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OVA Retreat
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is OVA Retreat?OVA Retreat is a 10-day experiential retreat focused on self-inquiry, nourishment, and personal growth. It’s a safe, transformative space for women to connect with themselves, each other, and the surrounding nature. Through a variety of activities, we explore balance, feminine and masculine energies, creative expression, and self-reflection. The retreat is curated to support the journey of self-discovery in a community setting, with the aim to nurture each participant's well-being.
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2. Who can attend the OVA Retreat?This retreat is exclusively for women, however, facilitators and teachers may not necessarily be women. We welcome individuals seeking to reconnect with themselves, explore their inner world, and take time for rest and rejuvenation. The retreat is designed for those ready to engage in self-inquiry and participate in the practices offered.
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3. What is the format of the retreat?The retreat spans 10 days, incorporating a balance of structured activities and personal reflection time. Activities include meditation, nature walks, creative workshops, dynamic yoga, art classes, and group discussions. The retreat focuses on both inward and outward spirals of growth: beginning with a focus on the self and expanding towards collective wisdom. A significant portion of the retreat is dedicated to self-inquiry and personal storytelling, with daily rituals and ceremonies designed to deepen the connection to self and community.
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4. What does "Sowing the Seed of the Self" mean?The phrase "Sowing the Seed of the Self" represents the core philosophy of the OVA Retreat—encouraging each participant to explore and nurture their authentic self. The retreat provides a space for reflection, inquiry, and personal growth, where each woman can plant the seeds for her own empowerment and evolution.
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5. Where is the retreat held?OVA Retreat takes place in Kasar Devi, a spiritually rich area surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect environment for personal transformation, offering a chance to connect with the natural world while engaging in practices designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.
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6. What is the schedule of activities during the retreat?While the schedule may vary, typical activities include: Meditation and self-inquiry sessions Kundalini and AUM meditation Nature hikes and forest baths Reflective writing and journaling Art and creative workshops Shamanic ceremonies Group discussions on personal growth and empowerment Cultural activities like kirtan and ecstatic dance Detailed daily schedules will be provided closer to the retreat date.
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7. What makes OVA Retreat unique?OVA Retreat offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom, personal reflection, and community bonding. We integrate feminine and masculine energies through various practices, acknowledging both aspects within each individual. The retreat also focuses on creative expression, nourishing the soul through art, dance, and storytelling. The experience is deeply rooted in the philosophy of personal responsibility for growth, with a focus on building a supportive sisterhood that extends beyond the retreat itself.
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8. What kind of accommodation is available?There will be two options for accommodation: Resident Participants: Those staying at the official retreat venue. Non-Resident Participants: Those staying at nearby venues. We may offer special discount arrangements with local accommodations, but this will be confirmed at a later date.
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9. Do I need to be experienced in meditation or yoga to join?No prior experience is required. The retreat is open to individuals of all levels of experience. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner, the activities are designed to accommodate everyone. The focus is on personal growth and exploration, not on technical skill.
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10. What should I bring to the retreat?Once registered, you will receive a detailed list of suggested items to bring, which may include comfortable clothing, personal toiletries, a journal, a water bottle, and any spiritual or personal items you may need for your journey. We recommend packing light and bringing only what is necessary for your comfort and reflection.
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11. How much does the retreat cost?The cost of the retreat varies depending on the type of accommodation and the options you choose. Please refer to the specific pricing page for detailed information on rates for resident and non-resident participants. Payment plans and early bird discounts may also be available.
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12. How can I register for the retreat?To register, please visit our [Retreat Registration page] on the website. Fill out the registration form, and a member of our team will get in touch with you to confirm your participation and provide further details.
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13. Can I cancel or transfer my reservation?We understand that plans may change. Please refer to our Cancellation Policy for details on cancellations, transfers, and refunds. We encourage you to carefully consider your commitment before registering, as spaces are limited.
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14. What is included in the retreat fee?The retreat fee includes accommodation, meals, all scheduled activities, workshops, and ceremonies. It does not include travel expenses to and from the retreat venue. Meals are designed to nourish and support your journey, with options to accommodate dietary preferences where possible.
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15. Can I donate to support the retreat?Yes, you can support OVA Retreat through donations. These contributions help sustain our work and make future retreats possible. Please visit our [Donate page] for more details on how you can contribute to the retreat and support our mission.
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16. Is the retreat open to women from all backgrounds?Absolutely! The retreat is designed to welcome women from all walks of life. We believe that diversity enriches the experience and encourages growth and learning in a supportive environment.
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17. What if I have specific dietary or health concerns?If you have any dietary restrictions, health concerns, or specific needs, please let us know during registration. We strive to accommodate everyone's needs and ensure that your retreat experience is as comfortable and nourishing as possible.
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18. Will there be any age restrictions for participants?OVA Retreat is open to women aged 18 and above. We believe this ensures participants are at a stage in life to fully engage with the practices and philosophies offered.
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19. Are children or family members allowed?The retreat is a space dedicated to personal growth and self-reflection. To maintain this focus, we ask that participants attend without accompanying family members or children.
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20. What kind of meals will be served?Meals provided will be vegetarian, designed to nourish the body and mind during the retreat. If you have specific dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc.), we will do our best to accommodate them.
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21. How physically demanding is the retreat?The retreat includes a mix of activities, from meditative practices to light physical activities such as yoga, nature hikes, and dance. While most activities are not overly strenuous, participants should be comfortable with basic physical movement. Please inform us if you have any physical limitations so we can adjust accordingly.
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22. How do I reach the retreat venue?Detailed travel instructions will be provided upon registration, including the nearest airports, train stations, and suggested routes. Shuttle services or carpooling options may also be arranged closer to the retreat date.
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23. Will there be any free time during the retreat?Yes, the retreat schedule includes time for rest and personal reflection. While structured activities form the core of the retreat, we value the importance of quiet, unstructured time for participants to process their experiences and unwind.
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24. What kind of clothing should I pack?Pack comfortable clothing suitable for movement and meditation, as well as warm layers for cooler evenings and mornings. A detailed packing list will be shared closer to the retreat date.
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25. Is photography or recording allowed during the retreat?To maintain a safe and private environment, photography and recording by participants are generally not allowed. However, OVA may document parts of the retreat for promotional or archival purposes, with participant consent. The same will be shared later with the participants. This is also to help the participants stay more in the present.
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26. Can I join the retreat late or leave early?We strongly recommend attending the full retreat to fully benefit from the journey and the community experience. If you anticipate scheduling conflicts, please contact us before registering.
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27. Are scholarships or financial aid options available?OVA Retreat aims to make the experience accessible. As of now, we do not have a provision for scholarships or any other financial aid.
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28. Will there be any follow-up after the retreat?Yes, we plan to stay connected with participants through our community platform and periodic updates. Participants will also have access to resources or recommended practices to continue their journey of self-discovery beyond the retreat.
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29. Can I attend the retreat if I don’t speak the primary language?Yes, we strive to create an inclusive environment. The retreat’s primary language is [your language of choice], but facilitators can offer assistance to those with limited proficiency. Please let us know your needs in advance.
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