even in the deepest darkest Amazonian villages, in some cases!). So authentic is as authentic does. You can trust these two with your all.
Love,
Niramaya
Nando and Kati
Amazing Healers for this retreat
:)
In such a case is to treat
Great