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The Winter Soulfest is much more than a winter gay vacation as we share together activities that will restore your body and soul back to life thus providing a greater sense of well being and vigor. From the moment you touch down in sunny Mexico, you will be physically, emotionally and spiritually transported from the hustle and bustle of daily living. This special retreat is held at the Haramara Retreat Center in Sayulita, Mexico, just 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. Haramara, a sacred Huichol word for "Mother Sea," offers seclusion, quietness and extraordinary beauty to create a spectacular setting for the inner and outer work of this week. Here we find breathtaking views of the sapphire blue Pacific Ocean, secluded beaches, warm ocean water, world class surf, and lush jungle vegetation while the balmy Pacific breezes keep the climate temperate and comfortable.
Through powerful restorative practices such as yoga, breath-work and meditation, we will unwind the stresses and strains of winter and bring the juices of life back into our bodies all while basking in the healing energy of a spectacular natural setting. These practices and other insightful group activities provide the means for diving below the surface into our individual and collective unconscious to support the evolution of greater intimacy and personal exploration.
Our days are full yet designed at a leisurely pace. We come together for regular morning spiritual practices including meditation, yoga, and breath-work. Our afternoons are left free to enjoy the beach, sun, optional massage, walks to town, and simply hanging out. In the evenings, before or after dinner, we gather for a second group session which might include some time for sharing, chanting, shamanistic ritual, movement and playful creative explorations. Like an inner pilgrimage into the depths of your soul, each exercise or process is conceived to reconnect you to your spiritual source, to kick start your passion, and to restore lost vitality and creativity. As a "feast" for the soul, this retreat is designed to help you uncover, rediscover, and rejuvenate your essential self.
At this gay retreat, set in the spectacular scenery and serenity of Haramara, you will discover deeper levels of intimate connection with other participants. Spiritual renewal, lifelong friendships, greater self-acceptance, and clarity of future direction, are the potential fruits of this uniquely restorative time together. No previous experience is necessary for any of the activities planned. Instruction, guidance and support by experienced facilitators is provided throughout the retreat. That being said, you might consider in the weeks prior to the retreat attending some yoga classes in your area which can also provide an immediate outlet of support post retreat. In coming together as a community of brothers, our purpose for this retreat is to reconnect with our authentic nature; to re-ignite the flame of our passion for life, love and spirit. You will return home midwinter refreshed and rejuvenated, full of desire for MORE - but not more stuff, or more stress, rather more meaning, groundedness, connection, ........more LIFE!
WHALE WATCHING AND SNORKELING ADVENTURE
This year we will take a day to journey out to sea for whale watching and some snorkeling. We will be using two or three small boats so that we can get as close to the whales as possible without disturbing them. It is awe inspiring to be among these incredible creatures as they breach (jump) and as they gracefully glide through the ocean. It is a truly humbling experience to be in their presence. Afterwards, we gather at a restaurant right on the beach for some refreshments, then head back to Haramara for dinner.
THE HARAMARA RETREAT RESORT
Accommodations include spacious cabanas built in the traditional style commonly found in Pacific Coast Mexico. The cabanas offer sweeping views of the ocean and mountains, plush linens, private open air bathrooms, spacious sitting veranda, two double beds or one queen bed, and privacy. This year there are three spaces available in a very large cabana that sleeps six and has two bathrooms. Also, there are three spaces available in a large cabana that sleeps three and has one bathroom. All of the cabanas are built up the hillside into the jungle, some only a few yards from the beach. Please note, there is no electricity in the cabanas, this is native luxury! All of our group sessions will be held in Haramara's lovely open-air palapa designed for yoga and meditation with 360 degree views from atop the hill that is our home for the week. The creative chefs at Haramara, prepares delicious healthy international vegetarian meals with fish, seafood, and locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables. Purified water is always available at meals and in your rooms. Visit www.haramararetreat.com for a look at this gorgeous retreat center.
Sayulita is a small fishing village recently voted by Outside Magazine as one of the top Mexican beaches. We are able to appreciate Sayulita's charm and culture with optional afternoon visits into town while preserving the quiet seclusion of a retreat at Haramara. The town of Sayulita is a short distance, 25 minute walk or $3 cab ride from Haramara, where you find a quaint coastal village with a variety of activities, shops, and cafes. The long beach offers surfing, sailing, boogie boards, kayaking, snorkeling and swimming.
Have questions?
Contact us at 800-754-1875 or info@spiritjourneys.com
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