Details on Cacao and Ceremony Use:
Raw cacao is a powerful facilitator for personal transformation. It is heart-opening in the sense that it increases blood flow and oxygen levels in the heart. It also amplifies emotions and subconscious content so that we can work with and alchemize it. We will serve world-class Mayan cacao, grown and prepared in northern Guatemala specifically for meditative and ceremonial use.
Details on Divine Vitality Movement Therapy:
Divine Vitality is a movement & connection practice Ashtar designed to use the body as a tool to journey into the heart. A combination of yoga, visionary and ceremonial dance, sounding and conscious connection, the practice guides a group into a remembrance of the Universal and Infinite One of Creation. Elements include mantra invocation, guided standing & sitting yoga sequences to uplifting world music, tantra-inspired partner activities and more. There is an emphasis on exploring the infinite potential of dance, taking ourselves off the yoga matt and literally “out of the box." The guided movement stems from traditional dances from around the world and channeled movement from the galactic center. People are invited to find their unique & authentic dance through their BREATH. While moving, we are focused on artistic and spiritual expression, giving thanks for life and our VITALITY, and cultivating prayers for ourselves and healing for humanity. Harnessing the energy, we work together to create spatial configurations which serve as a vortex to share our prayer with all Creation. The practice invites people to connect with themselves, with Spirit, and with each other in the safe and intimate container cultivated. Ashtar is continually adjusting the practice based on the needs of her brothers and sisters. You are sure to experience new ways of movement, connection, and prayer while you express your Divine Vitality.
Details on Inner Waymark Practices:
In the Inner Waymark Transformational Retreat, facilitator Nick Meador will hold space for you to undergo powerful healing and self-development. Through a mix of therapeutic systems, embodiment practices, and ceremonial traditions, you will connect deeply to yourself, to other seekers, and to the cosmos. Nick invites you to partake in a three-part crucible: unfold and process unconscious elements (dreams, social dynamics, and body sensations), clear and release unneeded heaviness and energies, and re-program yourself (belief systems, self-talk, and body language) for a more activated future. Includes two cacao ceremonies, communication and awareness training, active meditations (breathwork, movement, etc.), ecstatic dance, and more.
In addition to our scheduled activities, Song of the Morning offers a serene setting to experience the great-outdoors of Northern Michigan. With miles of trails, a fresh-flowing river, and a beautiful yoga platform you are sure to be captivated by the natural beauty surrounding you!
Raw cacao is a powerful facilitator for personal transformation. It is heart-opening in the sense that it increases blood flow and oxygen levels in the heart. It also amplifies emotions and subconscious content so that we can work with and alchemize it. We will serve world-class Mayan cacao, grown and prepared in northern Guatemala specifically for meditative and ceremonial use.
Details on Divine Vitality Movement Therapy:
Divine Vitality is a movement & connection practice Ashtar designed to use the body as a tool to journey into the heart. A combination of yoga, visionary and ceremonial dance, sounding and conscious connection, the practice guides a group into a remembrance of the Universal and Infinite One of Creation. Elements include mantra invocation, guided standing & sitting yoga sequences to uplifting world music, tantra-inspired partner activities and more. There is an emphasis on exploring the infinite potential of dance, taking ourselves off the yoga matt and literally “out of the box." The guided movement stems from traditional dances from around the world and channeled movement from the galactic center. People are invited to find their unique & authentic dance through their BREATH. While moving, we are focused on artistic and spiritual expression, giving thanks for life and our VITALITY, and cultivating prayers for ourselves and healing for humanity. Harnessing the energy, we work together to create spatial configurations which serve as a vortex to share our prayer with all Creation. The practice invites people to connect with themselves, with Spirit, and with each other in the safe and intimate container cultivated. Ashtar is continually adjusting the practice based on the needs of her brothers and sisters. You are sure to experience new ways of movement, connection, and prayer while you express your Divine Vitality.
Details on Inner Waymark Practices:
In the Inner Waymark Transformational Retreat, facilitator Nick Meador will hold space for you to undergo powerful healing and self-development. Through a mix of therapeutic systems, embodiment practices, and ceremonial traditions, you will connect deeply to yourself, to other seekers, and to the cosmos. Nick invites you to partake in a three-part crucible: unfold and process unconscious elements (dreams, social dynamics, and body sensations), clear and release unneeded heaviness and energies, and re-program yourself (belief systems, self-talk, and body language) for a more activated future. Includes two cacao ceremonies, communication and awareness training, active meditations (breathwork, movement, etc.), ecstatic dance, and more.
In addition to our scheduled activities, Song of the Morning offers a serene setting to experience the great-outdoors of Northern Michigan. With miles of trails, a fresh-flowing river, and a beautiful yoga platform you are sure to be captivated by the natural beauty surrounding you!
RETREAT SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY
5pm Dinner
6pm-6:30 PM: Introductions/ Opening ceremony/ Setting the tone for a safe container
6:30- 7:30 PM:Communication Training: Partner exercises (eye-gazing/”In your presence I feel”/ layers of interaction/healthy boundaries)
7:30- 8:00 PM: Intention setting
8:00- 9:30 PM: Candlelight Yin Yoga/ Yoga Nidra
SATURDAY
6:00-7:30 AM Sunrise Cacao Ceremony: Cacao Spirit Blessing & Guided Meditation into the Heart, 7:30- 8:45 AM: Divine Vitality Movement practice
8:45-9:45 AM: Facilitated Sharing Circle: Dreamwork/Group Process
10:00-11:30 AM: Brunch
11:30 AM-12:30 PM: Active Breathwork Meditation #1: Chakra Breathing
12:30-2:00 PM * Silent walking meditation with trust-building exercises
2:00 - 3:30 Decompression time
3:30- 5:00 PM Creating Intentions with Art and Words
5:00-6:00 PM Dinner
6:30- 7:00 PM: Regroup & Check-in
7:000 7:30 PM: Warm-up partner stretching & Intro. to Contact Dance
7:30- 9:00 PM: Visionary Dance: Devotion in Motion
9:00 PM - Close: Embracing through the Heart & Guided Meditation
SUNDAY
6:00-7:30 AM: Silent Meditation & Vinyassa Yoga (optional)
8:00-8:30 AM: Good Morning Circle & Check-in
9:00- 10:00 AM Active Breathwork Meditation #2: Kundalini
10:00- 10:30 AM: Light Breakfast
10:30-12:30 PM: Sharing and Watching your Intentions through Movement/ Archetypes of Experience & Affirmation Discussion
12:30- 1:00 PM: Integration Circle & Restoring the Space
1:00 PM Lunch
3:00 PM Cacao Ceremony (Open to staff & the public: Additional $25): Rattle Therapy, Sounding & More