FAQs

Is there a lot of physical activity in this retreat?

Physical activity is an important way to support transformation and self-discovery.   Each morning, we offer qi gong or yoga followed by group meditation.   In addition, many of the rooms are located a short walk from the main meeting room, and will allow for walking in nature to commute to and from the cabins.  During breaks, you are welcome to walk on the property to get additional exercise.   If you have physical restrictions, please let us know at registration so that we can make accommodations.  

What if I am new to shamanic practices and ceremony?  Will I understand what’s going on?

You do not need to have any knowledge about shamanism to participate in this retreat.  Participants will get a basic introduction to spiritual practices that are powerful and effective in moving through stuck energy and tapping into inner resources.  When you speak your intention into a stick and throw it into the fire, you invite “magic” into your life.  It is not necessary to “understand what’s going on” as much as it is an invitation to prepare and open your heart and trust that the powers of the Universe (or your Higher Power) are witnessing you while you witness Them.

Does anything in this retreat contradict my religious beliefs?

We respect all spiritual traditions and religions.  There is nothing in our teachings, activities, or ceremonies that is in conflict with religion.  We offer the shamanic practices in reverence to a Higher Power and encourage all participants to define that Higher Power as they wish.  A big part of shamanic ceremonies is offering love and honor to the elements that have been bestowed to us by our Higher Power, namely, air, water, fire, earth, and ether.  In addition, the ceremonies allow us to honor, bless, and engage with Mother Earth and Father Sky, recognizing them as major forces in our life and contributors to our wellbeing. 

What kind of food will be served?

The food will be thoughtfully crafted by Brigita Lacovara, focusing on wholesome, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients. Expect clean, simple meals that are plant-centric, complemented by ethically-sourced animal proteins, and rich in nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods. Brigita’s approach blends traditional preparation techniques—like fermentation, sprouting, and soaking—with fresh regional produce to create vibrant, nourishing dishes. All baked goods are gluten-free and/or grain-free, made with nutritious sweeteners and packed with vegetables. The menu will reflect a balance of raw, fermented, and cooked foods, supporting gut health and overall well-being. If you’d like to know more, you can visit her website here.

How do I know if the retreat facilitators are a good fit for me and my learning style?

An essential pillar and gift of the retreat is community.  You will quickly discover that the facilitators come from a wide array of backgrounds.  They have created a deeply committed community where they work together to share and enhance their medicine with each other and the world.  Each of the facilitators brings a unique set of skills and gifts to the community and is generously willing to share, in service to healing the world.  The activities, ceremonies, lessons, and individual sessions that you will experience at the retreat are a compilation of the passions and offerings of the facilitators, each of them giving their best offerings.  Because of that, you will find a wide array of offerings, personalities, and teaching styles.  As a bonus, because we work in community, we can have time and space to be available to connect with you, the participants.  We are proud of the community that we are creating and excited to welcome you in!

What makes Taos special?

According to Taos.org: “Taos is many things to many people: a world-class outdoors destination, a place of ancient history and long tradition, and a hub of creativity, innovation, and sustainability… It boasts a world heritage site and views of the snow-capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains which turn red in the evening light, hence their name, which translates to “blood of Christ.”  The town itself contains a multistory adobe village that has been continuously inhabited since pre-colombian times and continues to house families that have been there since the beginning.  Many of the living spaces have been converted into shops, showcasing the Pueblo’s talented artists and artisans, while parts of the pueblo are off limits to allow Pueblo natives to diligently protect  and preserved their culture.

What supports are in place for me to feel safe to do deep, personal, emotional work?

As a participant, you will be safe and supported at every step of the way.  During the retreat, there will be 6-8 facilitators on site at all times, each with a unique set of skills and gifts that support you on your journey.  In addition, the Goji retreat center is the ideal setting for you to have the support you need in every aspect; mind, body, soul, spirit.  The daily schedule is structured with group activities, ceremonies, circle time, and discussions designed to guide and support your dive into self-discovery.  The natural setting, schedule, and facilitators weave together the perfect container to hold you and your fellow participants. As you bond in community, you may find that the greatest resource is within you and your fellow participants that accompany you on this journey to self-discovery.  At Goji retreat center you will enjoy carefully curated gourmet meals, comfortable sleeping spaces, and the ultimate support: the scenic, spacious, setting of raw and wild Mother Earth land.  Trust and allow the shamanic practices to guide and support you as you breathe in the air, fire, water, earth, and ether, which become supportive pillars throughout the retreat, and hopefully thereafter.

Is there Cell Phone Service? 

No.  There is a landline telephone that may be used in the event of an emergency.  You are free to give that number to your loved ones so that they know how to contact you if necessary.

Is There WIFI?

Yes, there is wifi in the buildings on site.

I like the idea of community, but what if I need time alone?

Besides community, the most central pillar of the retreat is nature.  There is a whole wide world of beauty at Gogi Center and we encourage all participants to step away from the community and breathe in the gifts of Mother Nature.  We have built in time every day for you to sit in a hammock, follow a hawk as it circles the valley, or notice the shapes of the tree branches and roots that inhabit the land.  We also respect that when people do transformational work it is essential for them to engage in self-care.  Rest assured that if you need to step away from community to find some time alone, whether in nature or in your room, we support that.