Awaken In EcuadorA Women's Life Coaching Spiritual Retreat
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Reading List

June 5, 2014 Gallery

Printable reading list (doc).

oracleWithin

The Oracle Within by Jennifer Posada: Speaks to the power within and that our ascension to higher levels of consciousness are not outside of us but inside

shamanBody

The Woman in the Shaman’s Body by Barbara Tedlock: Speaks to the work of shamanism and the history of women throughout the ages who have been demonized for their power rather than honored

andeanAwakening

Andean Awakening by Jorge Luis Delgado


ayahusa

Ayahuasca religions: A book containing critical essays and study of Brazilian ayahuasca based religion.

worldDream

The World as You Dream It by John Perkins

shapeShifting

Shape Shifting  by John Perkins


confessions

Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, by John Perkins, from Destiny Books

gift

The Gift of Life by Bonnie Glass-Coffin: Personal account of author’s both ethnographic description and personal diary of her experiences describing lives and the healing arts of female shamans in northern Peru. She is an anthropologist and teacher.

blackSmoke

Black Smoke by Margaret De Wys: A Woman’s Journey of Healing, Love and Transformation in the Amazon. Personal story of her experience working with a shaman over time and the adventure and romance she experiences through this spiritual journey.

awakeningBook

The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo: Excellent book of inspiration, daily reflections guide using stories, great wisdom traditions, poetry and practices to help us examine and awake to ourselves.

awakeningSpirit

Awakening to the Spirit World, The Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation by Sandra Ingerman & Hank Wesselman: Presents a comprehensive manual for making these practices accessible and available in our daily lives, including: How the original practice of shamanism shaped the world’s spiritual traditions and why it is still relevant today. The art of the shamanic journey–a time-tested meditative method for experiencing important spiritual lessons and truths. Guidance for avoiding common pitfalls of shamanic practice. Instruction for working with your dreams, connecting to your spirit guides, healing yourself and your environment.

jaguar

The Time of the Black Jaguar by Arkan Lushwala

shamanWay

The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner

ishmael

Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn, from Bantam/Turner books

A Path with Heart by Jack Kornfield: A Buddhist approach to developing consciousness

soul

Soul of Money by Lynne Twist, from W. W. Norton & Company

Video Testimonials

June 3, 2014 Article

Susan’s Testimonial



Karen’s Testimonial



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Questions & Answers About Your Trip to Ecuador

June 1, 2014 Gallery

We have collected a list of most frequently asked questions about the retreats to Ecuador. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shall we carry along?
  • Hiking boots
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat with brim
  • Bathing suit
  • Long pants and long light sleeve shirts
  • Light rain jacket
  • Warm jacket, down or polar fleece
  • Hat, gloves socks
  • Water bottle
  • Steri Pen
  • Small backpack
  • Sanitary hand gel
  • Tissues
  • Bug repellent
  • Sunscreen lotion (50+)
  • Sunglasses
  • Snacks if you have a special diet
  • Preferably bio-degradable/all natural body products (i.e.; shampoo, soap)
  • Notarized copy of your passport
  • Basic medications (aspirin/cold remedy/Imodium/Bandaids)
What is the currency of Ecuador?

Ecuador uses US currency though they do have their own coins, US coins are accepted universally. We recommend you bring cash as credit cards are not accepted in all places. Bring smaller bills, it can be troublesome to break $100 bills. There are cash machines in Quito and Otavalo if you should run out of cash while there. FYI occasionally the machines run out of money and they have a $300 limit. You may also want to contact your charge card companies prior leaving the US to ensure usage when traveling outside the US.   Without prior approval you may be limited to the amount or frequency your card can be used.

What is the climate like?

The climate in the Andes varies according to the altitude and the time of the year. http://tour.in-quito.com/quito-tourist-attractions-modern.htmThere are two seasons, wet and dry. The wet season (September through May)is called winter and the dry is considered summer (June through August). The shoulder seasons can include wet and dry conditions. The wet season typically consists of rains in the afternoon and occasional thunder storms at night. The temperatures vary up to 78F in the middle of the day and then go down as low as 55F at night all year around.   Because Ecuador is on the equator you can be high in the mountains with no snow and a stable temperature range throughout the year. Also, due to the altitude sun burn can happen very easily even when there are clouds. It is important that you wear sunscreen for 50+ or more.

Will I have altitude problems?

Quito stands at 9,350 feet and Otavalo stands at 7200 feet. Casa Mojanda is up the mountain from Otavalo and stands at 9,000 feet. Everyone reacts differently to altitude. Medication is typically not needed but if you have concerns notify your doctor to get a prescription. It is helpful to drink a lot of water the first 3 days and if a headache occurs, aspirin often alleviates it. It is also recommended to drink no alcohol for the initial adjustment period. Staff at Casa Mojanda can also prepare a special herbal tea if you experience altitude symptoms.

Is the water safe to drink?

The basic rule of thumb to try to avoid “Montezuma’s Revenge” is to eat only fruits and vegetables that are either cooked or have been peeled and drink only bottled water. The water at Casa Mojanda is safe to drink and can be used to fill your water bottles.We encourage TAP standards, [ travelers against plastic] and ask you to bring a water bottle  and Steri Pen for personal water sterilization..[ Steripens easily found travel & outdoor stores]

Is our personal safety at risk?

Quito is like any other major city with pockets of crime common to a city of 12 million+ people. Common cautiousness is appropriate – stay in public places with activity, keep packages and purses/wallets closed or zipped and with you at all times, travel with others at night, stay alert to your surroundings. In Otavalo there is little danger of street crimes and using common sense at paying attention to you belongs is helpful.

Do you need a visa?

No. You will need a current passport that does not expire for at least six months.

Do you need vaccinations or inoculations?

No. There are no shots or medications necessary to travel to this region of the country. There are occasionally requirements or recommendations when traveling into the jungle region. Check with the US State Department for updated information if you intend to travel to the jungle during your trip.

What is the electric current?

Exactly the  same as the United States. Small appliances such as blow dryers,,,chargers, computers, etc will work.

What language is spoken?

Spanish is the primary language spoken in Ecuador. Though many people in Quito may know some English this is not the case in Otavalo. Any effort you make at trying to speak Spanish is appreciated and people are very friendly and helpful when they can be.

Is there internet?

Yes, Casa Mojanda has Internet. But it is does not connected consistently.  There are also several internet cafes in the town. If you have international calling on your cell phone it will also work.

How do people contact me in the case of an emergency?

People can call or email Casa Mojanda. The facilitators will also be checking their emails daily and cell phones for messages. We will provide you with emergency numbers to share with your family.

Retreat Specific Questions

How shall I prepare for the Shamanic ceremonies?

There is no specific preparation necessary. Your facilitators will describe the intent and basic experience prior to entering into the ceremony and time will be given to debrief the experience afterward. The invitation is to allow the mystery of these unfamiliar experiences to inform you in ways you’ve never been exposed. There are no plant medicines used in ceremonies in which you will be participating.

Where do I meet our group?

In the dining room at Casa Mojanda at 10:00 AM on our first day.

Will there be someone to meet me at the airport?

There will be a driver waiting for you outside of customs with a sign indicating your last name. He/she will take you directly to the hotel where you will be registered and escorted to your room.

What can I expect in customs?

You will be given customs forms on the airplane to complete prior to disembarking (if you should lose them there will be extras at customs). Once leaving the plane you will walk with other passengers to the customs stations where you will stand in line until a station is open. You will be asked basic questions about your length and purpose of stay in Ecuador. Once all is approved you’ll be stamped and allowed to collect your luggage. Once collected you’ll exit the area though be prepared to have your luggage scanned and have your luggage tickets handy as they will be matched to your luggage by security personnel. This process can take up to an hour should other flights be arriving at the same time your plane does.

Retreat Reminders

Extra costs:

Personal expenses, excursions not referenced in itinerary

Pre-Post Retreat Activities:

One month prior to departure, you will be scheduled for a pre-journey coaching session and community conference call. Information and pre-work for this session will be sent to you at the time of scheduling. Post community call will be scheduled will be scheduled within a month after the retreat.

Payment & Cancellation Policy:

If the client cancels, the deposit is non-refundable and the program costs are refunded as follows:

75% refundable 91 days or more prior to program start date
50% refundable between 61-90 days prior to program start date
0% refundable 60 days or less prior to program start date

In addition to the fee stated above, the following will be added to and part of the cancellation fee per person: any cancellation fees, surcharges, or nonrefundable deposits charged to us by its vendors and suppliers, such as individual hotels or other third parties.

Contact Information

Additional Tours and Resources: (confirming)

Miscellaneous

US State Department

Website for checking travel notification on Ecuador:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1106.html

Main address:
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520

Main Switchboard: 202-647-4000
TTY: 1-800-877-8339 (Federal Relay Service)
Hotline for American Travelers: 1-888-407-4747
Passport Information: 1-877-487-2778

US Embassy in Quito

Address for visitors:
Ave. Avigiras E12-170 y Ave. Eloy Alfaro; Quito, Ecuador

Address for local mail and package delivery:
Ave. Guayacanes N52-205 y Ave. Avigiras; Quito, Ecuador

Telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) : (011) 593-2-398-5000

Emergency after-hours telephone: (011) 593-2-398-5000
Facsimile: (011) 593-2-398-5100

Reading List

© 2018 Awaken In Ecuador

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