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Registration Closed. Celebrate the Sacred Divine Feminine Within YOU
Lynn has traveled the world over on sacred journeys, most of them with Sacred Sites Journeys. She is currently a valued staff member for our company. She is a Lady Knight Templar and a Fisher Queen of The International Order of Gnostic Templars, a modern-day spiritual Templar Order dedicated to the revival of the Goddess Tradition and Gnostic Wisdom. Lynn owns Etheriean Earrings Etc., which offers jewelry, crystals and stones for healing and spiritual growth. She is currently writing a book about the uses of various crystals and stones. During the retreat she will support you to tune into various stones to connect with your own intuitive knowingness. During our Women's Retreat Lynn will facilitate sessions
to support you to access Jill and Bob Ruttenberg Owners and Hostess/Host at Ama Tierra
Jill Ruttenberg is a registered herbalist (AHG) who specializes in Chinese and western herbal medicine. She is a colleague of Dr. Andrew Weil and participated in weekly patient conferences at the program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona Medical Center. She has also had the good fortune to study with some of the best herbalists and OMD's in the world, including Dr. Michael Tierra and Dr. Joel Penner. Jill is also a certified massage therapist who practices many modalities, a Hatha Yoga instructor, and writer of articles for U.S. alternative health publications. Nutritional consulting, massage and yoga classes are all available on the premises at AmaTierra. Jill will also offer our group an evening of sound healing using crystal bowls. Bob Ruttenberg comes from a career of 40 years in the music business which began the day he returned to Chicago from the Woodstock Festival of 1969. He owned two record stores in the mountains of Colorado in the 70's & 80s and since then has helped hundreds of artists become known and respected, especially in the world of jazz music. Bob's enthusiastic nature and passion for turning people on to good things now allows him to ignite the guests' love of beauty and the arts and to be the innkeeper he has always dreamed of being. He is also working on creating a jazz and world music festival in Costa Rica. Ask Bob to play you something special. You'll like it!
Psychotherapists Mark & Marsha Friedman bring an added dimension
of healing to AmaTierra's menu of holistic services. The Friedmans have a beautiful horse
ranch which we'll visit as a group. Their nine horses of varying ages and sizes help
people address emotional, behavioral and relational issues simply by being in their
presence. “These horses are amazing co-facilitators,” Marsha says. Guests can
participate in a “horse reflection” session to learn more about the deeper
levels of their true selves, and come to terms with life’s challenges in a unique
way. This experience is also known as EAP, or Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, a fun way to
get to know yourself in the presence of beautiful Horse-Beings. 
BRIEF RETREAT ITINERARY(For a more detailed itinerary, scroll down) Day 1. Saturday, May 14. Arrive; Transfer to AmaTierra;
Intro Meeting Breakfast AM: Free time - Hike the trails at the retreat center, relax at the pool, and/or enjoy wellness therapies Lunch PM: Session with Lynn - "Deepen Your Connection with Your Intuition" Optional Yoga Class Dinner Day 5. Wednesday, May 18. Full Day: Goddess Power through the Way of the Horse AM: Optional Yoga Class Breakfast Full Day visit to Horse Ranch: Goddess Power through the Way of the Horse Lunch Included. Return to AmaTierra in the later afternoon Dinner Day 6. Thursday, May 19. Full Day: La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano Breakfast Full Day Visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano Lunch on your own with the group Return to retreat center late afternoon Dinner Day 7. Friday, May 20. Free Time; Goddess Session/Closing Ceremony & Give-Away AM: Optional Yoga Class Breakfast AM: Free time - Hike the trails at the retreat center, relax at the pool, and/or enjoy wellness therapies Lunch PM: Goddess Session with Lynn - The Divine Feminine Within & Closing Ceremony/ Give-Away Dinner Day 8. Saturday, May 21. Group Transfer to Airport in San Jose Breakfast Group Transfer to the airport in San Jose (For a more detailed itinerary, scroll down)
TOUR ITINERARY This Women's Retreat is LAND ONLY. You are responsible to book your roundtrip international flight to SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA. ARRIVAL: Please arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica by 10:00AM on Saturday, May 14, 2010 in order to connect with our group transfer to Ama Tierra Retreat Center. (If you need to arrive a day early, we can recommend a hotel near the airport.)
A word from Lynn: "As
women, we are all born goddesses. By undertaking this spiritual retreat to reclaim Her
true essence, you will realize more of your Goddess Within. My goal is to support each
of you to come to know your Divine Feminine or Goddess Aspect on a more profound level.
Through meditations, rituals, ceremonies, and divinatory tools, we'll tune into the
energy/voice/vision of the Goddess Herself, as She relays Her unique and timely messages
to you. It's my hope that when you leave our Women's Retreat and return home to your life,
you'll see the issues and people in it with a new perspective - one that you will be able
to use to engage your life with more of Her qualities of Love, Allowance, Compassion, and
Intuition, so that you will deepen your spirituality and serve others in more creative and
positive ways."
Dinner tonight will be a time to share with your Sisters about your day, as well
as to enjoy the fabulous cuisine.  On the way back we'll stop for a
quick look at local crocodiles that live under a bridge over the highway. Don't worry;
you'll be on the bridge and they'll be under it!We return to the retreat center later afternoon. You have free time before our group dinner this evening, another time to share our experiences of the day. Day 4. Tuesday, May 17. Free Time; Deepen Your Connection with Your Intuition (B/L/D) Optional Yoga Class followed by another excellent Ama Tierra breakfast. Then you have free time again to hike the trails at the retreat center, relax at the pool, and/or enjoy wellness therapies. Lynn will be offering more individual crystal and stone readings.  After lunch our afternoon Session
with Lynn is "Deepen Your Connection with Your Intuition".
In our fast-paced and often chaotic world of today, we have more and more need to open up
to our intuition and develop it. As we search for more meaning in our lives and seek to
create our dreams, following our intuition becomes a must. Developing our intuition, which
is the voice of the Goddess Within, is the pathway to manifesting all that we need and
want in our lives. Connecting with and using our intuitive abilities is our
birthright!
As a woman, you've most likely been aware for most of your life that you
had intuition - that knowing, gut feeling, the unexplainable instinct about things and
people. Perhaps you had precognitive dreams as a child. Or you knew what others were
thinking and feeling, without them telling you. You just "knew" things, but
didn't know how you knew them. If you were fortunate enough to have had support from your
parents or another important adult in your life, you no doubt didn't lose contact with
that ability, but rather were encouraged to develop it. Or, if your ability was made fun
of and you were scoffed at or even shamed for demonstrating it, you no doubt shut down to
using it. And lost it. Well, not to worry. Intuition is like a muscle and like any muscle,
the more you use it the stronger it becomes. In our session this afternoon, through using
various exercises, Lynn will guide you to access and strengthen your connection
with your own intuitive abilities. (Photo Credit: Rekha Krishnan)"The only real valuable thing is intuition." - Albert Einstein "It is always with excitement that I wake up in the morning wondering what my intuition will toss up to me, like gifts from the sea. I work with it and rely on it. It's my partner." Dr. Jonas Salk "There is no instinct like that of the heart." - Lord Byron "Cease trying to work everything out with your minds. It will get you nowhere. Live by intuition and inspiration and let your whole life be Revelation." - Eileen Caddy Join the optional Hatha Yoga Class this afternoon with Jill and communicate with your body, mind and spirit.Another yummy and nutritious AmaTierra dinner to enjoy tonight! Day 5. Wednesday, May 18. Goddess Power through the Way of
the Horse (B/L/D)
Return to AmaTierra in the later afternoon. Tonight is another fabulous dinner, during which we'll take time to share about our day. Afterwards pamper yourself and take some time for relaxation and integration. Day 6. Thursday, May 19. Day Visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens and Poas Volcano (B/D) After breakfast we're off
to visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens. In the
waterfall gardens we'll enjoy lush tropical rainforests, flowing white rivers, beautiful
waterfalls, and a variety of birds, butterflies and flowers. We'll take in the hiking
trails at our own pace. The trails wind along the La Paz River through both cloud and rain
forest showing the diversity of the plant and wildlife, while not disturbing the natural
surroundings. At the waterfall we'll feel the gentle spray of the 120 ft. waterfall on our
faces. Ahhhh! Relaxation! Lunch on your own with the group. For more information, visit La Paz Waterfall Gardens  In the afternoon we visit Poas Volcano, a powerful symbol of the geothermal forces that formed Costa Rica, where we look into the heart of a live volcano. At almost a mile across, it's the largest active crater in the world. The most recent period of eruptive activity ended in 1954. Although there is no lava flow, the steam arising from the crater and occasional geyser eruptions make this a spectacular sight. We'll get a birds-eye view 320 meters down into the powerful crater - the deck is practically at the rim of the crater. We return to our retreat center late afternoon. Take a bit of time to rest and integrate before dinner. We have so much to share about our adventures today! Day 7. Friday, May 20. Free Time; Closing Meditation and
Give-Away(B/L/D) After breakfast, you have free time again to enjoy any of the retreat center's
activities that you've not yet enjoyed: hike the trails at the retreat center, relax at
the pool, enjoy one of the wellness therapies, or schedule a consultation with Jill. Bring a small gift as a "Give Away" as we'll exchange mementos with our Sisters in symbology of the bounteous and giving nature of the Goddess. (Price of gift not to exceed $20.00) Let's take time at dinner this evening not only to enjoy our last meal together,
but as well to share our Attitudes of Gratitude for what we've received
during our time as Goddesses in Paradise - the new insights, growth and
blessings that we'll be taking home with us to make our lives fuller, deeper, juicer and
more in alignment with the path of our Divine Feminine. Note:
This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control. RETREAT INCLUSIONS Your Sacred Sites Journey Women's Retreat to COSTA RICA Includes: - Fully escorted from San Jose Airport by Tour Hostess/Featured Speaker Lynn Merrill, Sacred Sites Journeys Staff Member - Roundtrip group transfer from airport in San Jose to retreat center - Seven nights lodging, double occupancy, in a room with 2 beds and a private bath (IMPORTANT: Only a few single rooms are available, so if you want your own space for the retreat, please book as early as possible.) - Daily Breakfast and dinner; lunches on days 1,2,4, 5 & 7 - Van or private vehicle transportation for all tour activities - Sightseeing as per the itinerary, including entrance fees - Pre-Paid Gratuities SPECIAL HIGHLIGHTS: - Daily sessions to support you to access & empower your Goddess Within - Visit to the Beach at Esterillas Oeste, a stunning Central Pacific Coast beach - Visit La Paz Waterfall Gardenss and Poas Volcano - Visit to a Horse Ranch: Goddess Power through the Way of the Horse - Evening Sound Healing Experience with Crystal Bowls - Relax at the pool - take a dip, lounge with a good book or write in your journal - Enjoy daily delicious meals of a healthful combination of home cooking, using fresh organic fruits and vegetables, local fish and chicken: vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements offered - A library of DVD's with players in all rooms OPTIONAL OFFERINGS: - Wellness Services: Yoga Classes, Massage, Energy Balancing, Detoxification, Nutritional/Herbal Consultation NOTE: These services are at an additional cost to your retreat package, and can be booked and paid for in Costa Rica. NOT INCLUDED: - Roundtrip international air to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) - Cost to obtain valid passport - Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, internet access, and telephone calls. - All Wellness Services: Including but not limited to Yoga Classes, Massage, Energy Balancing, Detoxification, Nutritional/Herbal Consultation - Any item that is not specifically detailed on the Sacred Sites Journeys website or the final trip itinerary
RETREAT PRICING This Women's Retreat is LAND ONLY. You are responsible to book your roundtrip international flight to SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA. ARRIVAL: Please arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica by 10:00AM on Saturday, May 14, 2011 at the latest in order to connect with our group afternoon transfer to AmaTierra Retreat Center. (If you need to arrive a day early, we can recommend a hotel near the airport.) DEPARTURE: Please book your international return flight on Saturday, May 21, 2011 from San Jose to depart at noon or after.  DISCOUNT!
Make ALL of your payments by check or money order and receive a 4% discount! This discount
is INCLUDED in the prices listed below for this payment option. NOTE: We are only able to take credit cards for payment up until 45 days before the tour departure date. After that you can pay with a credit card check, bank cashier's check, or money order. Or wire funds to our bank account (Additional bank wire fee applies from wires originating out of the USA). COSTA RICA WOMEN'S RETREAT (May 14 - 21, 2011): Per Person, double occupancy, land only $1,989.00 - for payments via check or money order $2,072.00 - for payments via credit card Single Room Supplement: $249.00 - for payments via check or money order $260.00 - for payments via credit card NOTE: This is the additional amount you will pay if you choose to have your own private room throughout the retreat. The number of single rooms is very limited, so if you want your own room, please book early! ROOMMATES: Would you like to meet and make a new friend during your women’s retreat? If you're not traveling with anyone you know, and would like for SSJ to try to match you up with a suitable roommate, we'll be happy to try to do so. Per our Terms and Conditions, we will hold the registration for the trip open until 30 days before the retreat begins (or later if possible) in order to try to match you with someone. If by that date we have not been able to do so, you will be responsible to pay for the single supplement. If you would like to be matched with a roommate, please register early. RETREAT REGISTRATION For a Registration Form and our complete Terms and Conditions, Click Here Questions? Email info@SacredSitesJourneys.com
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Later morning we transfer from San Jose
to the mountains east of the city,
to Ama Tierra Retreat and
Wellness Center, our home for the next seven nights. You'll feel at home in the arms of Mother Nature, amidst the mango trees and sounds of the living
forest in your 
We're in for a luscious and nutritious treat, as we enjoy dinner a
la Ama Tierra on the balcony, one of our
first of many
delicious meals. The local cooks serve up delicious dishes made with fresh fish (mahi-mahi,
talapia, shrimp and corvina, or sea bass are commonly offered), chicken dishes
(orange/mango chicken with coriander, served with brown and wild rice is one favorite) or
occasional red meat dishes ("typical" picadillo made with green papaya and pork,
or Iraqi meatballs in a delectable sweet and tangy sauce). They also easily accommodate
vegetarian diets with such dishes as Spinach Risotto and Vegetarian Thai Curry over rice.
Enjoy an optional Hatha Yoga Class this morning. It's for
every body, no matter your age or ability level. Jill’s method of
teaching is closely aligned with one of her teachers, Jean-Pierre Marques from North
Africa who was a pioneer in bringing Eastern traditions to the U.S. in 1971, and who later
initiated the Spiritual Awareness Center at Canyon Ranch Spa in Tucson, Arizona. Stretch and
awaken to your day, as you open your
energy to flow more freely and easily,
thus allowing for better integration of the transformation you're inviting into your
Beingness. 
After breakfast,
we'll gather in the Yoga Studio for our morning session facilitated by Lynn:
"Empower the Goddess Within". Bring with you any images of the Goddess
that are meaningful for you. Or any sacred objects that have come to you during your
life's journey that hold the energy of the Divine Feminine for you. We'll use these sacred
items as a stepping stone to access and empower our Inner Divine Feminine. Through
meditation, She will communicate with you and reveal to you what you most need to know in
that moment about You/Her. And what your path this week will be about. Then, during our Sharing
Circle we'll support each other's paths to the same center - the Goddess Within. 
After
lunch, you have the afternoon free. Perhaps you'd like to book a massage
or other wellness therapy to assist you to move out the old energies and
make way for the new! Sessions are tailored to your individual needs and include Shiatsu and Swedish
massage, abdominal massage, sound therapy, deep tissue massage, exfoliation and
detoxifying mud treatments using the Mother Earth from Costa Rican volcanoes. 
After dinner we're in for
a very special treat! An evening of Toning/Sound Healing with Crystal Bowls
facilitated by Jill. The special quartz crystal bowls used in sound therapy are tuned to the body's
"chakras" or energy centers, and can help to push through stagnant or blocked
energy channels in much the same way ultrasound therapy is used to ease pain and even to
cleanse clogged arteries. People find it to be a mesmerizing and sensual experience that
leaves them feeling renewed and energized, more in harmony with the natural rhythm and
flow of the earth's own energy field. The bowls are aligned with the same electromagnetic
frequency of the earth and made to resonate with the natural world which our bodies, when
in balance, hum along with.
After
breakfast we leave for our Full Day at the Beach! We'll spend the day at Esterillas Oeste,
a stunning Central Pacific Coast beach, one of Costa Rica's most beautiful! Just over an
hour from Ama Tierra, it's truly a beach lover's paradise. Palm trees overhang the white,
sandy beaches and exotic Scarlet Macaws make their homes in the trees. Located in a
quiet coastal village, Esterillas Oeste, is known by locals as one of the best beach
destinations in the country. Adventure lovers will enjoy excellent surf breaks. Sun lovers
can soak up the rays. And everyone will enjoy the cool ocean breezes. The serenity will
permeate your body, mind and spirit!
After breakfast, we visit
the Horse Ranch of Mark and Marsha Friedman to explore "Goddess Power through
the Way of the Horse". (Lunch included) This workshop brings you together with
horses in a fun, safe and unique experience. (All of the exercises are done on the ground.
No experiences with horses is necessary.) Women and horses have always been drawn to one
another. Cultivating a relationship with such a beautiful, powerful animal will allow you
to tap into your sensuality, freedom and sense of possibility you had as a young
girl. Horses rely on their sensate, heart felt response and their intuition,
which gives them the unique ability to sense what is not seen or spoken. They can often
reveal things about us that we are not consciously aware of. Horses live naturally from
the way of the heart and have willingly come forward to assist us in our path of spiritual
evolution. Through intrapersonal and interpersonal exercises the horses will guide
and inspire you to: - Reach Clarity of the Heart - Change your thinking to
sensing - Learn to feel your way & connect by listening - Focus your intention
and - Access and claim your authentic Goddess Power. This was one of our
most popular activities in 2010! Below are some of the photos from our session.
Mother Nature for the last time.
Mid-afternoon we gather in the Yoga Studio for our last Goddess Session
and Closing Ceremony and Meditation. What parting Gifts
of Spirit will the Goddess bestow upon you? What have you learned about yourself and the 
Goddess Within this week? Where will that realization take you as you
re-enter your life back home? We'll take time to integrate our experience and prepare for
this re-entry.