Journey to the Heart of the Sacred Feminine - Dancing with the Goddess in Maui, Hawaii

Journey to the Heart of the Sacred Feminine

Dancing with the Goddess in Maui, Hawaii

May 29 - June 5, 2010

Retreat Leaders: Tour Leaders: Alexina Mehta is a Naturopathic Physician who inspires others to access their own innate healing potential, and to step into their power as a creative being living in harmony with themself and others. She also teaches a variety of transformative workshops in healing and has trained in Energy Medicine, Yoga, Pilates, and Nia Dance. Sarah Dykstra has been a life-long student of the Sacred and is currently working on a Ph.D. in Religious Studies. She has been a devotee of yoga and meditation for ten years, and is a great lover of dance and music. Read more about Alexina Mehta and Sarah Dykstra on our About Your Retreat Leaders Page.

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Retreat Description

Join Alexina Mehta and Sarah Dykstra on the healing island of Maui, Hawaii for a Journey to the Heart of the Sacred Feminine. Maui, renowned as the “heart chakra” of the Earth, is the perfect setting to take you on this journey into the Sacred Feminine. We stand at the threshold of a new era in human evolution, one in which the feminine consciousness is calling (indeed demanding!) to be reacknowledged, reawakened, and resurrected. Now the Goddess yearns to take her rightful place upon our planet, to be invited back into our sacred body temples, and to take up permanent residence within our psyches. Now is the time for Her long-awaited inauguration as part of the Sacred Marriage between the Divine Masculine and Sacred Feminine, between Spirit and Matter, and between Heaven and Earth! During this retreat we shall focus upon calling forth and embodying the energies of the Sacred Feminine, forging stronger connections with these energies and ultimately bringing ourselves back into alignment with them. We shall create a sacred container in which we can invite the Cosmic Feminine and summon the energies of the Earth Mother. By doing so, we shall create a healing and empowering space in which we can reunite Heaven and Earth within our own bodies and psyches. This retreat is a celebration of the Sacred Feminine: the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects of the divine feminine consciousness in all of its glory. Each day we shall explore a different expression of the Divine Feminine by exposing ourselves to a variety of wisdom traditions (both ancient and contemporary). We shall call upon teachings from various world traditions as a way of assisting us to tap into the vast reservoir of feminine wisdom within and around us. Then, through ceremony, ritual and divine play, we shall work to download and ground these energies into our physical body temples. Through our daily practice of meditation and yoga and through the pleasurable and healing art of dance (Nia dance, Yoga dance, Belly dance, Sufi dance and Tara dance), we shall weave our way back to the Great Mother, re-establishing a sacred connection that has long been severed. Through bathing ourselves in the numinous energies of the Volcano of Haleakala, the Seven Sacred Pools and the many luxuriant and sensuous natural settings of Maui, we shall fortify our connection with the Ground of our Being and come into a deeper awareness of our own natural rhythms and our own interior essence. Through playful and celebratory evening gatherings we shall explore and revivify our own unique Goddess natures.

Have you felt the need to connect with your feminine essence in a new way - a way that honours and nurtures you on all levels? This retreat is for the woman who is longing to step into a higher place of empowerment, and ultimately into a greater place of wholeness, vitality and fulfillment. Bring your sisters, friends, and mothers and join a circle of women who come together for a celebration of the Heart of the Sacred Feminine!

"Another world is not only possible, she is on her way! On a quiet day, if you listen carefully, you can hear her breathing." ~ Arundhati Roy ~

Note: This retreat is open to a maximum of 12 participants. Early registration is encouraged.

About Malamalama Farm Retreat Center

Mãlamalama means ‘Light of Knowledge’ and inspires us to open our hearts, our minds, and our spirits to engage more deeply with nature. It thus seeks to bring us further into balance and inspires us to reconnect with our own true divine nature.

Mãlamalama is a non-profit organization. The Retreat Center, as well as the Farm, is found in a secluded rain forest in 'Upcountry' Maui and offers both privacy and convenience. At the farm center, ideal temperatures (about 80 degrees F) can be enjoyed year-round, and the center is only minutes away from all you need: historic towns with restaurants and unique boutiques, world-class windsurfing, surfing, swimming and walking beaches, and Haleakala Crater National Park. The airport and central shopping districts are 25 minutes away and the famous ‘road to Hana’ is at our back door. In true Hawaiian style, Mãlamalama extends the warmest ‘aloha’ by providing for your comfort with a friendly and caring staff, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, plentiful seating mats and cushions for meetings, quiet walkways, a seasonal stream and an abundance of native Hawaiian plants, fruits and flowers. The hot tub supports your totally relaxing experience, with massage available upon request. Delicious and healthful gourmet meals (mostly organic) prepared by our talented and knowledgeable chef are also included in this fabulous retreat.

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About Retreat Leaders

Alexina Mehta
Dr. Alexina Mehta encountered yoga and the spiritual traditions of her Indian heritage at a young age and is fascinated with the possibilities of human potential. Her great grandfather, R.B. Lal Singh Mehta, discovered the oldest written book ever found on earth so far, called the Diamond Sutras. The book teaches about the nature of reality, enlightenment and compassion, teachings that are an important part of Alexina's life. With these teachings, she seeks to empower people to step into what is possible for them. Her undergraduate education in Kinesiology and Fitness at the University of British Columbia gave her the initial tools to discover her own body by learning how it works on a mechanical and physiological level, while her formal training in Yoga and Pilates awoke in her the knowledge of the other levels at which the body works. She later continued her studies to become a naturopathic physician as well as a doula. Alexina has also trained in other healing modalities such as Craniosacral and Bowen Therapy, Energy Medicine, Autonomic Response Muscle Testing, Intuition Development, Family Constellation work and Nia Dance. She also is a graduate of the Four Winds Energy Medicine Institute. As part of her training, she journeyed to Peru to be with the Qu’ero elders, the indigenous peoples of Peru. Currently she enjoys being a teaching assisitant with the Four Winds Energy Medicine Institute. She loves working with people in this domain, being at the forefront of what is possible, and allowing for such possibilities to become realities. Her life experiences have led her to a place where she knows that we are magnificent creators. Currently, Alexina practices naturopathic medicine in Vancouver, BC, utilizing the modalities of herbal medicine, energy medicine, counselling, homeopathy, physical medicine, nutrition, acupuncture and much more. She is essentially a detective, teacher and doctor all in one and uses various diagnostic techniques to discover patterns, and then utilizes the most relevant modalities to address the needs of her patients, while teaching them how to become more aware of these needs. In her leisure time, she loves to meditate and practice yoga, dance, hike, surf and travel. Sarah Dykstra
Sarah Dykstra has been a life-long student and disciple of the Sacred. From an early age she has dedicated herself to cultivating an understanding of issues pertaining to human consciousness, the mysteries of life and death, the search for contentment and freedom, and the human being’s place within the greater fabric of the multicosmos. She holds degrees in Classical History and Philosophy (BA summa cum laude) and Religious Studies (MA) and is currently working on a Ph. D. in Religious Studies at the University of British Columbia where she is funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada to carry out research on spiritual and mystical experience within a cross-cultural and historical framework. Some of Sarah’s many interests include mystical and spiritual experience, the Sacred Feminine within a cross-cultural context, ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern religions, alternative healing technologies, and global shamanism. In addition to having been a devotee of yoga (in all of its various dimensions, including both its philosophical and physical aspects), she has also been a dedicated practitioner of meditation for ten years. She counts herself especially blessed to have been exposed to the healing technologies and ancient wisdom of the indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon.

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Retreat Itinerary

Day 1 Sat, May 29: Arrive in Maui (D)
You will be met and transferred from the airport to the beautiful Mãlamalama Farm Retreat Center. Upon settling in, you will have an orientation of the center, the exquisite natural surroundings, and a tour of the developing farm. You will not only be invited to connect with the spirit of the land you will be staying upon and the beautifully positive and powerful energy within her, but you will also be encouraged to connect with its overlighting mission.

Kolealea is an organic farm which is organized around the principles of on-going sustainability. Kolealea promotes sustainable living on earth, as well as ways of being in the world which are rooted in our connection with nature and with each other. Together with Malamalama, a non-profit organization, Kolealea works to feed the community and to assist others to do the same by teaching organic gardening, sustainable farming and harmonious living. In doing so, they work to facilitate much needed positive changes in service of global ecology.

Kolealea has a spiritual approach to everything that they do. Above all, they are committed to harmonious and peaceful living. They are on a mission to bring humans and nature back together, to foster a sense of “oneness” with the Earth and planetary consciousness, and to help individuals to feel and know that we are all part of the great fabric of Life. Through working in concert with the land - the plants, animals, and all of Nature's spirits - they are working together with the wonder that is Nature to bring us back into a state of balance and harmony with all living things.

By bathing in the energy of this special land and feeling its life force, its mana, we are greatly supported in tuning into our own innate wholeness and our own internal template of the Divine. Listen to the heartbeat of this land, listen to it breathe, and then take a few minutes to breathe together with it in peace and harmony.

This evening we gather for our Welcome Group Dinner. Following dinner we will begin our introduction and orientation with Alexina and Sarah and learn a little about our fellow sisters and the amazing journey we are about to embark on Day 2 Sun, May 30 (B, L, D)
Enjoy a morning Meditation and Nia Dance class followed by breakfast. We then gather for our first teaching, The Re-emergence of the Sacred Feminine, where we will discuss:

*Remembering Atlantis and Lemuria
*The Call of the Goddess and the Reawakening of the Divine Feminine
*Growing the Goddess and re-uniting Heaven and Earth

Myths and legends inform us that there have been certain cycles during the evolution of humankind in which the feminine principle has been revered, honoured and celebrated. Although human beings have, for the past several millennia, been strongly orientated toward the masculine principle, we now find ourselves living in a time when the feminine principle is yearning to be acknowledged and reintegrated into our everyday lives. Many of us, however, are left wondering how, in a world that is still strongly orientated toward masculine ideals and ideologies, we can engage with and “grow” the goddess energies - both within our personal lives and psyches and within the collective consciousness. In this teaching, we shall explore ways in which we can chart new pathways for honouring, engaging with, and ultimately incarnating the energies of the Sacred Feminine.

Later, enjoy a Meditation and Invocation followed by lunch. After lunch we embark on a hiking excursion to experience the wonders of the beautiful island of Maui.

This evening, following dinner, we enjoy a special event, a channeling session with renowned psychic Liah Howard, followed by our Goddess Initiation Gathering. Day 3 Mon, May 31 (B, L, D)
Enjoy a morning Meditation and Yoga Dance class followed by breakfast and our second discussion, Wisdom Teachings from the Americas, where we will learn about:

*The Great Mother and Pachamama
*The Undomesticated, Untamed Feminine
*The Munay Ki Wisdom Teachings: Stepping into 2012 and Beyond

The indigenous North and South American traditions are responsible for imparting to us a dynamic tapestry of spiritual and holistic teachings that are rooted in a deep understanding of the living essence of the planet upon which we live. According to many of the North and South American indigenous cosmovisions, the earth is regarded as the Great Mother: She who births, nurtures and sustains all those who inhabit Her oceans, lands and skies. Within these traditions, the Great Mother (known as “Pachamama” in the Peruvian Andean traditions) is regarded as the overlighting presence responsible for gifting us with life, and it is predominantly through Her that we live and move and have our being. In this teaching, we shall explore some of these “Great Mother” traditions, and contemplate what it would mean to give our primary spiritual allegiance to our Earth Mother. We shall look, in particular, at an ancient lineage of teachings born out of the Andes, and imparted to us by the wisdom keepers of the Qu’ero (a modern day Peruvian tribe whose peoples are the descendents of the ancient Inca). We will then have the special opportunity of participating in a Despacho Blessing Ceremony.

Later, with a packed lunch, we head out for a Maui Beach Tour to revel in the glorious sunshine and soak in the soothing and transformative healing properties of the ocean.

After watching the sunset, we return to Malamalama Farm for dinner, after which we gather for a Goddess Fire Ceremony. Here we shall take part in a ceremony in which we connect with the ancestors, let go of old stories, and step into new ones. Day 4 Tue, Jun 1 (B, D)
This morning we enjoy an early breakfast and depart for a breathtaking, three-hour bus trip along Hana Highway to the small village of Hana. Our trip will include stops along the way to view the waterfalls as well as the many other beautiful scenic vistas of coastal Maui. We then spend the afternoon visiting the Seven Sacred Pools in Haleakala National Park where we will participate in a sacred water ceremony and enjoy some time for hiking and swimming.

We return to our retreat center later in the afternoon to relax and refresh ourselves ,and to reflect upon the day before gathering for our evening dinner. Day 5 Wed, Jun 2 (B, L, D)
Enjoy another morning Meditation and Bellydance class followed by a teaching, Ancient Manifestations of the Sacred Feminine: India, Sumeria, Egypt and Greece where we will discuss:

*The Cosmic Mother
*Kali and the Dark Goddess
*Tara: Mother of Mercy and Compassion
*Inanna: Queen of Heaven and Earth
*Isis and the Cosmic Feminine
*Aphrodite: Sensual and Celestial Love

Ancient cultures and civilizations have much to teach us about the Sacred Feminine. From these cultures we inherit many myths and legends which serve to highlight the various different faces of the Cosmic Feminine. In this teaching, we shall explore the Goddess from the perspective of four of the world’s greatest ancient civilizations: India, Sumeria, Egypt and Greece. What do these goddesses teach us and how can their stories enrich our modern lives and bring us closer into contact with our own interior essence? Through exposing ourselves to their legends and myths and engaging with them through certain meditative and ritual practices, we shall work to forge deeper connections with all aspects of our interior being.

We then gather for a Meditation and Invocation followed by lunch. After lunch, we enjoy the afternoon in the colourful and vibrant village of Paia where we will explore local boutiques, relax on the beach, and soak up the unique atmosphere of one of Maui’s most funky towns. We return in time to wash up and get ready for dinner.

This evening we will be joined by guest teacher, Kachina Palencia who will lead us in a special Tibetan Buddhist Tara Dance. Here we shall tap into the feminine aspect of the Buddha by dancing through the 21 qualities of the goddess Tara. Day 6 Thu, Jun 3 (B, L, D)
An early morning departure will have us embarking on a day trip to the highest point on Maui (10,023 feet) at Haleakala (“house of the sun”). Here we shall watch the sunrise, participate in a ceremony on the summit of the volcano, and hear about some of the local traditions surrounding the indigenous volcano goddess Pele. We will also experience a special guided hike in the Waikamoi Preserve, a place which in former times was frequented only by those who were regarded as being worthy of entering into the wao akua (“realm of the gods”), and whose access still remains restricted today. Here we shall encounter windswept native cloud forests, native plants, birds, and invertebrates, and discover an “ecological fabric that supports some of the rarest and most beautiful of Earth's creatures”.

After this extraordinary experience, we return to the retreat centre to wash up and get ready for dinner. This evening you may also want to take advantage of the optional healing treatments offered at the retreat centre. Day 7 Fri, Jun 4 (B, L, D)
This morning enjoy a Nia dance class followed by breakfast and then our teaching, The Feminine Face of God within the Western Traditions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam, where we will discuss:

*Sophia and Shekhina: Gnostic and Hebrew Expressions of the Divine Feminine
*Mother Mary and Mariology
*The Recent Resurrection of Mary Magdalene
*The Black Madonna and the Virgin of Guadalupe
*The Feminine Principle in Sufism and Islamic Mysticism

Judaism, Christianity and Islam are generally known as religious traditions that were born out of a strong patriarchal consciousness and deeply orientated toward masculine ways of being in the world. It is less known that throughout the evolution of these religious traditions, there have been certain mystical and esoteric trajectories that have deeply honoured and revered the Sacred Feminine. In early Christian circles, for example, the goddess Sophia proved an integral part of the early Christian cosmology. Likewise, in some early Christian circles, Mary Magdalene was deeply revered and even regarded by some as “the disciple of disciples”. In the Middle Ages, Mary, Mother of Jesus of Nazareth, attracted a strong cultic following, and came to be known as a great cosmic force in her own right. In this teaching, we shall explore some of these lesser known traditions, discuss the recent search for expressions of the feminine principle upon the part of those devotees of the Western religious traditions, and examine these developments from the greater perspective of the return of the Cosmic Feminine to planetary consciousness.

We then participate in a Meditation and Invocation followed by lunch. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to wander the grounds of the retreat centre, explore Maui independently, or simply relax and reflect on the journey and teachings thus far.

In the late afternoon, we are invited to a special lecture, Cycles of the female body and how they relate to the earth: Ancient practices to rejuvenate, nourish, and enliven the female form. How can we live in harmony with our body and ultimately bring it into a state of radiance and grace? As women living in the modern world, we have become disconnected from the beauty, grace and health of the female form. In this teaching, we shall discuss how we can re-align our bodies and our bodies’ cycles with those of the moon and the earth. We shall also consider Ayurvedic, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Naturopathic Medicine viewpoints on how to support and regulate the female body in its various cycles and rhythms. We shall look at various plants and herbs and we shall discuss nutritional tips designed to optimize the functioning of the body. Finally, we will use the power of the mind-body connection via meditations to facilitate this process.

We then gather for our final group dinner followed by our closing celebration with special guests, Kachina Palencia and friends, who will lead us in a series of Sufi Dances of Universal Peace which draw from a variety of the world’s sacred and religious traditions. Day 8 Sat, Jun 5 (B)
We enjoy one final breakfast in paradise followed by our last discussion, Integrating the Sacred Feminine into our Everyday Lives, where we will learn the practical elements of incorporating our teachings and experiences into our everyday contemporary lives. You will be transferred back to the airport for your departure flight home.

Retreat Inclusions

Retreat Includes: 7 nights accommodation at the Malamalama Farm Retreat Centre in Twin Rooms (2 beds per room) All meals (mostly organic) - Breakfast Daily, 5 Lunches, and 7 Dinners (not including 1 lunch in Hana) Private Airport Transfers Private Transportation for all excursions included in the itinerary Added Features: Wisdom Teachings and Discussions with facilitators, Alexina Mehta and Sarah Dykstra Special Guest Teacher, Kachina Palencia, who will lead us in a Tibetan Buddhist Tara Dance and Sufi Dances of Universal Peace Yoga Dance, Nia Dance, Belly Dance classes Channelling session with special guest Liah Howard Meditations and Invocations Goddess Fire Ceremony Sacred Water Ceremony Despacho Blessing Ceremony Hiking Trips Beach Tours Excursion to Haleakala Volcano Excursion to Hana and the Seven Sacred Pools in Haleakala National Park Guided Hike in Waikamoi Preserve Retreat Does Not Include: Airfare to Maui, Hawaii Cancellation & Medical Insurance (ask us for a quote if your are Canadian) Meals and drinks not specified (participants will be responsible for buying their own lunch in Hana) Cost to obtain valid passport Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks and telephone calls. Any item that is not specifically detailed on our website or in the final retreat itinerary.

Price Per Person (Land Only)
USD $2499.00

Note: This retreat is open to a maximum of 12 participants. Early registration is encouraged.

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About Retreat Leaders

Sacred Earth Journeys, 7348 Ridge Drive, Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1B5 Canada
Tel: (604) 874-7922, Toll Free 1-877-874-7922 www.sacredearthjourneys.ca