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As I reflect on 2024, my heart is filled with deep gratitude. It has been a year of profound learning, growth, and transformation for me, for Onaya, and for everyone who has joined us on this journey. I am so thankful for every moment, every person who has crossed our path, and every lesson we’ve learned together. From Onaya, we have experienced the beautiful unfolding of life,full of surprises, deep connections, and countless opportunities for healing.
2024 was a year where we allowed life to flow as it naturally does. It wasn’t about forcing anything; it was about trusting the process, being present, and embracing the beauty of spontaneity. I am incredibly grateful for the support of our beloved shamans, the love of our community, and for all the amazing souls who have chosen to be part of Onaya. Together, we’ve created a space where healing happens with ease, where no experience is pre-planned, and where life just unfolds in its own sacred way.
As we say goodbye to this year and welcome 2025, I am filled with excitement and hope for what lies ahead. There is so much to look forward to, new opportunities for growth, new souls to connect with, and endless possibilities to continue expanding our consciousness. From Onaya, I want to extend a warm invitation to those of you seeking a meaningful experience, a place to heal, to grow, and to connect with your true self. If you are ready to join a community that feels like family, where hearts are open and dreams are shared, Onaya is here for you.
As a mother, community leader, entrepreneur, and founder of Beecause We Care 365, I invite you to join me on this journey. This is not just a retreat center; this is a family, a community where we support each other and walk together on the path of healing, growth, and transformation. I believe that 2025 is going to be a year where we expand, trust more deeply in ourselves and each other, and honor the sacredness of life. If you feel called to join us, whether for healing, spiritual awakening, Ayahuasca ceremonies, or simply to be part of something bigger than yourself, we welcome you with open arms.
Onaya it’s not just about healing and growth, it’s about adventure too, we offer transformational travel experiences that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re coming to explore the breathtaking landscapes near Machu Picchu, immerse yourself in the healing energies of the Sacred Valley, or discover the depths of your own soul through plant medicine, we have a space for you. This year will be filled with new opportunities for personal exploration, adventure, and meaningful connections. Together, we will journey forward, open to the surprises life has in store.
Thank you for being part of this beautiful journey. From the bottom of my heart, I invite you to come, to join me, my family, and our community in this space of love, healing, and growth. Together, we will make 2025 a year of transformation, compassion, gratitude, and adventure.
With all my love,
Svetlana
Founder of Onaya Wellness & Healing Center
Founder of Beecause We Care 365
Mother of Nathan, Olivia, and all the waving tails
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Finding True Connection: The Journey to Transformation with Onaya Wellness & Healing Travel Agency
In today’s fast-paced world, many seek deeper meaning—a chance to reconnect with themselves, the earth, and their purpose. At Onaya Wellness & Healing Travel Agency, we create transformative journeys that go beyond luxury and comfort. Our mission is to guide you on a path of self-discovery and healing, blending immersive travel experiences with the wisdom of plant medicine and the beauty of Peru’s sacred landscapes.
We are not just a retreat center. We are your partners in crafting meaningful, life-changing experiences. Whether it’s through sacred plant ceremonies, nature immersion, or community-based adventures, we focus on creating journeys that help you reconnect with your inner self and the world around you.
Why Intention Matters
The journey to Onaya is not just physical—it’s deeply spiritual. We encourage every guest to reflect on their purpose before arriving. Why are you here? What do you hope to heal or discover?
Plant medicine, particularly Ayahuasca, works best when approached with sincerity and an open heart. It challenges you to explore the depths of your soul, embrace discomfort, and find clarity in the process. This is not a path for those seeking fleeting pleasure; it’s for those ready to commit to their personal evolution.
Our retreats provide the essentials for your safety and comfort, but they are thoughtfully simple. We create environments that foster deep connection with nature, allowing you to experience the healing power of the earth, while offering meaningful practices such as plant medicine ceremonies, yoga, and mindfulness. These spaces are designed to help you reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Instead of extravagance, we focus on:
Beautiful yet unpretentious spaces.
That allow you to feel grounded in nature, enhancing your connection to the environment and your inner self.
Sacred plant medicine ceremonies.
Held with utmost care, inviting you to delve deeply into your soul and the wisdom of the earth.
A nurturing environment where simplicity amplifies your connection to the earth and yourself, creating the perfect conditions for healing and personal growth.
Travel and Explore Peru with Purpose
At Onaya, we offer more than just a retreat. We offer the opportunity to explore Peru with purpose, to venture beyond the typical tourist experience, and to embark on a meaningful journey of self-discovery. Whether it’s exploring the Sacred Valley, trekking through the lush rainforest near Salkantay Mountain, or connecting with ancient Andean wisdom, your journey with Onaya is designed to deepen your connection to both yourself and the land.
We combine exploration with healing, offering you the chance to:
Travel mindfully through Peru’s sacred landscapes, from the majestic mountains to the sacred valleys, connecting with the rich culture and natural beauty that Peru has to offer.
Engage in profound healing practices, such as plant medicine ceremonies, that encourage deep introspection and self-awareness.
Experience community-based adventures that help you build meaningful relationships with others who are also on a path of growth and transformation.
The Call of the Earth
Plant medicine, such as Ayahuasca, is a gift from Mother Earth, deeply connected to the environment it comes from. To fully resonate with its wisdom, you must immerse yourself in the simplicity and authenticity of nature.
With Salkantay Mountain watching over us, our journeys bring you to spaces where the earth’s energy is palpable. Imagine waking up to the sound of birdsong, feeling the soil beneath your feet, and taking in the fresh air of Peru’s rainforest. This is where the healing begins.
A Journey for the Committed
At Onaya, we don’t offer cookie-cutter experiences. Each journey is tailored for those ready to embrace transformation, face their truths, and step into a space of healing. This isn’t about escapism; it’s about intentional travel that connects you to yourself and the world.
Is this journey for you? Ask yourself:
Are you ready to leave your comfort zone and embrace simplicity?
Are you prepared to commit to your healing and personal growth?
Do you long for a deeper connection with nature, yourself, and ancient wisdom?
If your answer is yes, then Onaya may be calling you.
Safety and Support Above All
While we encourage stepping into the unknown, your safety is our highest priority. Our experienced team ensures that every journey is secure, nurturing, and guided with care. From plant medicine ceremonies to adventure-filled excursions, every detail is thoughtfully planned to support your well-being.
More Than a Retreat
We are not just a retreat center. As a wellness and healing travel agency, we craft immersive journeys that integrate healing practices, cultural exploration, and meaningful experiences. Whether you join us for plant medicine ceremonies, community-based adventures, or holistic wellness trips, we go beyond offering destinations—we provide transformation.
Are You Ready to Answer the Call?
Onaya is for the seekers, the dreamers, and those who are ready to heal, grow, and expand their consciousness. If you feel the call to reconnect with yourself, the earth, and a deeper sense of purpose, we invite you to join us. This is more than travel; it’s a profound journey of transformation, where every step brings you closer to your true self.
Are you ready to embark on a journey that will change your life? Visit us at onayawellness-peru.com and take the first step toward healing.
This is more than travel. This is transformation.
Meditation works on a neuro feedback mechanism. While observing our thoughts, our brain takes us to the past and future, and when we realize how far we have strayed, we ‘gently’ bring ourselves back to the present or simply observe the darkness with our eyes closed.
Today, scientific research has conclusively demonstrated that meditation has anti-aging effects by not only slowing down the aging process but also improving the quality of life. Meditation increases the amount of grey matter inthe brain, which positively impacts cognitive processes such as emotional regulation and memory. It may sound unbelievable, but simply doing nothing forjust ten minutes a day can make a significant difference in how we feel. Often, weassociate not being productive with failure and feel guilty about it. Perhaps, what we need to do is feel more comfortable with a slow-paced life and embrace mediocrity.
Meditation has even been found to slow down cellular aging, which means younger-looking skin for me. It’s like a cruelty-free, empathy-filled, vegan moisturizer that doesn’t cost a penny. Recently, I came across an intriguing article about Thukdam, which in Tibetan means “one engaged in meditation” even after death. Neurologists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that a monk’s body, even after three days of death, remained upright against a wall, odorless, and with fresh skin. This demonstrates an extremely slow rate of bodydecay, almost like his body went into deep hibernation. I find this fascinating, asit not only supports the claims made by wellness gurus worldwide, but also shedslight on the concept of enlightenment in Buddhism.
The bigger question is, why is it so challenging to be consistent with meditation? After watching the latest season of “Ted Lasso”, I know I can spare just 10 minutes a day. The difficulty lies in the fact that we are essentially going against our conscious selves and learned patterns. Our senses are designed to observe, engage, and indulge. But, meditation is like putting our consciousness in a timeout. We all know how much we loved timeouts in our childhood, right? Unfortunately, most of us now are slaves to our routine, and keeping that timeout into our daily routine doesn’t come naturally to us.
So, what can we do to make meditation a regular practice? This reminds me of a dialogue I heard somewhere – ‘Every day it gets a little easier. But you gotta do it every day – that’s the hard part’. Maybe we can’t do it every day, but we can at least try. It takes time to see the benefits, but once we notice all the subtle differences, we will want to continue with it. One thing that makes it a little difficult to practice is the wrong technique. I have found people putting a lot of pressure on themselves while meditating and being too hard on themselves. I liketo think of it as the more you squeeze, the more sand trickles through yourfingers. Meditation is the art of doing nothing, literally, without expectations. When you close your eyes, you don’t control your thoughts; you simply let them flow, and we are there to observe them. It might be a lot for some, but that’s how you clean out an old attic. You have to go there and look at everything. I only wish we could hire someone to meditate for us too.
Meditation works on a neuro feedback mechanism. While observing our thoughts, our brain takes us to the past and future, and when we realize how far we have strayed, we ‘gently’ bring ourselves back to the present or simply observe the darkness with our eyes closed. This sends feedback to our brain, and over time, our brain learns to not get distracted as much, and we find ourselves not being affected by negative thoughts or not reacting as strongly or dwelling too much on traumatic memories. And trust me when I say this, being completely present is a blissful feeling. Isn’t that what we are after in life? To feel content and satisfied with what we have.
Why don’t we all hold ourselves accountable or find an accountability partner and try to better our lives and those of others by meditating for just 5-10 minutes every day? After reading this, take a moment to play some meditation music if you’d like, sit in an upright position, cross your legs or find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and simply observe your thoughts. Trust yourself and your subconscious, and you will know when to bring yourself back to thepresent moment but gently. It’s a practice. It takes time.
We at Onaya and Ome, would love to hear about your experiences and be your accountability partners. We invite all of you to join us for upcoming meditation sessions.
An Overview of Silent Spiritual Retreats
In a world where constant noise and incessant chatter dominate our lives, silence has become a rare and precious commodity. The hunger for inner peace and mental clarity has led many to explore the power of silence through silent spiritual retreats. This article delves into the transformative potential of these retreats that have garnered increasing interest in recent years.
We will explore the various forms and traditions of these retreats, the multitude of benefits participants often experience, and the practical aspects of embarking on this profound journey. Join us as we embark on a quest for serenity, self-discovery, and a deeper connection with the world around us, by embracing the power of silence.
The history and traditions of silent spiritual retreats
The concept of silent retreats dates back thousands of years. Silence has been a vital component in spiritual traditions around the world. It’s important to understand the roots of this practice. Various religions and spiritual paths have used silence as a means of growth and introspection.
Buddhist meditation retreats, known as Vipassana, are a prime example. These retreats involve extended periods of meditation in complete silence. This practice has spread worldwide, benefitting countless individuals. Similar retreats are also present in Hinduism, where silence is a vital aspect of spiritual growth.
Christianity has its own history of silent retreats. The Ignatian Spiritual Exercises, developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, often include silence. These retreats help participants deepen their relationship with God. Monastic orders, such as theTrappists, also emphasize the value of silence in spiritual life.
Sufism, a spiritual branch of Islam, utilizes silence to promote self-discovery. Sufi retreats provide an environment for spiritual exploration through quiet contemplation.
Modern silent retreats come in various forms. They can be secular or rooted in specific religious traditions. Participants engage in meditation, yoga, or other contemplative practices. The goal is to foster a deeper connection with oneself and the world.
The length of silent retreats can vary greatly. Some last a few days, while others span several weeks. The duration often depends on the specific tradition or the individual’s experience.
Silent spiritual retreats have stood the test of time. They have transcended cultural and religious boundaries, demonstrating their universal appeal. As our world becomes increasingly noisy, the power of silence is more relevant than ever before. These retreats offer a valuable opportunity to reconnect with our selves and embrace the profound beauty of silence.
Mental, emotional, and physicalbenefits of embracing silence
Embracing silence during a spiritual retreat can lead to profound transformations. These changes often manifest mentally, emotionally, and physically. Let’s explore the benefits of these immersive experiences.
Mentally, silent retreats provide a space for reflection and introspection. They allow the mind to declutter, fostering clarity and focus. Participants may gain insights into personal challenges, finding solutions and new perspectives. This mental reset often results in reduced stress and anxiety levels.
Emotionally, the retreat experience can be healing. Silence creates an environment conducive to processing unresolved emotions. Participants often confront feelings they’ve been avoiding or suppressing. By facing these emotions, they can achieve a greater sense of emotional balance and inner peace.
A deepened sense of self-awareness often arises during silent retreats. Participants become more attuned to their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. This heightened self-awareness can lead to improved emotional intelligence and stronger relationships with others.
Physically, silent retreats have numerous benefits as well. The absence of external stimuli can lead to improved sleep quality. Participants often report feeling more rested and rejuvenated after a retreat. Additionally, the practice of mindfulness and meditation has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and alleviate pain.
Silent retreats often incorporate healthy habits like yoga, exercise, and nutritious meals. These practices support physical well-being, further enhancing the retreat experience.
Many participants also experience a heightened sense of interconnectedness during silent retreats. This awareness of one’s place in the world can result in increased empathy and compassion towards others. In turn, this fosters a greater appreciation for the natural environment and the larger community.
How to choose and make the most ofyour silent retreat experience
hoosing the right silent retreat is crucial for a successful experience. Several factors should be considered before embarking on this journey. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
First, determine your goals for the retreat. Are you seeking spiritual growth, stress relief, or personal development? Identifying your objectives will help you choose a retreat that aligns with your needs.
Next, consider your preferred spiritual tradition. Some retreats are rooted inspecific religious practices, while others are secular. Familiarize yourself with the retreat’s philosophy to ensure it resonates with your beliefs.
Also, research the retreat’s structure and schedule. Some retreats offer a rigid framework, while others are more flexible. Determine which approach best suits your temperament and desired level of guidance.
The retreat’s location is another important consideration. Some may prefer a remote, nature-filled setting, while others might opt for a more urban environment. Consider the atmosphere that will best facilitate your journey of self-discovery.
Duration is another factor to consider. Silent retreats can range from weekend getaways to month-long immersions. Choose a length that fits your schedule and level of experience.
Prior to the retreat, prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Set realistic expectations, and be open to the experience. Reading about other participants’ experiences or speaking with retreat facilitators can provide valuable insights.
During the retreat, maintain an attitude of curiosity and self-compassion. Embrace the challenges that arise, and view them as opportunities for growth. Stay present and mindful, engaging fully in each moment.
After the retreat, take time to integrate your experience. Reflect on the insights gained, and consider how they can be applied to your daily life. Establishing a regular meditation practice can help maintain the benefits.
Onaya Healing Adventures 