Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): South Asian Women’s Healing Retreat ~ Sept. 28-29, Vancouver Island, BC
I DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE SACRED WISDOM OF MY CULTURE. IS THIS GATHERING SUITABLE FOR ME?
Yes, this gathering is suitable for those who are not presently familiar with our sacred wisdom, as you will learn and share a lot. All are welcome.
I HAVEN’T DONE MUCH YOGA. IS THIS RETREAT SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes, the asanas (physical postures of yoga) we will be doing are suitable for both beginners and experienced folks, and modifications will be included.
DO I HAVE TO BRING MY OWN FOOD?
Dharti Mata Centre will serve four delicious and nutritious, garden-fresh vegan meals (lunch on Saturday – lunch on Sunday), chai, snacks, and dessert.
AM I WELCOME TO THIS RETREAT IF I IDENTIFY AS NON-BINARY OR GENDER NON-CONFORMING?
Yes, folks who identify as non-binary and gender non-conforming – as well as anyone who identifies as a woman, is welcome.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
We will have onsite camping available on the acreage, and this included in the registration fee (you will need to bring your own gear). There will be access to an indoor bathroom, shower, and kitchen – as well as a lovely outdoor space to spend the night.
Alternatively, we have compiled a list of nearby Airbnbs and alternate accommodations that may be of interest to you. This would be an additional cost that you would organize independently, and is not included in the price of the retreat.
IF I DON’T WANT TO CAMP, DOES MY RETREAT RATE CHANGE?
No, it is the same price whether or not you decide to camp.
HOW DO I GET TO THE VENUE?
The venue is located in South Wellington on the outskirts of Nanaimo, at the Dharti Mata Centre at 2021 Brothers Road. It is a short 10-20 minute drive from Duke Point, Departure Bay, and Hullo-Nanaimo ferry terminals. Ride shares will be available from the ferry terminals, and more details on this will be provided after registration. We can also assist with ride share from another location – please let us know what your needs are.
WILL THERE BE A RIDE SHARE OR FERRY SHUTTLE?
Yes, if you need support with transportation from the ferry or another location, we can certainly assist with that. Just let us know your needs once you register.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY?
Both days will involve community building, wellness activities, discussion, cultural reclamation, creativity, amazing food, and lots of relaxation. Sunday will be a continuation and deepening of our journey on Saturday.
CAN I JUST ATTEND SATURDAY?
Yes. It is $175 to attend Saturday only.
CAN I JUST ATTEND SUNDAY?
Unfortunately, no. Sunday will be a deepening of our Saturday programming. If you wish to come for only one day, Saturday is your opportunity for that.
DO YOU HAVE A SAMPLE SCHEDULE OF THE WEEKEND?
The schedule will include plenty of group discussion, trauma-informed asana and other wellness practices, guided meditation, storytelling, cultural reconnection, creative exercises, and nature activities.
WHY IS THIS EVENT FOR SOUTH ASIANS? CAN I ATTEND IF I AM ONLY PARTIALLY SOUTH ASIAN?
Having specific wellness spaces that are for South Asian people is important for our healing and strength after many years of collective oppression and racism. The wellness industry in North America frequently appropriates our culture; gatherings like this allow us to feel a greater sense of safety and foster culturally specific healing from our shared colonial history of violence and subjugation. This retreat is for South Asian people because we will be focusing on the specific historical and cultural factors that contribute to our holistic wellbeing as South Asian people.
Those who identify as women and non-binary/gender fluid folks with any amount of South Asian ancestry/mixed ancestry are most welcome.
WILL THIS RETREAT BE CASTE-RELATED?
Please note that our work is absolutely not identified with the caste system at all, and we will not be focusing on caste at the retreat. For us, the caste system indicates separation and therefore, does not uphold the understanding of unity. Though Satya was born into the system, she rejected the system. However she honours, celebrates and practices all that is Vedic/Yogic – which upholds the understanding of unity.
Furthermore, our participants come from all walks of South Asian culture, including Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, Anglo Indian, Ismaili, etc. We have had folks come to the retreat with roots in Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Trinidad, Canada, etc. And folks range from early 20s to late 60s so far. It is truly an amazing gathering of the South Asian diaspora!
IS THIS THE SAME OFFERING AS THE LAST SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN’S RETREAT BACK IN APRIL 2024?
No, this weekend retreat is a new offering, and will also include some foundational elements of our last gathering. While our general intention and structure are similar to our day retreat back in April 2024, our upcoming weekend retreat will include a bunch of new programming, and build and expand on our last retreat. Furthermore, we have carefully and thoughtfully planned a weekend of activities informed by the previous retreat participant’s feedback and suggestions, so we can deepen our healing and grow together. If you attended last time, we hope that this gathering will be refreshing yet familiar, as well as deeply inspiring! If it is your first time joining us, you are so welcome!
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
Full refund minus a $35 admin fee until August 30.
50% refund, minus $35 admin fee August 31 – September 6.
Unfortunately, we cannot issue any refunds after September 7.
You are warmly invited to a weekend of restorative healing and community building with other South Asian women. As we transition with the Autumn Equinox, join us for two days of ceremony, joyful expression, and deep healing.
Our heartfelt intention is that you leave the retreat feeling resourced, renewed, and reminded of your inherent gifts and divine nature. Through ancestral healing practices, embodiment, ritual, nature exploration, creative expression, and guided relaxation – we will weave together our common threads of sacred wisdom.
This weekend retreat will focus on creating a safe, nurturing space to reclaim our voice, explore creative expression and be in nature. Connection to our ancestors and each other will be the heart of our time together – and delicious, nourishing garden-fresh meals will be shared.
We welcome you to this beautiful opportunity to connect to a supportive community, activate wellness, and fill your cup – while tapping into our shared ancestral strength and joy.
FULL DETAILS + REGISTRATION HERE
Please contact us with any questions.
P.S. Early Bird Offer Ends September 7th – space is limited.