Woman Awake
– Transformational Journeys for Women
(4/09)
Brochure & Application
PO Box 17427, Portland, OR. 97217 USA Phone: 503-285-1800 Fax: 866-903-1077 www.womanawake.org info@womanawake.org “As our global consciousness continues to grow, our global responsibility follows suit.” ~ anon. There are myriad opportunities in our local communities to give support to those around us, but there is a hidden and more primary responsibility that each of us has to our own health and healing. It’s been said by saints and prophets alike that there is little point in helping others if we do not at first help ourselves – in the way that a gift given of malice has unintended consequences, so does any work of charity done without awareness and true understanding truly miss its intention. Woman Awake is a new program designed in partnership with Carpe Diem Education as a response not only to the many calls from the parents of Carpe Diem’s current programs, but also as a way to create a tabula rasa, a fresh start for those who may have grown complacent in life, and of course an opportunity for all participants to grow deeper within themselves. Our goal is to provide an environment where each woman can truly come alive, re-awaken some fundamental nature of her self, and hopefully carry those transformations into her continuing life. No journey worth taking ever truly ends – share in ours with Woman Awake We have designed all of our programs seeking consciousness and a growing-mind: ❀ Learn the culture by volunteering with indigenous peoples; ❀ Feel your self by facilitated and intense healing and deepening ceremonies and rituals (via Shamanism or Hinduism); ❀ Integrate your experiences with heaven and earth (local/volunteer work and self/spirit) We invite you to read more about our programs and to call or email with any further questions. ~ The process of healing and re-awakening the deeper connection is one that takes lifetimes, hopefully with us it will take a few less lifetimes.
“Fear is a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth. Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us. We don’t sit in meditation to become good meditators. We sit in meditation so that we’ll be more awake in our lives. As meditators we might as well stop struggling against our thoughts and realize that honesty and humor are far more inspiring and helpful than any kind of solemn religious striving for or against anything. When the rivers and air are polluted, when families and nations are at war, when homeless wanderers fill the highway, these are traditional signs of a dark age. Another is that people become poisoned by self-doubt and become cowards. Practicing loving-kindness toward ourselves seems as good a way as any to start illuminating the darkness of difficult times. Being pre-occupied with our self-image is like being deaf and blind. It’s like standing in the middle of a vast field of wildflowers with a black hood over our heads.” ~ Pema Chodron, When Things Fall Apart
Spirit, Adventure & Volunteering :
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PERU (Iquitos, Cusco & Machu Picchu) INDIA (Kolkata, Varanasi, Rishikesh & The Ganges)
“There are no age limits to an adventuresome soul, no age limits to an adventuring mind, and no age limits for reflection. Who ever said, ʻYou, over there, youʼre too old to look deeply at yourself and contribute?ʼ For some reason we have chosen to ignore the incredible value of wisdom within our society when we instead need to include all ages for the betterment of all peoples.” ~ anon.
Some things everyone should know about our programs: We believe that bridging the age gap is just as important as bridging the cultural gap. We believe that volunteering is the best way to bridge the cultural divide; that in working side by side with the locals something is exchanged that words simply cannot communicate. We believe in the power of community. We will work consciously to create as positive and cocreational an environment as possible for all of our immediate community members. We believe that everybody grows by having their comfort zones pushed in manageable amounts. Our staff will take opportunities when they present themselves to push everyone’s comfort zones if invited to do so. We believe that spirituality and awareness, in order to truly contribute to our larger community, need to start with a clear heart and a healthy spirit. In changing your Self for the better, you exercise your will over the only thing you directly have a say about. We are as great a people as we can imagine ourselves to be. We believe in the empowerment of all. We strive to work with foreign organizations that promote awareness and empowerment of women. We also strive to empower each participant to explore as much and in as many ways as they feel comfortable to.
“To the extent that it is possible, you must live in the world today as you wish everyone to live in the world to come. That can be your contribution. Otherwise, the world you want will never be formed. Why? Because you are waiting for others to do what you are not doing; and they are waiting for you, and so on. The planet goes from bad to worse.” ~ Alice Walker
OUR PROGRAMS:
PERU :
An introduction to Shamanism through Iquitos, Cusco & Machu Picchu
Join us as we seek a deeper understanding of shamanism and its divine nature in the jungle-city of Iquitos, working our way through the shamanistic doorway of Cusco and into the peaks of the Andes to Machu Picchu. This journey is designed to incorporate the heart of every woman. There is a strong emphasis on the healing arts flowing in line with the essential spiritual focus of this energetic region of the world. As a group you will have the opportunity to both enjoy healing for yourself as well as each other – the best way to learn an art is to practice it and there is much need for healing in the world at large. We are proud to have Alex Merrin as the energetic and practical heart of our Peru program. Alex brings her life long devotion to human development, including 20 years experience as a personal growth and spiritual guidance counselor; ongoing work with women’s circles; guidance of international spiritual journeys and intercessing Inipi (sweat lodge) and Hanbleyce (vision quest) ceremonies in Oregon. The Intention of our Journey The way to ones heart inevitably is a process of healing and sharing. Healing is a fundamental calling of women worldwide it would seem – though the way of each person’s calling is heard differently. We intend to each learn our own healing methods, heal ourselves, and share that process with each other and the larger community of mother earth. Day 1: Fly to Lima and enjoy the city on a forced overnight Day 2: Take an early morning flight into Iquitos and settle into this bustling jungle-city for a night. Days 2 - 5: Staying in Iquitos we use this time to meditate and participate in an energetic healing process from a local shaman. There are many opportunities for traditional medicinal ceremonies while living in a jungle retreat center. Day 6: Fly from Iquitos to Cusco and spend the night at a fabulous mountain retreat center on the outskirts of the city. Cusco is the ancient capital city of the Incas and will be the launching point for our Machu Picchu trek. Day 7: We’ll take half of the day to explore Cusco and the other half volunteering at a microfinance loan center working with remote and indigenous women who have taken charge of their families’ and empowered themselves. Day 8: Basing ourselves from our hotel in Cusco we’ll embark on some of our shamanistic studies. We’ll spend today learning about traditional healing methods, building our own Despachos. A Despacho is an act of love and a reminder of the connections we share with all beings, elements, spirits, and sacred places. At the deepest level, it is an opportunity to enter into the essential unity of all things, the living
energy of the universe. Those interested in trekking to Machu Picchu as opposed to taking local transportation will begin their trek today. Day 9: Those on the trek will continue their journey up up up to the ancient and ceremonial heart of the Ancient Incas. Those not trekking will stay at a fabulous retreat center in Urubamba, studying Andean (as opposed to Amazonian) healing rituals. Day 10: This day the trekkers and the retreat-ers will unite in Urubamba for a day of rest and further retreat. Days 11 - 13: Rise early in the morning for a trip several days of journeying to (and within) Machu Picchu. This ancient city has so very much wonder and beauty to offer learners such as us and we intend to soak it up! Day 14: This day brings us back to the ancient capital of Cusco for a final day of closure, continued visioning, a visit to the Q’ero tribe to ‘hard wire’ some of the growth you’ll have experienced, rest, relaxation, therapeutic massages, and a final day of shopping. Day 15: Spend the morning in Cusco and catch an afternoon flight from Cusco to Lima for our late flight home.
India:
A Goddess Pilgrimage to Kolkata, Varanasi, Rishikesh & The Ganges
LAND OF THE ETERNAL DEVI (SHINING ONE) Join us as we journey to the most sacred goddess pilgrimage spots in India. The Shakti Pitha sites, the seats of the Goddess. The Intention of our Journey From the Shiva Purana ~ The Goddess, Sati, was protecting the honor of her husband Siva, who was not invited to an important ritual lead by her father Daksha. Her father had never accepted Siva, and was making a point of this by inviting all of the gods but him. Sati was infuriated, and went to Daksha’s palace with a vengeance. She interrupted the ritual Yagna and shouted at her father. Her father threw his daughter Sita in the fire, in a rage. When Siva found out about the death of Sati, his wife, he went up to Daksha’s palace, took the body from the fire, and gave Daksha the head of a goat. He then took the body of Sati out of the fire, and began to walk around the world, wreaking havoc every step he took. Vishnu, (the god of preservation) meanwhile witnessed what was happening. He knew he had to stop Siva from destroying the universe. He throws his chakras (discuses) at the body and cuts Sati up into 54 Shakti Pitha sites. The places where her body parts fall are among the holiest of places in India. Sometimes what happens along the way to the pilgrimage is the experience itself. Together we will set our own intentions for ourselves as we weave our own pilgrimage into the larger tapestry of Hindu pilgrims. We will support our own intentions as we also support each other creating a container of safety and care. Our journey begins in the historic Shakti city of Kolkatta. The city of the arts, and the gateway to the Bay of Bengal. Day 1: Rest and renew at the hotel. Shower and enjoy a leisurely acclimation to India. Day 2: Rest and get to know India. Introductions, orientation, and opening “sacred space” in the group. Day 3: Visit to Dakshinishwar Temple. The famous Kali temple of Shri Ramakrishna fame. We will join the crowds for Aarti, and Darshan from the goddess herself. We then will visit Blur Math, the home of the famous Vivekananda, Sarada Devi, and where Ramakrishna spent his last days. Days 4 - 6: Visit Mother Theresa’s, and volunteer during the day: day of service, and gratitude. That evening we will go for Aarti at the famous Kalighat temple, which is the namesake of Kolkata. Check out of the hotel and overnight train ride to Varanasi, the oldest known city in the world. Day 7: Arrive in Varanasi. Rest and shower. Optional walking excursions or evening music concert. Day 8: Visit the shakti pitha sites of Varanasi, the famous temples, and ghats. Sunrise boatride and hidden temples along the alleyways. Visit the famous “burning ghats.”
Day 9: Excursion to Vindiyachal, one of the oldest tribal Shakti temples in the north of India. Located outside Varanasi, it is one of the holiest sites in the city. Day 10: Overnight bus trip to Rishikesh. Settle in to our Ashram in Ram Jula. Relax and enjoy the town. Day 11: Free day. Optional Ayurvetic massage and treatment. Optional yoga classes, go swimming in the Ganga, optional river rafting down the Ganges. Day 12: Visit Viasishay’s cave. Sit and meditate in the cave that the Rishi lived and gained awareness. Spend the afternoon in the ashram, by the river, enjoying nature. Day 13: Day trip to Haridwar, visit the holy confluence of the Ganga, at Har-Ki-Pun. Pilgrimage to two temples, Mansa Devi, (take the cable car up the mountain or walk up the hill) and Chandi Devi temple. Day 14: Last day to take in Rishikesh: yoga, Ayurvedic message, local temples, and swimming all optional. Day 15: Leave for Delhi, (3 hour trip). Arrive in hotel, and get settled. Have a lovely New Delhi dinner. Day 16: Visit to Lakshmi Narayan temple, other temples of Delhi. Day 17: Shopping at Connaught Place, and Pahar Ganj. Day 18: Closure ceremony and good bye celebration. ***Optional excursions from here are to Agra and the Taj Mahal.
Program Dates & Costs:
PROGRAM: Peru India DATES: July 2 – 16, 2009 April 19 – May 7, 2010 (15 days) (18 days) COST: $3200 $3800 GROUP SIZE: max of 10 women max of 10 women
Disclaimer: Woman Awake reserves the right to make changes to our programs at any time. Changes are made to provide the best possible experience, protect the safety of participants and respond to changing local or political conditions.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What distinguishes Woman Awake from other programs? There are many programs that seem hokey, like a guided tour in buses that donʼt strive for a deeper understanding of how locals live. Woman Awake challenges its clients by not only showing them the meaningful sites, but also showing them the value of the cultures we travel through. Joining Woman Awake will be an adventure – sickness, roughing it, and personal challenges will arise throughout. We actively try not to insulate you from these challenges, but of course have qualified staff to support you through them. 2. Where will I be staying and what will the accommodations be like? For the most part accommodations will be in hotels, or hostels. Power will not be present in some places, and be unreliable in others, but you can expect clean food and lots of good hospitality. You will, however, be offered several opportunities to stay in local accommodation and in local homestay situations. 3. Is there financial assistance available? There is a small reserve for financial aid for those in need. Please call our office to inquire about this. 4. Is airfare covered during my time with Woman Awake? Airfare is not covered as part of the program fee, but air miles may be used for some portions of your journey. 5. What is Carpe Diem Educationʼs relationship with Woman Awake? Carpe Diem Education is the partner organization of Woman Awake. Through the many years of running international experiential programs for youth, Carpe Diem Education eventually received enough calls from parents wondering when an offering would be made for them to travel and experience the same enlightening processes that their children were having. There was, serendipitously a similar calling by some extremely experienced staff to offer a program by women for women; for that reason Woman Awake came into form. We hope to offer a male-affiliate in the next few years. 6. What are the application deadlines? There are no application deadlines – our programs fill up as appropriate applications are received. Please feel free to call with questions about availability prior to submitting your deposit. 7. Who do you typically hire as staff? Woman Awake programs are staffed with three incredible and qualified adult women. We strive to have one person hold the absolute center of the program – being the ceremonial and group-heart. Then, there are two assistants whose job it is to assist with the group dynamics, work with individual clients, and assist with logistical issues (transport, accommodation, activities, and dr. visits). Our staff represents some of the best in the business, and in almost all cases carries a wilderness medical certification, and love what they do. 8. Is it safe to travel to the developing world? We donʼt send groups to a region unless we feel it is safe. There are many ways to mitigate potentially dangerous situations, and our staff will always do their best to keep you safe from environmental, dietary, and travel-related issues. However, as an adult participant, safety-decisions are always yours to make ultimately. Our staff will inevitably advise you to not travel at night and will warn against certain common scams and problems so that you can be prepared, but again, ultimately it is your decision whether to follow these guidelines. If needed, we will never be more than a few hours from extremely competent medical care. 9. What sort of philanthropy can we expect? Woman Awake makes a donation to a selected philanthropy for each person every time we run a program. Typically donations are to benefit local womenʼs groups and their mission. For each participant we donate between $200 and $500.
Please attach a recent photo of yourself here - any size will do. Your application is not complete if a photo is missing.
Woman Awake (4/08 rev.)
INITIATION PACKET (Page 1 of 3)
Please fill out this application thoroughly and thoughtfully. The application, an interview, and reference checks are the ways we determine an applicantʼs fitness for the program. We expect honest and detailed responses to these questions. We will call you for a phone interview after we have received your complete application and will make a decision within a week after the interview. Please complete everything that says “Application Packet” on it and then mail or fax it to us at: Woman Awake, PO Box 17427, Portland, OR. 97217 or Fax: 866-903-1077 YOUR NAME Home Telephone: Fax: E-mail: Cell Phone:
CHECK THE YEAR AND REGION YOU ARE APPLYING FOR: Summer: Region: 2009 _______ India ________ 2010 _______ Peru ________
Deposit: The deposit for our Woman Awake programs is $700, and is non-refundable. Please check off your mode of payment: _____ I have enclosed a check with my application for $700 payable to our affiliate, “Carpe Diem” _____ Please bill my VISA or MasterCard for $700: Card #: Name on Card: Expiration: CVV code: Signature: ZIP code:
For office use only: Received Logged App Fee
Woman Awake - APPLICATION PACKET (Page 2 of 3)
Your Name (as it appears in your passport) Passport # Social Security # Address (current) Expiration Date Date of Birth Place of issue
Address (permanent, if different)
Whom should we contact in case of an Emergency? Name Home Telephone E-mail How did you hear about Woman Awake? Do you have any specific concerns about your journey with Woman Awake that we can help address? Cell Phone: Fax Work:
Do you know of anyone whom you think could benefit from doing a Woman Awake program?
On a separate sheet of paper, please answer the following questions. These are intended to be an opportunity to begin your journey before beginning your journey. 1. Please describe your relationship with the feminine. What about a women-only program is appealing to you? 2. What are three areas that you want to grow from in joining us at Woman Awake? 3. Please describe any previous travel experience you have. 4. Do you have any specific concerns about sharing your journey with us that we can address?
Woman Awake - APPLICATION PACKET (Page 3 of 3) MEDICAL & HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE:
Please answer the following questions by circling YES or NO. If you answer yes to any of them, please attach another page to describe the situation or condition at greater length. We reserve the right to request further information and to speak with doctors, counselors, etc. All medical information and personal disclosure will be kept strictly confidential. It is vitally important that you answer all these questions as truthfully as you are aware so that our staff can adequately address any special needs you may have during the course of your program with Woman Awake. 1. Do you have any physical, psychological or chronic condition that prevents you from participating in any physical activities? 2. Do you have any allergies? 3. Do you smoke or use chewing tobacco? 4. Do you have any special dietary needs or restrictions? 5. Do you currently use any non-prescription drugs? 6. Have you been treated for a psychological condition during the past 3 years? 7. Have you been convicted of a crime within the past 3 years? 8. Have you been or are you currently being treated for substance abuse? 9. Are you taking any prescription medications? 10. Have you been hospitalized in the past 5 years? 11. Are you able to swim? 12. Do you have or have you ever had any of the following? Learning Disability or ADD? Epilepsy? Diabetes? Asthma? Heart Disease? Joint or back problems? Intestinal problems? Eating Disorder?
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
I take full responsibility for my medical, psychological and physical condition for the duration of my program with Woman Awake. I am unaware of any medical, psychological and physical problems that might inhibit my ability to successfully complete this trip. Should any problems arise during the course of the program, I will promptly notify Woman Awake staff.
Signature:
Date: