SPIRITPATH SHAMANIC HEALING RETREAT

Early Bird pricing extended! Due to unexpected travel this week, I won't be available to answer messages and coordinate payments for the Early Bird deadline. So, I'm extending the deadline for getting in at the Early Bird rate by a week - the new EB deadline is Thursday, December 22nd.

 Los Frailes, copyright Janice Betts 2011

with LA SIRENA and LIZ RANDOL 

Puerto Lopez, Parque Nacional Machalilla, Manabi, Ecuador 

MARCH 19 – 31 2012 

 Release Stress. Create Empowerment, Awareness and Balance

and a Direct Connection with the Divine

Spend 12 days in a tropical beach paradise while experiencing the profound impact of shamanic healing with Liz Randol of Spiritpath.  Nourish your body with fresh vegetarian food and sample the incredible fresh seafood available if you wish. During your breaks from the healing sessions, explore the fabulous beaches of Machalilla National Park, relax in a hammock surrounded by tropical flowers and butterflies, or challenge yourself with one or more of the more active add-on activities, including hiking, snorkelling, yoga, surfing classes and a horseback tour of a cloud forest.  This trip can be as relaxing or as challenging as you make it. Either way, it will be a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll never forget.

Using Breathwork and Acupressure to work in the TRANCE state in order to connect with the DIVINE, Liz helps you to release old imprints and patterns from the past, heal old issues and blocks, and empower and strengthen yourself to move into the place of healing in order to move forward with the mission you came into this life to fulfill. She will help you release any past life blocks and memories that stand in your way. 

Say yes to nurturing your spirit, changing your life, and moving forward with joy. Join us on this voyage of self discovery and healing. We’re waiting for you with open arms and hearts.

Included:    

12 Nights accommodation (double occupancy)                           13 Vegetarian meals
3 individual sessions with Liz                                                       Optional drop in evening discussions
Closing night campfire on beach                                                  All ground transport
Guided group tour of Agua Blanca Bird Sanctuary and Sacred Sulphur Spring

Early Bird Price

  $1,975 US if paid in full by December 15th.

 * To guarantee your space at Early Bird pricing, please send a deposit of $600 (non-refundable) asap

 and pay in full by December 15th. 

 Regular Price

  $2,175 US after December 15th.

 * To guarantee your space, please send a deposit of $600 (non-refundable) asap 

and pay in full by February 1st. 

Note: No international travel or insurance is included in these prices. 

Participants are required to sign a liability waiver.

Prices based on shared occupancy.

 CANCELLATION POLICY

 * Deposit of $600 is non-refundable.

 * 50% of remainder returned if cancellation is done by February 1st.

 * Non-refundable after February 1st.

 

 For more info on Liz’s work, please see http://www.spiritpath-healing.com 

Contact: lasirena@lasirenayoga.org

Copyright La Sirena Yoga Lifestyle Retreats 2011 www.lasirenayoga.org http://lasirenayoga.blogspot.com

La Sirena Centro Holistico Manta

La Sirena is beyond thrilled to announce the launch of La Sirena Centro Holistico in Manta, Ecuador. As well as the retreats, I will now be offering traditional Usui Reiki, AromaReiki, Essential Oils, and natural health and personal care products out of my beautiful new home. My Reiki master will also be visiting on a regular basis to give Reiki courses, Essential Oil seminars, and offer her holistic spa services. To celebrate, I'm offering a limited number of discounted Reiki sessions until Nov 2. 

Call 087 267 157 to book your spot! 

Please pass this on to anyone you know in the Manta area ♥

Location: Los Almendros, via Aeropuerto, Manta

Hours: 1 to 6pm Monday to Friday

Para celebrar el local nuevo en Manta, La Sirena ofrece tratamientos tradicionales de Usui Reiki en tan solo $25 hasta el 2 de Noviembre

Cupos limitados

Llama para reservar su cita a 087 267 157

Lunes a viernes de los 1 - 6pm

 

WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP with REIKI and MASSAGE

Cotacachi and The Andes With Raven Silva and Janice Betts

October  16 - 22 2011

This event is now closed. Please stay tuned for the next exciting opportunity!

                                                   Heart of Cotacachi            copyright Janice Betts 2011

“Legend has it that the Cotacachi Mountain was very flirtatious and, though she married the powerful Rucu (Old) Pichincha, she had an affair with the younger and more handsome Imbabura Mountain. In revenge, Rucu Pichincha stole their first-born son, Guagua Pichincha. Because of this, Cotacachi cries every day and thus produced the Cotacachi Lake from her bitter tears. It's not surprising that Cotacachi has charmed so many lovers..., for she is very attractive and so is the city beneath her.”* Carolina Matheus

Este retiro es bilingue ingles y espanol.

Early Bird pricing extended! Pay in full before September 16 to save $200 and pay only $1750US incl. (airfare and insurance not included).



Join us for a week of spectacular, inspiring scenery and the healing, relaxing benefits of Reiki and massage with daily instruction in watercolour painting with artist Raven Silva. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience, let the incredible scenery and tranquility of the Andes Mountains inspire you while Raven gives you one on one attention in helping you express your creative talents. In the late afternoons and evenings at the beautiful Colonial Inn, nourish your body and soul with the Inn’s delicious, organic and vegetarian food, dry sauna, fireplaces, massage and Reiki. We’ll also be visiting the world famous Otavalo textile and artisanal market, and there will be time to explore the shops of Cotacachi that are famous for their fabulous and ethically made leather goods. We will have in situ painting classes in 4 different locations, and all art materials are included, along with your very own Alpaca wool blanket and artisanal wool carry bag for the in situ painting classes.



The Giving Back proceeds from this event will benefit Fundacion Valor de La Vida (see http://www.facebook.com/media/set/fbx/?set=a.181070685274967.42119.110418545673515 )

Gustavo Raven Silva studied art at New York’s High School of Art and Design, School of Visual Arts, and New York Tech, School of Graphic Design. He had the privilege of studying under Andy Warhol, Joseph Roberts, Paul Waldman, and many other notable artists of the 20th century. He has a long list of exhibits in both the United States and Ecuador, and has experience teaching drawing and painting workshops. He works out of his home studio and is represented in Ecuador by Kalona Gallery in Guayaquil. He loves the cool climate of the mountains where he feels a connection to his indigenous heritage, and truly enjoys watching his students progress, and mentoring emerging artists; La Sirena (Janice Betts) has the good fortune to be one of those emerging artists and is looking forward to studying with Raven along with the participants in this workshop.

Package includes 6 nights’ accommodations, 14 vegetarian meals, all entrance fees and ground transportation, tips, all art materials and instruction.

Group size: 10 to 15 participants

Experience level: All levels, no experience necessary

Difficulty level: Easy, relaxed- no hiking or major physical activity (except for carrying around your fabulous purchases from the artisanal and textile market- bringing an extra suitcase is recommended!)


The first 10 participants get a complimentary Reiki session (with me). Additional sessions can be booked for $25. Massages are optional, and cost $25/hr or $15/half hour. The dry sauna is free, and seats 2 people at a time.



To book your spot please contact lasirena@lasirenayoga.org

BUDGET YOGA RETREAT with WHALE WATCHING

                                                                      Ayange Beach                photo copyright Janice Betts 2011

PUERTO LOPEZ with DEE DUSSAULTof FOLLOW YOUR BLISS

JULY 10 -15 2011

THIS RETREAT IS NOW CLOSED

PLEASE SEE DETAILS OF OUR OCTOBER RETREAT HERE ON THE BLOG, AND STAY TUNED FOR A VERY EXCITING 2012 SCHEDULE COMING VERY SOON!

Four and a half days of yoga practice on the beach, whale watching, snorkelling, and a guided nature hike on Isla de la Plata- this budget but jam packed retreat will not leave you disappointed! Enjoy up to three and a half hours of yoga per day, swimming at three beautiful Pacific beaches, and an informative tour of a Palo Santo processing plant where we will learn about the spiritual and medicinal uses for this native plant. Adventure, physical and spiritual enrichment, interaction with nature and relaxation in a tropical paradise on a shoe string budget will make this an unforgettable experience.  Say yes! and join Janice and Dee- you won’t regret it! Whales and yoga and Blue Footed Boobies, Oh My!

The Giving Back proceeds from this particular retreat will be going to micro-finance for a very deserving, hard-working woman to help her re-build her business and support her 4 kids.

Aside from being a lower cost retreat with a really cool yoga instructor, the big attraction of this particular retreat is the Humpback Whale watching trip that also includes a guided nature hike of Isla de la Plata, which is known as the Poor Man's Galapagos because its geography and wildlife are similar to the Galapagos Islands. It's one of only 2 places outside of the Galapagos that I have ever seen the famous evolutionary wonder the Blue Footed Boobie. These birds have to be seen to be believed, and because they live in a protected national park, and were isolated until modern times (just as in the Galapagos), they are not afraid of humans- I got down on my stomach just 3 feet away to take the shot of the mating pair that was featured in one of my photo exhibits. We will also be on the lookout for Albatross and sharks. And to cool down after the hike, we will be snorkelling from the boat with Angel Fish the size of dinner plates (don't worry, other side of the island from the sharks- you will be able to say that you swam with the fishes and survived!) Another highlight of the trip will be visiting a processing plant for Palo Santo, a native tree that has been used by indigenous people since ancient times. We'll learn about its uses and have the chance to purchase from the Palo Santo Foundation, which is an environmentally friendly and ethically run business that helps young, single mothers in the town. Oh, and one more thing: we'll be having lunch and swimming at that beach in the photo above on our first day! Crystal clear water in a protected bay as placid as a swimming pool, supervised by the Pelicans- bliss!

About the yoga:

Awake with the sun and start the morning off with a dynamic solar practice from 6:30 to 8:30am - join us any time.

The evening session will start around 5.00/5.30pm – concentrating on the alignment of the hips, sacrum and pelvis with emphasis on a more lunar practice.

The yoga is hatha, - suitable for all levels. Both the morning and evening practice will incorporate movement meditations, watery vinyasa flow stretches and pranayama (breathing practices), which allow us to drink in the beach air, nurturing our bodies, mind, and spirits!

www.followyourblisstoronto.ca
DivineDeeYoga@gmail.com


Included: All ground transportation, all tour and park entrance fees, all hotel/hosteria fees (5 nights), 7 vegetarian meals, and all yoga instruction.

Group size: 10 to 14 participants

Difficulty level: Moderate- one challenging hike and optional snorkelling, one walking tour
 

Light Healer

It all started with a one day retreat in January 2010 with the fabulous goddess Zahra Haji. Part of the retreat was a little one on one time with Zahra in which she explained our yogic numerology reading. Zahra was very patient with me as the conversation went something like this:

Z: What do you see yourself as?

J: I'm a teacher.

Z: No, you're not. What are you?

J: I'm a teacher.

Z: No, you're not. What are you?

repeat a few times until Zahra finally says...

Z: Your numbers say that you are a Light Healer.

J: No, I'm a teacher.

Z: No, you're a Light Healer.

repeat above a few more times until...

J: Oh, so that explains some things...

That was a moment of transformation for me and all the pieces have been falling into place ever since, starting with the closing Mandala at the retreat that day. Instead of moving my pieces away from the others' after they repeatedly placed theirs on top of, leaning against, or under mine, this time I put my smaller piece off to the side, alone, but allowed the others to 'pile on' my larger piece which was the central anchor of the mandala. In discussion afterwards, I didn't even get to finish my sentence "Did you guys notice that I was running away and didn't want your pieces close to mine the first time?" before the chorus of "Yes!!!!" started, and then I shared how I suddenly felt comfortable being a support for others and didn't mind so much in the second mandala that they put their pieces all over and around mine. Several group members said that I had an energy that made them want to come to me for comfort and support, and again, things that have always been there in the back of mind started making sense.

I have always been chosen as a leader, given responsibility beyond my years, and felt a kind of separateness from my peers even as a child, even though I wasn't one of the popular kids. People always just seem to trust me. I've joked for years about being a magnet for elderly people, who have singled me out in crowned London bus stations, on the street, on tourist trips, to help them or just talk. I have had urges to comfort when seeing people crying or suffering in some way on subway trains, buses, streetcars and in public when no one else seems to even notice the sufferer exists. When I was teaching at an international language school, the younger students who were often away from home and family for the first time in their lives were drawn to me, and would often call me 'mom' and show up at my classroom door at random times for hugs. One student, who I became very close to, said he couldn't look directly into my eyes because he 'saw into my soul, and the light was too bright and scary'. A fellow artist at an outdoor art fair, who made me feel uncomfortable with his steady gaze, when I finally allowed him to talk to me said that I am a Valkyrie. Sick and injured dogs and cats on the street have some kind of special radar that draws them to me, and the day I witnessed a (endangered) sea turtle being brought ashore and mistreated by fishermen, I swear it spoke to me when it looked me in the eyes and begged me to help. Female friends who have suffered from domestic and sexual abuse, and mental illness say they feel strong when they are in my presence, and I give them the strength to carry on. These have been my 'normal' all my life.

The spookiest was in high school, when a friend committed suicide. There was an unintelligible announcement over the PA system that no one understood, but I just got up and told the teacher my friend had died and that I needed to gather our friends. I went to the classrooms of my 2 girlfriends from our group and told them the news, took them down to the library where the guidance counsellors had gathered the students from our friend's year, pulled out the other kids from our group (including the best friend of the victim) and marched them all to my house and called my mom to come home and counsel them. All this was without thought, and hardly any words, and everyone just followed me silently. I still don't know how I knew, and even the teachers who were not invovlved didn't know. I remember at least one teacher looking at me that day with a freaked out expression.

And then there was the incident in the Galapagos. A fellow passenger was horribly ill with sea sickness. When I found her crying in the morning (I know her pain personally) I just went into auto pilot mode and started taking care of her - and she was a doctor! Later in the day, she apologized and said she felt embarassed that she was following me around and clinging to me, but that she felt better when she was touching me, and even just having me within view calmed her. When I told that story to my Reiki therapist, she said "You're ready." and offered to train me.

My very first Reiki patient had a look of awe in her eyes when I finished her treatment, an express session in a plastic chair on the sidewalk outside of my building, with the noise from the street and people watching, and she told me that I have a powerful 'don', or gift, and that she saw angels around me. She later mentioned that she is from a long line of indigenous shamans, so her observations were not to be taken lightly.

I am learning to embrace who I am, accept my gifts and responsibilities that come with them, and that many people will always think that I'm just a little wacky, or feel threatened by me. As my newest associate in the spiritual path says, I am a challenge for other people.

Here I am today, feeling euphoric as I finish up the final details of the promotional materials and itineraries for the first three retreats and workshops for La Sirena. I believe La Sirena is the vehicle for me to realise my destiny in this lifetime, and I hope it will allow me to bring inspiration, healing and wonder into the lives of many who are open to it. What a long, strange trip it's been, and I hope it's far from over!