A Journey back to your Heart – Goa Adventure January 12-19th 2019
I’m taking you on a week-long deep immersion and adventure in Goa, India.
We’re going to dive deep into our hearts using the power of yin journeys, tantric wisdom goddesses practices, ecstatic dance, tantric heart meditations & women circles. Oh and hugs, yes, very long hugs.
This isn’t a yoga holiday – it’s a journey into the unknown, where I’m creating and holding a space for you to meet your darkness and light and integrate them in your heart. You’re not broken and you don’t have to be fucking fixed. We just have to re-learn that urge to push stuff down and instead move organically and naturally through our lives.
Because when darkness and light meet in the center of your heart
They transform
into
LOVE
This is an adventure.
The Adventure your Heart has been asking you for so long to go on – it’s a journey back to your heart my dear.
And yes this Adventure is only for the brave ones. Because you jump. You jump because you feel it. Not because of all the logical things and stuff you like that is written in the retreat package. No, no. These are just tools – the dancing, the sharing, the connecting, the going out of comfort zone, the sipping lime sodas, the sunbathing, the flirting.
Tools you can recognize where you are holding yourself back. And then the real goes deeper. Where you start liberating yourself.
YES, YOU.
I’m just holding the sacred space for you to go deep within.
We forgot how to trust our intuition. How to listen to our hearts wisdom and flow with life.
We hold ourSelves back so that we don’t step on anyone’s feet. We run and run…
We do everything that we think we should be doing. We go to bed exhausted and wake-up still feeling tired. This kind of cycle doesn’t seem to be working… so I’m asking you:
Do you feel alive?
Can you feel your heart?
Do you feel wild?
Do you feel your truest Self?
Do you feel like you’re living a free life?
And making brave decisions?
Can you allow yourSelf to be YOU?
Move authentically through life?
Trust life?
True inspiration can only come from your inside and if you’re ready to meet your darkness.
That wild part of you that might not be loved and accepted by everyone. But that part of you that craves to be seen and accepted the most – by you.
Self-care is not trying to drown your stress in a bubble bath.
Self-care is to care for your Self.
To care for your heart and its deepest longings.To allow yourself to be all of you – all the parts that you’ve been denying so far because it’s not polite, nice, cute, pretty, blabla-bullshit.
You allow yourSelf to break free – so much that you’re willed to stand alone. Because there is no other option than going for your heart and its yearnings.
I’m inviting you to join me and other sisters in a one-week-long wild deep immersion in a different reality – a reality where you’re allowed to explore WHO you are and who you think you are or should be.
Are you ready for the journey into the unknown?
The Retreat Package includes:
*Sunset welcome gathering (with snacks, coconuts & lime sodas) on the beautiful Mandrem Beach on January 12th
*Fire & Letting go Ceremony to kick off this deep journey
*Dreamy walk & dip in Sweet Lake (shopping, beer, appetizers, wine & coconuts optional:)
*Twice-daily vegetarian meals (brunch and dinner) in my fave places
*Sweet early-morning-pre-yoga chai
*Twice-daily deep yoga sessions on our beautiful yoga deck with nature view
*Accommodation in a small & peaceful retreat center
*Wild blissful group ecstatic dance under stars and trees
*Sunset Dinner on the beach
*Divine Feminine Workshops & Rituals
*Transformational Yin Journeys
*Closing Goddess Lakshmi Ceremony on the beach
*Tantric Heart Meditation Experience
*Shaking our booties in the Drum Circle during sunset hour on the beach
*Sunbathing on the beautiful beaches while sipping optional lime sodas or fresh coconuts
*Online Course “28 days of courageous rituals” after the retreat & preparation-online-course for our adventure
*A magical treasure box to create sacred space during and after the retreat and an India-Wellbeing-Kit with some little helpers & surprises
optional activities:
a tour through Old Goa, exploring its famous cathedrals and temples, paragliding on Keri Beach, a spice plantation adventure, consultation with an Ayurvedic Doctor, Ayurvedic massages & treatments, shopping in the colorful markets, more tantric heart meditations and ecstatic dance :))
Package cost does not include:
airfare, airport transfers, taxis, lunch, gratuities, extra excursions, cost of alcoholic beverages, or spa treatments/bodywork
My personal India & Goa Story:
Last year I cried my way to India after I broke up with my then boyfriend. We’ve been traveling and living with each other intensively for 1,5 years and as I was diving deep into Yin Yoga last year, I experienced the Yin Truth – it’s different than the Yin Bliss – because once you slow down and take time to feel, you might realize stuff that you didn’t want to realize. That you tried to push away, put down, ignore.
But the Universe wants you to live a life from your heart – not the mind. And my life at that point somehow was not flowing.
I was stuck in my mind and had almost daily migraines and was feeling so tired all the time. I knew I will have to break-up. Once you do the reality check with your life – and just check if that picture you hold on to, matches actually what you’re experiencing, you know what decisions you gotta take. And yeah, it’s not easy. Actually, it was very painful. It took me a couple of months to accept it.
But I felt in my heart that I have to go back to India and stay at the Amritapuri Ashram. So I threw myself into one of my biggest fears and let go of an idealized picture that I’ve made up…to follow my heart and intuition.
The time at the ashram was intense but I stayed. I didn’t run away when I had the urge but dived into my heart, learned how to set strong boundaries and stop feeling guilty for what I feel – or not. Feel free to scroll my Instagram for many impressions.
In Goa, I started questioning all my desires and wishes. I
have asked mySelf very honestly WHY? Why do you want that? What’s the real motivation behind this wish?
I realized that most of my wishes were based on the longing to belong. To feel accepted.
As devastating it was, it was also very much liberating.
Devastating for my ego because suddenly there was nothing to hold on to.
Just space for me to be with…well mySelf.
India smashes your ego, bubble, beliefs, masks, filters of how life, you and others should look like in the blink of an eye.
I felt so blissed out in Goa. I was floating. I remember laughing at my small self that held on to a life that I didn’t feel, just because it was safer than to jump into the unknown.
But jumping into the unknown is not arriving safely but keep traveling adventurously.
It’s about listening to your heart and trusting it so much, that you’re willed to allow everything to fall apart that isn’t true. Boom Boom!
And that’s why I want to share this experience with you… Ecstatic Dance, Yin Yoga, and the Wisdom Goddesses are my passion and help me to dive deep into my inner journey and liberate myself from inside out. To feel free, wild, alive, soft, centered and nourished.
I share more of my India experience in this text here.
If you want to know more about my background, feel free to check-out my teaching portfolio.
About Goa & India:
This retreat is taking place on beautiful Mandrem Beach, near the hippie oasis Arambol.
I know that India can awake really controversial thoughts and pictures in peoples minds. I love India – it is an intense place – you have huge extremes of beauty and hell. BUT, we’re heading to Goa, which is a tiny coastal state, that was in the past a Dutch & Portuguese colony, so a majority of people are Christian and Goa is the place where hippies went in the 70’s and yeah, some are still there. 🙂 Goa is a completely different Universe – compared to India itself but also any other country I’ve traveled too.
People are very free, it’s super chilled, the sea is warm and with gentle waves, you get this amazing tan that you only get in Sicily or the Caribbean and there is colorful local shopping, sweet chai and tons of different amazing food. In Goa, I have felt all the time so high on life – completely free, wild and alive. I can’t wait to share this with you! As soon as you sign up for the retreat, you’ll get a comprehensive guide and list with all that you need to know. It’s gonna be magical! I recommend you take some more time off than just for the retreat…. just sayin’ 😉
For India, you will need a visa and I can walk you through this process. Find the FAQ below.
Your investment for this one-week long immersion into your heart:
HUT
(3 left)
Single Occupancy:
early bird: 1222.- Swiss francs
after: 1344.-
Double Occupancy**:
early bird: 1111.- Swiss francs
after: CHF 1233.-
ROOM
(2 left)
Single Occupancy:
early bird: 1333.- Swiss francs
after: CHF 1455.-
Double Occupancy**:
early bird: 1222.- Swiss francs
after: CHF 1344.-
Early bird pricing expires September 30th, 2018.
After that, the price rises to CHF 122.- more
To save your spot or book a free 15 min call, send me an email to gonebravewoman@gmail.com
Since space is limited, I recommend you to listen to your heart fast & join this life-changing adventure. I recommend you to arrive at least one day before. Let me know so that I can book your accommodation. You can arrive on January 12th (check-in from 12 pm) or a day before. The retreat officially starts in the evening.
Skyscanner.com is great for checking out the cheapest flights. Also, you’ll get a comprehensive guide with all the info you need to have as soon as you got your spot confirmed. **Double Occupancy (2 bigger single beds in the hut, double bed in the room) is per person, you can sign up with your roommate or share it with another woman that is joining the retreat – you will all have the possibility to meet in our fb-group before the retreat.
Also if you want to travel with your family/partner/friends, let me know to make the arrangements.
The retreat and our meals remain women-only though. Just contact me via email (gonebravewoman@gmail.com) and we’ll find an individual solution. SO EXCITED!
(policy & FAQ below)
Deposit & Refund Policy:
A 50% non-refundable deposit is needed to reserve your spot in the retreat.
Full payment is due November 1st, 2018. If needed, individual payment plans are available. Please send me an email to gonebravewoman@gmail.com and let me know your situation.
If you withdraw from the retreat less than 30 days before, you will receive no refund. If you withdraw at least 1 month before the retreat, you’ll receive 25% (of total amount minus 50% deposit).
You’ve got my support sister!
I’ve traveled to India twice now and spent in total 7 months there – I feel safe to guide you and be there for you. I know this won’t all be easy once you’ve booked and that’s why you’re getting my support from the very beginning. We’ll connect as a group already before the retreat and you’ll receive access to the Gone Brave Woman Adventure Online Course and Facebook Group. When you find your tribe, it’s like the most magical reunion of your hearts and souls!! <3
Recommended reading as preparation:
Courage – The Art of Living Dangerously by Osho
(or listen to one of his talks on courage)
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
(or listen to this amazing interview about it for free)
The Radiance Sutras by Lorin Roche
(or read the beautiful essays and download the free pdf version)
Schedule sample:
from 7am – SWEET DELICIOUS CHAI
8-10am – JUICY MORNING YOGA & MEDITATION
10.30am – BRUNCH
from 11am-3.30pm Yogi’s Choice or group activity
4-5.45pm – DEEP EVENING YOGA & MEDITATION
6.30pm – DINNER
from 7.30pm Yogi’s Choice or group activity
*note: written in sand, not stone – this is a sample adjusted to our daily needs:)
Book your magical spot or a free 15 min call with me.
Just send me an email to gonebravewoman@gmail.com
FAQ
How do I get to Mandrem Beach from the airport/train station?
ARRIVAL BY AIRPLANE
Please book your flights to arrive at Dabolim Airport (GOI). We can organize you a taxi from the airport to the retreat center for approx. 20 USD one way (or shared if you and another woman are arriving at the same time) to Mandrem Beach. Depending on the traffic it takes 1 to 2 hours.
ARRIVAL BY TRAIN
If you’re coming by train and want to use public transport, please contact us directly and we’ll share different directions with you. It is possible to arrive in Arambol / Mandrem Beach by bus from one of the train stations. Just keep in mind that it takes much more time and patience.
How do I apply for the Indian Visa?
Everyone needs a pre-arranged visa for India. This is very important!
There are two options:
e-Visa: You apply online at least 4 days before traveling (I recommend you at least 10) for the e-tourist-visa (not available for all countries but many). This visa is only for people who are staying 60 days or less in India. It’s all electronic and SINGLE entry. This means once you fly out, you’ll need a new visa. This a new and simpler visa for people who don’t plan to stay longer than 2 months in India. This is the cheaper visa option. You will need to show a flight out of the country. Find all info here and read carefully. Contact me if you have questions.
Tourist Visa: For this visa, you have to apply directly online at your local Indian embassy and send (Switzerland) or bring (the Czech Republic and most countries) it in paper form with your passport and the flight details to them. You’ll need 2 pictures in the Indian-format (not same as regular passport picture) and you can apply max. 1 month before your trip. I recommend you to do it at least 2 weeks before because it takes some work. You have to write for how long you want to stay (for example if you are not sure exactly, just write for 6 months and mostly they will give you a bit less or sometimes more). After 3 months you have to travel out of the country – for example by airplane to Sri Lanka, Kuala Lumpur or Nepal or take the train to Nepal or Bangladesh. Please count carefully and leave in advance, you don’t want to get in trouble with Indian Immigration.
Always apply through the official websites that are provided by the embassy or the once I linked here!
Different prices apply for different nationalities. Feel free to contact me, so I can guide you through this process.
I’ve done my Indian visa in Prague and Switzerland.
What does the retreat venue provide?
We’re located on Mandrem Beach (next to Arambol) and offer either rooms with a double bed or simple huts with twin beds that can be put together. Mosquito nets, private bathroom with hot water, towels and bedsheets, filtered water and a kettle for your own coffee and tea are provided. We’re in the 2nd separate part (more private) of the retreat center and have our own yoga shala with a beautiful view. Every hut has its own terrace to enjoy reading, a cup of coffee or chat with other amazing women of our retreat.
Is there vegetarian/vegan food? Is it clean?
Yes! All food venues are tested and approved by me (former restaurant tester for Yelp 😀 haha!) – I’m a foodie and we’ll go to my favorite spots – which are clean, nourishing and food prepared by kind people. If you have special dietary needs or allergies, please let me know in advance. We’ll enjoy a variety of Western and Indian cuisine for Dinner and will have a beautiful freshly prepared brunch buffet every morning at our resort right on the beach with ocean-view.
Isn’t India dangerous?
Check out my India Experience and in the text above. Also, I’ll write a special article on this. Also for me, Goa isn’t equal to India because Goa is mainly Christian and not Hindu. So that means you can wear in Mandrem, Arambol and most places in Goa whatever you want and don’t have to follow the Indian dress code as in rest of India. The place we go is small and full of hippies – super safe. And that has been my India experience so far as well – there is just stuff you have to keep in mind like not walking in the night alone (which you won’t do also in many western places!), no eye contact with men you don’t know, no kissing/touching in public places, long pants/skirt/dress and covered shoulders, no big v-neck (this is not for Goa, just rest of India).
Are we going to have some free time to explore?
Yes! Check the schedule above. Included activities will be an exploration of the Sweet Lake and Arambol Markets for Shopping, one ecstatic dance, and tantric heart meditation. And of course morning and evening yoga and all the special ceremonies! The rest is optional and can be arranged by the helpful hotel staff. 🙂
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
A tour through Old Goa, exploring its famous cathedrals and temples, paragliding on Keri Beach, a spice plantation adventure, consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor, Ayurvedic massages and treatments, shopping in the colorful markets, more tantric heart meditations, ecstatic dance
SPA TREATMENTS
We can recommend you some good places where you can get Ayurvedic and
Western spa treatments and consultations.
Also, our retreat venue offers a discount on their spa treatments.
What if I would like to travel before and/or after the retreat?
I, Aleks, can help you with my personal experience and share
tips or resources so that you can create an amazing and memorable trip to India.
Once in Goa, you can explore the South of India or
go visit bigger cities, depending on from where your flying in and out.
What kind of medication should I bring? What if my stomach gets upset?
Prepare your stomach with probiotics and stop washing everything 3 times – some bacteria are healthy my dear and in the western world we over-clean and are not able to strengthen our immunity system anymore. I recommend you using SEPTILIN once you are in India to just strengthen the immunity system. And just sleeping enough and eating healthy at home – you know stress is what makes you sick. So relax more, say NO more often. If you have an upset stomach, my best tip is homeopathic Absinth (in Switzerland you can get it in the pharmacy) – bitter but effective. Also garlic & oregano oil as natural antibiotics. I’m soon going to share my personal natural remedies that have helped me in the last 3 years of traveling. I also must say that I’ve never been as healthy as I am now. I had constantly cases of flu, colds and bladder infections – now my immunity system is very strong and if I have something it mostly lasts only for a day or so. 🙂
I did start bringing some painkillers since Spring 2018 because I had headaches and migraines during my heartbreak time in the ashram and didn’t have any, so I had to take my roommates. Sometimes not bad to have, especially if on the road. Also turmeric and ginger are natural remedies which you can find everywhere in Asia for very little money.
Also mosquito repellant is good for the evenings –
my best and simplest mixture is water, coconut oil and lemongrass oil in a small spray bottle.
What if I get sick and need a doctor?
Our retreat place on Mandrem Beach has a personal on-call doctor and there is a clinic on Mandrem Beach. There are also some Private Hospitals in Goa like the SMRC and MAHATME.
Do I need any vaccinations?
Best to consult his with your (tropic) doctor. In Zurich, I can recommend TropDoc and the Travel Clinic.
Universities often also offer special consultations and vaccinations for the tropics. My personal opinion is: less is more but you’ve got to make your own choices and feel what is right for YOU PERSONALLY.
What is the currency and are there ATMs or should I change money?
The currency is INDIAN RUPIAH and it is only available in India. You can’t travel or exchange the money outside of India.
I recommend you to bring 1-2 credit cards so that you can use the ATM’s (at the airport but also on Mandrem Beach and in Arambol) and 100-200 dollars in cash to change in case you need it. For the retreat itself, you’ll only need extra money for alcoholic/extra drinks, lunch if needed, massages/spa treatments, excursions, taxi & shopping on the Aramabol markets. Most will be paid in cash. Food, drinks and spa treatments at our retreat spot can be paid by credit card as well.
Do I need a travel insurance?
I don’t have one but my ex once made a good experience with True Traveller.
What should I pack???
You’ll get a practical travel packing list (I have 3 years of experience now:D) once you’ve booked. I fly very light and recommend you the same. Towels are provided at our retreat spot. Bikini during the day, something light and sexy to dance, a jumper for the chilly evenings, best is barefoot and something for yoga… 😀 haha! Joking, there will be some more stuff on the list – and don’t forget: There is amazing shopping in Arambol.
Can I attend the Retreat if I’m a beginner? Is there an age limit?
YES! And no. Every woman who is open to explore herself and connect in sisterhood is very welcome.
These retreats will connect you with others from the heart to heart and you’ll realize that age and where
you are in life don’t matter. You don’t need any experience,
just be open TO EXPERIENCE, meet YourSelf and feel alive.
Can I bring my kids and family with me?
I can arrange special accommodation for your family and also check if there is a possibility for a babysitter. But the retreat, program and all our meals will stay exclusive for women who participate the retreat only. You can spend time with your family between after the brunch and before our 2nd session in the evening. Also, we can find solutions if you have a baby and are breastfeeding. But please get in touch with me before booking (gonebravewoman@gmail.com).
Please feel free to contact me if you need any further information.
My email is gonebravewoman@gmail.com.
I’m so excited for this adventure – it will be magical, liberating,
heart-connecting and absolutely wild!
All the wild love,
Aleks