Frequently Asked Questions
Retreat Questions
When will the Retreat start and end? Can I join at anytime? The Spring Retreat starts on the New Moon of Sunday, March 10th, 2024 and goes until the following New Moon on Monday, April 7th, 2024. (We will be together for a full moon cycle!) Registration to join the Retreat lasts from February 19th, 2024 to March 17th, 2024 at 11:59pm (the first day of Week 2 of the retreat). Once we enter Week 2 you will no longer be able to register and join this season of the Retreat. However, if you miss registration for this retreat, don't worry! You will be able to register for the next retreat in the Summer!
What will I receive once I register for the Retreat? Once you receive your confirmation ticket for the Retreat (Congratulations!) you can expect to receive the following: Welcome Letter & Retreat Booklet (PDF) which includes: - Live & Workshop Schedule - Daily Routines - Diet & Detox Guidelines - Suggested Herbs & Supplements - Shopping List - Journal Prompts Access to our live group chat (Discord), recorded lives, and affirmations playlist Rising Group with Meditation & Affirmations (Discord) (Not recorded) Live Workshops for personal growth and development, movement, meditation, healing, self-care, and more (Zoom) (Recorded) Live Check-ins (Zoom) (Not recorded)
What is required of me to participate? What do I need to have? Apart from your beautiful self, determination, and spirit, you will need to have the following to fully participate: - Computer / Smart Phone - Internet - Ability to access Zoom - Discord account - Foods, Herbs, and Supplements (Suggested in Retreat Booklet) - Kitchen Optional but helpful item: - Yoga Mat - Yoga Block(s) & Blanket - Blender
Can I still participate if I have allergies, medical conditions, or am pregnant? Before registering for the Retreat please consult with a trusted medical professional to make sure this will be a safe Retreat for you. Please email us if more specifics are needed or with any personally specific questions and concerns so that we can provide adjustments and advice to allow you to receive all the wanted benefits of this Retreat.
What is the diet like? How does the detox work? We have crafted a dietary guide based on Ayurvedic practice and plant-based whole foods. This diet (outlined in your Retreat Booklet) will aid in improving your digestive health, immune system, metabolism and thus your overall mood and energy. The Detox portion will begin with a guided full body flush at the end of week 3 to eliminate toxins from the colon, liver, and digestive track. This will result in increased bowel movements and some have experienced slight nausea, discomfort, headache, and/or feeling of lightness. The Detox day will either consist of a fruit, water or dry fast (depending on the season) and will be cradled by liquid diet days to further cleanse and reset your system. Integration guidance will also be provided as we reintroduce solids near the end of the retreat. *As always trust in your body. Don't force yourself if something doesn't feel right or symptoms become extreme and always consult a medical professional with any concerns.
Can you give me an example of what I should expect daily? Absolutely! Everyday will consist of the following: - Rise before Dawn - Rising Routine of Meditation, Affirmations, Gratitude, Journaling, Breathwork, Self-Care, and Stretching (Self Lead) - 1-2 Live Workshops - Daily Exercise (Self Lead unless movement live provided) - Nap (Optional / Self Lead) - Daily Live Check-in - Night Routine including Reflection Journaling, Gratitude, Visualization, (Optional second Meditation & Breathwork), Self-Care, and Reading (Self Lead) - Rest by 10pm We will have at least 1 rest day per week. On these days you will be expected to still follow dietary guidelines and daily routines, but you can give your body a rest from physical activity and no lives, workshops, check-ins or rising group will occur.
How demanding is this? What if I can't make all of the live workshops? As the saying goes, "you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." Apart from the daily routines and offered lives (which should take about 2-3 hours of your day), you get out of this as much as you are willing to put in. We will not be there to wake you up, watch your eating, and make sure you do your yoga in-person so it is up to you and your discipline to decide what you are willing to do and how to fit that into your schedule. Someone who is following all guidelines, doing the readings, participating in all lives, and engaging with community will receive a much different result than someone who only follows half of the guidelines, watches only 2 lives a week, skips movement, and scrolls on social media instead of reading and engaging. Whatever personal goals you may have for yourself and this Retreat, we will be there to help! If you are struggling in a certain area please reach out to us and your fellow Retreaters for guidance. If you ever miss a live workshop, no worries! All retreaters have access to all recorded lives until the next season so that you may catch up on what you missed or to refesh on a certain topic.
Consultation & Class Questions
What is Ayurveda? And what is Prakriti? Ayurveda is an ancient system of medicine and philosophy that has been used for more than five thousand years to protect and promote ones health, rid one of disease and discomfort, and balance the body, mind and spirit. The word Ayurveda is the combination of the Sanskrit words “ayur”, life, and “veda”, science. Ayurveda is a science of life that hails from Ancient India. The Hindu god Brahma (the Creator) created this philosophy and handed it down to Dhanwantari (the God of Medicine), the reincarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu (the God of Protection and Sustenance). The knowledge of Ayurveda works to keep us in good health by balancing the three Doshas, the biological energies that are found throughout the human body and mind. The three Doshas govern our physical and mental processes and functions. Each one of us is made up of an unique combination of the three Doshas and that specific combination is called Prakriti or body constitution. By knowing this, you can further individualize these principles and practices to your own unique make up.
What is 1 on 1 Coaching and how can I benefit from it? Our Personal Coaching sessions offer that which you may not have seen before in other mainstream coaching methods. We take the traditional focuses of personal/life coaching and combine them with our vast knowledge of ancient arts and sciences, indigenous principles and teachings, the planets and how you align with the universe, holistic wellness, philosophy, psychology, business, finance and so much more. We are able to tap into source in a way that will further elevate your growth and results beyond what a traditional coach can deliver. Unlike group coaching, one-on-one coaching allows for individually customized plans, processes and focus. Together we will find the best and most effective way to reach your personal goals and full potential, develop and retain self confidence and love, improve skillsets, elevate situational and emotional management, grow in your career and/or as an individual, overcome blockages and fears, manifest your desires into reality, groom your appearance and/or communication, develop and improve relationships, elevate as a holistic or spiritual practitioner, feel more free and feel more yourself. Whatever your vision for yourself may be, we have a vast amount of tools and knowledge to help you get there. So the benefits are truly endless.
What is Feng Shui? Feng Shui is a traditional Chinese art and science rooted in Taoist philosophy and Chinese culture. This ancient practice and mastery promotes living in harmony with the environment by the way we see and interact with the energies of the space around us and the universe as a whole. Documented as early as the Zhou Dynasty, Feng shui has been a major part of Chinese culture for several thousand years and used by both emperors and commoners. It has helped farmers decide where to settle and grow crops, governments design their cities, small business owners and corporations grow their wealth, people and nobles build homes/palaces, and those grieving feel more secure in where they bury their loved ones. So whether it be your home, office, retail space, next event location, etc. this ancient philosophy brings harmony and prosperity into your life and the spaces you inhabit.
What is Yoga and what do I need for a virtual Yoga Class? Yoga is a spiritual discipline based in ancient Indian philosophy and focuses on creating harmony between mind and body. The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word “yuj”, which means to join, yoke or to unite. Hence why the Yogic scriptures describe this practice as that which leads to the union of individual and universal consciousness, man and nature. Though 10,000 years old, today this practice is most commonly made up of Asanas (postures), Prana (breath), and Dhyana (meditation). All 8 limbs, or aspects, of yoga also include Yamas (morals/interactions), Niyamas (internal/self-discipline), Pratyahara (withdraw), Dharana (concentration), and Samadhi (ecstasy). All of these combined are the full expression and embodiment of what yoga was meant to be; self realization and liberation. For any yoga class we recommend that you have the following: - Space to move - Comfortable Clothes - Yoga Mat - Block(s) - Strap and/or Bolster (if wanted) - Blanket (if wanted) But most importantly sturdy ground, your breath, your mind, and hydration (water)
What are the benefits of Movement mentally and physically? Whether it be dance, yoga, swimming, sports or walking, movement is highly recommended to be done daily for one’s optimal health by holistic and medical alike as well as science and psychology. Some of the many benefits are: - Relieve stress, anxiety and depression - Help manage a healthy weight - Strengthen mind-body connection - Promote more restful sleep - Lower health risks (Heart disease or stroke, High blood pressure, Diabetes, Infection, Cancer, etc.) - Help heal trauma and PTSD - Increase brain function and attention ability - Boost mood and self-esteem - Strength bones and muscles - Increases life expectancy - Boosts immunity and circulatory systems - Helps manage disabilities and chronic conditions
What is Tarot and how can it assist me on my journey? The origins of Tarot date back to the 1400s, with examples of playing cards from Italy like the Visconti-Sforza deck. It wasn't until the 1700s when Jean-Baptiste Alliette published a reference guide for occult uses of Tarot which allowed foundation for the evolution of this modern divination practice we know and love today. A Tarot deck is made up of 22 Major Arcana (embodying visuals of The Fool's Journey) and 56 Minor Arcana (that include cards Ace–10, Pages, Knights, Queens, and Kings for each of the four suits: Cups, Wands, Swords, and Pentacles— which correspond to the four elements). Getting a tarot reading can help you find... - Meaning in the circumstances of your life - Clarity on thoughts and feelings -Solutions to problems in your life, career and relationships - Connection with the divine, ancestors, and guides
What is a Plant-Based Diet? What is a Sattvic Diet? What are their benefits? A Plant-Based or Plant-Forward diet involves eating foods that are and/or come from plants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, beans and legumes. Though somewhat similar (yet also unlike haha) vegetarian and vegan diets, one is simply choosing more plant sourced foods to allow into their body over other foods. With our cooking classes you will see that we focus on mindful eating, giving our bodies whole-foods (non-processed food), and following the Ayurvedic Sattvic Diet and principles of good food combination. A Sattvic Diet is a pure vegetarian diet that focuses on eating seasonal whole-foods and is considered the most richly nutritious diet to follow in Ayurveda. It is high in fiber, low in fat, and eaten/cooked with love, gratitude and awareness. Some of the benefits of eating this way are: - Improves digestion and immunity - Aid in healthy weight management - Promotes longevity of life - Increases physical strength - Elevates mental health - Reduces symptoms of chronic diseases - Boosts mood and energy - Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol - Increases healthy fiber, mineral, antioxidant and vitamin intake - Reduces risk of cancer and diabetes
Why do you ask for my birthday date, time and place? One of the unique aspects of our consultations is that we factor in your connection with the heavily bodies around you such as the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Venus, etc. The motion of the planets effects your life more than you may realize. We are all connected, nature and planets included, and so to truly be in a union within ourselves we must be in unity with the universe. We use your birth date, time and location to craft your natal chart and decipher your numerology to use as a reference if needed. We are able to advice one more specifically on a timeline and prepare them for intense energies, times of higher manifestation, phase of reflect and lack clear communication, moments of passion and drive, best times to start a business, and more.
General Questions
What are the benefits of Meditation mentally and physically? Meditation, found in ancient Vedic texts of India, Yogic scriptures and Ayurveda principles, has been used across the world for thousands of years and has been highly recommended for both adults and children to include in their daily routines. Some of the many benefits are: - Improves ability to relieve and management stress - Increases self and body awareness - Aids restful sleep and decrease sleep problems - Reduces anxiety, depression and negative emotions - Lowers heart rate and blood pressure - Boosts creativity and mood - Relieves tension headaches and chronic pain - Improves patience and emotional management - Decreases symptoms of cancer and heart disease - Helps one focus on and be more in the present - Boosts immunity and digestive health
What if I can't make it to my scheduled consultation, class, or retreat? This is our current Policy on Cancellations & Refunds: Any request for a cancellation of or refund for an event or service should be done through email to Divine Surrender at DivineSurrenderLLC@gmail.com We request that cancellations be done 24 hours before the start of date and time of a service or 8 days before the start date of an event (before Welcome Email with event access information is sent out). Cancellations done 24 hours before the start date of a service or 8 days before the start date of an event will receive a full refund regardless of reasoning of cancellation. Cancellations done less than 24 hours before the start of a service or 8 days before the start of an event will receive a partial refund due to processing fees and inconvenience. In cases such as sudden illness or family emergency, refund will be determined per request. Cancellations done after the start of an event/service will receive partial to no refund, determined per request. No Shows with forfeit the right to receive a refund and may be determined ineligible for future events/services. Other refund requests will be determined per request. For more, see our Terms & Waiver below
Do I have to be of a certain religion or belief to take advantage of these consultations, classes, or retreats? Absolutely not! Healing, growing, and becoming your most authentic self is a form of love and service to all that is not exclusive to any group of people or belief system. It holds great beauty in the foundation that we are a collective and connected by source, no matter what you choose to call it, if you call it anything at all. If you do find that your religion or belief forbids you from participating in any aspect(s) of these consultations, classes or retreats, please reach out to us so that not only can we learn and grow to become more inclusive, we can also accommodate you so that you may benefit from these elevating and transformative offerings.