FREQUENTLY ASKED RETREAT QUESTIONS 

 

Will there be internet or cell service available?

There will not be internet service available at the Ojai Foundation, but there will be cell phone reception in some areas on the land.

 

Do I have to share a dwelling with someone?

Yes.  Due to the limited number of dwellings on the land, you will be sharing accommodations with 1-2 other people.  Each dwelling has plenty of room to store your items and be fully stretched as you slumber.  Accommodations are not equipped with alarm clocks, electrical sockets, televisions, or any modern conveniences.  The purpose of these accommodations is to tune out the "noise" and tune in to the self, the heart, nature, and each other.  Due to the workshops and activities all day and evening, little time will be spent in the dwellings.  Most will be spent connecting with nature and sharing time as a retreat group.

 

Do I have to be in good shape to come to the retreat?

You do not need to be in peak physical condition.  However, there are no paved roads on the Ojai Foundation land. We will be doing some walking every day and the land is somewhat hilly.  If you have any physical limitations that prevent you from walking, doing easy to moderate hikes, or walking on unpaved areas, please consider a different retreat.  Also, we will be on the floor for many of the councils and activities.  Back support chairs will be provided for total comfort.  

 

Can I bring people I know?

Of course!  This can be a very healing and nourishing retreat for women who are friends, sisters, or mothers and daughters.  All women 18 years and older are welcome.

 

What will the weather be like?

The weather varies.  August is generally warm to hot.  Some days reach above 100 degrees, so if you have any extreme heat sensitivities or hate the heat, this may not be the retreat for you.  Evenings become very cool and comfortable for sleeping.

 

What do I need to bring to the retreat?

After you sign up, I will send a complete checklist of items to bring.  In general, you will need to bring a light jacket for evenings, sweatshirt, comfortable clothing for stretching, hiking and walking, sheets or sleeping bag to go on top of futon cushion, pillow, notebook/journal, bathing suit, hiking shoes, lounge shoes, shirts and bottoms for hot and cool weather, water bottle, small backpack for daytrip, camera, toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray (preferably biodegradable), musical instrument (optional), bath towel, beach towel, flashlight with extra batteries, money for keepsakes or gifts, etc.

 

Do I have to be religious to attend the retreat?

Absolutely not.  All religions and spiritual backgrounds are welcome.  The Ojai Foundation has numerous altars and areas dedicated to welcoming any and all faiths.  This retreat, specifically, will be spiritually based in the law of attraction and manifesting our dreams, but will not try to sway anyone in any religious direction. 

What food options are available?

The food will all be catered vegetarian with some vegan options at each meal.  Most meals will have either fresh fruit or raw salad available for anyone who is a raw foodist, but this is not a raw food retreat with gourmet raw food available.  For people on exremely strict raw food diets, you may wish to bring raw snacks or basics to add to meals provided.  If you are gluten-sensitive, the caterer can accommodate you as well.  The Ojai Foundation is a vegetarian place and we ask that you please refrain from bringing meat to the site.  The caterer is one of the finest I have ever met and this food will be a delicious treat to the senses every day!  Food will be natural and organic (when available).

 

Is there filtered water available?

Yes. Filtered water is available in the council house and elsewhere.  Please bring a water bottle to fill and to take hiking.

 

I'm scared of the sweat-lodge.  Do I have to participate?

You are not forced to do anything you do not want to do on this retreat.  I have participated in a sweat-lodge with the facilitator I hired and he is very professional, authentic, caring, sensitive, present, and does not force anyone to stay in the lodge if they need to leave.  I highly recommend everyone try a round of sweat, and if they need to leave, they may (without judgement).  There will be a pre-sweat ceremony and an unbelievable potential for healing in sweat, so it is in your best interest to participate and break out of your fears.  This can all be discussed during the retreat and we will certainly honor whatever your decision is.  You will be provided with lots of information before sweat and we can answer all of your questions that come up.  Another question that comes up is whether women may be nude during sweat.  The facilitator discourages nudity and advocates comfortable shorts, stretchy loose clothing, tank tops, bathing suits with shorts or sarong, or other comfortable wear.  Also, women who are menstruating WILL be allowed to sweat. For info about the sweat facilitator, Paul Perrotta, visit me here.

 

Are there stores near the Ojai Founation to buy snacks or gifts, etc?

The beauty of the Ojai Foundation is that it is completely isolated from busy streets, commerce, etc.  The closest shops are in Ojai proper about 10 minutes away.  If you plan on leaving the retreat site early in the morning or late at night after our activities, you will need a car.  Taxi service is sometimes available in the area.  There will be a brief stop on our beach day at a spiritual gift shop to purchase keepsakes, gifts, and more.  Nextdoor to this shop is an organic market where snacks or other items may be purchased.  Transportation on beach day is provided.  If you tend to get hungry between meals, please bring snack bars, sealed items, crackers, fruit, etc.  The meals provided will be large, gourmet, and satisfying!

 

Can I bring my children?

Because this retreat focuses on taking care of YOU, I recommend leaving the lovely children home with a sitter.  Infants and toddlers up to 3 years may come with you, but you will need to bring a sitter for the day and evening, as we cannot have the children with us during the ceremonies and activities.  The sitter will also need to pay $1200 to cover the lodging and food.  Children over 4 years of age are not allowed on this retreat.  Out of respect for those who came to enjoy the silence and community of other adult women, you will not be able to bring children to anything except mealtime.

 

Are group rates available?

Yes.  A group of 3 or more women may join the retreat for $1399 each.  That is $250 off the regular $1649 price that begins after May 31st.  For group sign up, please contact me.

 

Can I record/photograph the ceremonies and activities?

To honor the privacy of the participants, most of the ceremonies will not be allowed to be recorded.  There will be plenty of opportunity for photographs and to record the beauty of the Ojai lands, friends, and more.  We can discuss video options further if you have specific questions.

 

Can I bring my pet?

Sorry, the Ojai Foundation has a strict no pet policy to honor and protect the wild animals who live on the land.  I encourage you to connect with the wild ones during the retreat!

 

Will I have free time, or is there a strict schedule?

There are pockets of free time.  Please see the schedule on the retreat page.  If you have transporation there will be an evening or two where you may wish to drive to town.  The bulk of the retreat will be fairly packed with activities, council, ceremony, etc. and I encourage you to be present and not worry too much about leaving.  You may wish to stay in Ojai and explore for the rest of the weekend when the retreat ends, as well!

 

If your questions were not answered above, please contact me and I will answer all that I can.

 

Is transportation to the Ojai Foundation provided from airports or bus stations?

There is no transportation provided to or from the Ojai Foundation on arrival or departure day.  The best airport to fly into is Burbank, as it is smaller and less congested than LAX, which would be your second choice.  Santa Barabra airport is a third option, as well, but usually more expensive.  Trains such as the metrolink are available between Burbank and Ventura.  I recommend taking a cab from Ventura to the Ojai Foundation, which would be about 30-40 minutes.  You can also rent a car from the LAX or Burbank airports if you prefer to do some sightseeing before and after the retreat.