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Past Retreats
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"I still feel the vibrations of our group. I had lots of new experiences in this amazing week (are you sure it was only a week?) and I want to thank you for helping those experiences to happen." - Dan Lowenthal
"My time with Zemach Zohar and Devi in Pacha Mama was a time of true reflection. I found the person that's been lost, spiritually, physically, and mentally. I took home new goals and motivation on how I want to live my life, and have a new appreciation for my body and mind. Zemach Zohar and Devi found a perfect balance between many wonderful elements, and the result was a life changing experience for me." - Natalie Stiefvater
"I was nourished in ways beyond food. I tasted what it was like to open my heart to a sensory experience at another level - and I appreciated the grace of an open heart as I saw others open theirs. I also appreciated Zemach Zohar's grace, in helping make the experience what it was for us." - Sonia Osorio
"During the retreat I gained re-appreciation of the power of healthy, organic foods, primary food, nature, and silence. I learned a less civilized, outside-the-box, more fun approach to eating and the importance of perspective checks. I noticed that not all beaches are alike, but all oceans have a power that need respect and that howling monkeys are loud. I love the cashew fruit, passion fruit, and the plum-like fruit with milky white juice that makes your lips sticky on the inside. I was reminded that I have all the tools I need to complete my life and that I need to be around peers that will motivate and empower me to grow." - Karen S.
"My time at Pacha Mama was very enriching and extremely educational. We were a group of seven with a nice peppering of international flavor. We all gelled so well, and quite a zany group. We had many classes throughout the day. We rose at 6 am and met for an hour and a half Hatha Yoga. We then showered outside our Casitas in the open jungle and then travelled to the beach for a lovely fruit breakfast. Often times we had discourse on the beach and then back to the village for a lunch of various veggies and speads. We then gathered with our group for Kundalini yoga. After dinner the village has a little outdoor "coffee corner" that people tend to gather. The entire village is in silence from 7 to 8 pm nightly, at which time you can go to a silent meditation area if one wishes. It is amazing to hear the silence in the presence of so many, as there are over one hundred people living at the commune. The howling monkeys and crikets are the only to break the silence with a symphony of sound. Other activities that we enjoyed was a horseback ride to the beach. It followed the way of the river and was mostly shaded for the journey. My sitting bones still ache! We also hiked to the river and had mud baths as well as a 4 hour early morning boating trip. During this trip we were very blessed to see turtles, dolphins, mantaraes, and flying fish and yes, even one shark. The food served was so full in flavor, yet without meat and very little cooked foods, other than soup. One nite there was a wedding at the "Hobbitt Cafe" at the top of Pacha Mama with a grand view down the valley, across the land, to the distant ocean. We were all asked to wear one solid color of the rainbow, and sat with our colors. It was such a nice visual effect. It was definately a new age wedding, and with it a very personal approach to the uniting of the couple. I felt very fortunate to be present for it. All in all my time at the village was enjoyed, and I will take much away from it. I had the most wonderful time at Pacha Mama--it has added another beautiful facet to my life." - Leslie Smith
"The time in Pacha Mama was life-changing.
The word "transformational" gets thrown about but
during those few days, the learning about raw food and nutrition
and the yoga, combined with being in a healing natural environment,
the sun, the air, the ocean, the beauty of Pacha Mama, the
fun of being with a great group of people and all the surprises
that arose in the moment--all of this was transformational,
physically and spiritually.
"As a retreat leader, Zemach Zohar has a way of doing very deep
healing work with lots of humor and little effort. At the
end of our week together, I felt refreshed, clear, and ready
to collaborate with whatever life brings to continue with
the next adventure." - Patricia
Black
"It was an amazing incredible experience. I met wonderful people and can still feel the effects of my time there. I actually think something shifted for me on that retreat and can't wait to go back to Pacha Mama again. Plus I am now addicted to Elixirs." - Gail Silverman
"Nurturing, empowering, gentle...perfect." - Tonya Ridgely
"I looked forward to the morning yoga classes with Shanti Devi; I like instructors who can bring me to my edge, as she did. I'm full with respect for her raw food cooking. Shanti Devi was great when she led the food lectures with Zemach Zohar and when she acted as MC on talent night."
- Roseann
"There was just the right mix of structured activities and leisure. The silent meditation gave me more focus and quieted my mind. A warm, friendly, tolerant atmosphere let me step out of my shell and be social and connect with people. The natural, beautiful surroundings were very soothing to the heart. I lost weight - physically and spiritually.
"Zemach Zohar is always on top of things foreseeing what the group needs, answering questions for us even as they arise. Very effective communicator and engaging storyteller. With his leadership skills he kept things moving in the right direction.
"Shanti Devi is so talented and knowledgeable in multiple aspects of healing. Her yogic guidance was especially rewarding. She has a quiet wisdom and very serene energy. The food was simple and delicious. It was an interesting experience to live in the jungle.
"I highly recommend this retreat to anyone seeking healing, focus, relaxation, centring, and fun." - Ashwin
"I loosened up quite a bit and didn't feel so self conscious as I normally do. I danced and sang and had a wonderful time. I liked it that my whole routine from daily life was so different. I would wake up early and feel great all day. I liked the idea of not having to think about food. E.g. what will I eat for lunch, dinner, and even for a sugar snack. I enjoyed the break-up of the day with the beach in the morning, then an afternoon activity, and then a night activity."
- Gail B.
"The group was wonderful. The lush jungle with its numerous animals and insects which I got to like and kind of miss, believe it or not. The food was delicious and nutritious, and I liked the communal style in which it was served and enjoyed amongst the people. The activities were off the hook, well planned and executed. The cabins were comfortable and fitting for the jungle setting. There was just enough downtime. It was wonderful to travel with excellent health educators who walk their talk." - Lynn Thompson
"As I sit in the middle of corporate America in Times Square, eating raw cacao beans, I can honestly say the retreat had an impact on me. I'm no longer addicted to coffee, though I still enjoy it from time to time. I'm eating more fruit and raw greens and I feel great."
- Barry Kominik
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