Rainforest Retreat
March 8th - 16th 2009
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Are you interested in: • exploring innovative learning situations in the cultural and bio-diversity of the Peruvian Rainforest? • having a holistic, integral experience of Peru and the Amazon rainforest? • co-creating transformative communal space? • addressing the urgent social and environmental problems which face the planet? • cultivating a way of life which supports and nourishes spiritual, emotional and intellectual growth? |
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This project is born of a fascination for the Amazonian rainforest and a commitment to helping people to become the best they can be through personal healing, transformative practice and creative visioning. The Amazon rainforest is one of the most diverse places on earth. In order to help people to enjoy its unfamiliar stimuli and to perceive some of the jungle’s deeper structures we try to create a relaxed and supportive environment. In addition to group activities we encourage participants to find personal points of contact with the jungle through their own practices and interests; be that contemplation, yoga, photography, writing, plant healing, shamanism, anthropology, ecology or any other discipline. Mishana Retreat Centre is owned and run by Peter Cloudsley. Peter offers leadership and a model of sustainable development to the neighbouring community. Supporting his enterprise is a positive step towards assuring the future of a vulnerable area of the Amazon Rainforest.
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| Outline Where? Mishana Retreat Centre is our location for the Rainforest Retreat; it is situated two hours boat ride upstream from the town of Iquitos on the Nanay River, a tributary of the Amazon. The Retreat Centre is in the middle of the Mishana Nature Reserve. This area is representative of the fascinating “varillal” type of jungle, based on ancient deposits of white sand. The ecosystem is especially fragile to human intervention, though very rich in biodiversity. The Nanay is a “black water” river whose high content of dissolved plant matter stains the water a tea colour and makes it slightly acid and relatively free of mosquitoes; a blessing of the Mishana Centre. Accommodation is either in “tambos” (wooden huts on stilts) which are built into the forest or in an annex to the large main building which is close to the shower and toilet area. Either alternative offers the powerful sensation of contact with the jungle. |
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For whom?
Itinerary and content After a night in Iquitos we take a boat up the Nanay River to Mishana. We will be accompanied by a local shaman and guide, both of whom are knowledgeable about the jungle. The program includes jungle walks into the Reserve, a boat trip to a nearby lake (where those who wish to can fish) and the opportunity to participate in an Ayahuasca ceremony. |
Whilst the jungle is a powerful stimulus during the Retreat, the quality of community which we create as a group is no less so. In addition to many informal moments for relating to each other we will get together in a circle each day; this is a safe place to share our experiences and to fine tune the collective adventure. On an individual level the quality of our experience is defined very much by our receptivity and openness. Our team is there to ensure your safety and to address any worries which might arise. In addition, participants are encouraged to make contact with the jungle in a personal way through their own interests and practices. This will also enrich the experience of the group as a whole. Here for example are some of our own interests with regard to the jungle: In addition to structured group time and activities there will be plenty of time for lying in a hammock, swimming with the local community, personal walks in the jungle and conversation etc. The Centre regularly invites children from the community over to attend a “chocolatada” (hot chocolate at 30º in the shade!). This involves the usual children’s games with one or two interesting variations and everyone is welcome to participate. Meal times are also an important dimension of the retreat and Magnolia the cook will introduce us to many delicious flavours of the jungle. |
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 "chocolatada" and games |
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| With respect to sustainability, the simplicity of life in the jungle makes it a good place to consider the essentials of food, shelter and fuel. It offers an interesting perspective from which to consider some of the underlying forces which drive consumer society. Finally, before we return, we will consider the significance of the rainforest experience to our life and work back home. |
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 watching the river go by |
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Cost The cost of the 9 day Rainforest Retreat is US$1450 including all accommodation in Lima, Iquitos and Mishana, internal flights and transport, facilitators and shamans and all food (with the exception of two lunches). What is not included in the price:
Contact |
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