“Reflecting upon my recent heart medicine journey with Josie and Brian at Vikara Retreat Center, I can wholeheartedly say that there was life before the journey, and life after.
Never in my wildest dreams could I have ever imagined the foundational shifts I would experience in my mind, body and spirit. Prior to the journey, I deeply struggled with chronic tension and severe body pain, debilitating headaches, and an overall battle with my own inner dialogue. No matter what modality I tried, I simply never seemed to be able to create a peace treaty between my inner thoughts and the way my body responded.
I came to Vikara as I was ready to open up to a new way of meeting myself – without fear, judgment, trauma, pain and inner criticism. Before the journey, I was told that heart medicine is often referred to as “safety camp”, a moment in time where you get to set it all down and simply see yourself through the lens of love. Within an hour of the journey, I felt decades of protective layers slowly melt away in my muscles, bit by bit, layer by layer. My body released, unraveled, and tenderly softened the entire shield I had so fiercely created since childhood to protect myself from a learned survival.
Without the fear, I was able to set down the armor and see myself for what I truly am: safe, loved, and an absolute legend! I can honestly say, I have never had such a kind, compassionate, caring and loving conversation with myself. I felt as if I could literally see just how big my heart really is and how courageous I had been all these years. Every ounce of physical pain resolved and I experienced a way of life I had never known. A life where I could simply be, and not battle. The experience planted a seed for me, a hope of a new way of walking through the world.
Over the past few weeks of integration, I have continued to hear the loving voice I met that day. She continues to speak to me in calmness when I feel my stress levels rise, or my body tighten. I am even more aware of my body pain patterns and the trauma they are linked to. However, I now feel I have more resolve and agency over the levels they begin to creep. I can notice sooner, slow down sooner, and simply breathe. And, I have yet to have a tension headache ever since! I feel more creative, hopeful and grounded. My depression and anxiety have now shifted into a compassionate conversation that has more balance and less power over me.
Vikara is a sacred space for healing. Josie and Brian truly are earth angels. They offer the most nourishing, loving, sweetest space that is held and guided throughout the entire journey. Starting from helping define clear intentions prior to the journey, to the journey itself, and the integration afterwards. I felt completely cared for and loved, seen and celebrated.
Lastly, being able to close out the journey and walk outside, under a sky full of stars, to connect with horses, owls, donkeys, goats, llamas, pigs and more, brought a connected layer to this experience that felt so incredibly special.
If you are feeling stuck, in your body, mind, or spirit, please gift yourself a weekend of a heart medicine journey. It has transformed my life – as its namesake “vikara” so perfectly captures.”
— J
“What an amazing weekend at Vikara! Josie guided us on a transformative journey, starting with a walk through the labyrinth. We spent the morning getting to know each other and discussing our intentions for the weekend. In the afternoon, we embarked on our heart medicine journey. Within the first five minutes, my intentions became crystal clear as I uncovered the root cause of my challenges. The rest of the journey was spent expanding on those insights. I wrote continuously in my journal and felt more motivated than I have in the last five years. I highly recommend Josie and Vikara!
— S
“Where to begin? I guess at the beginning! I have known Josie for the last 12 years through our love for yoga, meditation, and cultivating a healthy lifestyle. It has been an honor and a privilege to learn from her as a teacher in her Vinyasa flow class, as a facilitator from her online meditation group, as a guide from her women's circles on the beach, and so much more. Signing up for the Heart Medicine Retreat was not difficult, as I already had complete trust in Josie's capabilities. In true Josie fashion, however, she exceeded my expectations!
The three therapy sessions leading up to the retreat were well-designed and executed. She supported me by helping me narrow my focus for creating my intentions, asked guiding questions throughout the sessions, and employed active listening strategies, all with kindness, empathy, and understanding. The day of the retreat was nothing short of magical. Josie curated a beautiful experience from start to finish, paying attention to the smallest details such as music choice, candles, a healthy food selection, and making sure the environment was clean, warm, and inviting. It was clear that everything was very intentional to make the participants feel both informed and at ease.
As a group, we connected through getting grounded before leading into discussing our intentions. Josie took us around to feed the various animals on the property, connect with nature, and walk the cool labyrinth that was built many years ago to lead us into our journey. She relayed the properties of the medicine and what to expect during the experience. This created a feeling of assuredness and security, which was further supported by Josie through the journey by her being in close proximity to help monitor the participants closely should anything arise. Josie provided hands-on adjustments when desired and it was comforting to have her close by throughout the experience.
An important piece of the retreat is the integration component. Whatever surfaced during the journey that connected to the intentions was closely examined, thoughtfully discussed, and turned into action items for next steps. I love that Josie provides an integration session after the retreat to support this piece and to hold me accountable! Overall, I would recommend this retreat to anyone who is searching, curious, or looking for healing. Josie has done the work as a student in many different fields and brings a high level of expertise to the table. It has been a tremendous gift to be the recipient of all of her hard work and dedication to crafting her practice, which has in turn greatly influenced my own!”
- H
“I recently attended an overnight retreat led by Josie and Brian and can say unequivocally that it was a fabulous experience all around. Every detail was tended to with care and accuracy. Josie and Brian are gifted space-holders with a knack for offering up exactly the kindness and patience needed to support a wholesome and welcoming environment. Structure without obtrusiveness is a difficult balance to achieve but they consistently hit the mark. I would definitely return for more retreats and would recommend to anyone looking for a rewarding experience. 10 out of 10.”
- E
“My experience at the sacred medicine retreat at Vikara was very eye opening. It was a transcendent experience. Josie and Brian are excellent leaders and facilitators. They even let us take our dog on the retreat which was an added element of comfort. I would recommend this retreat to anyone looking for a new way to level up in life.”
- T
“My experience at the sacred medicine retreat was nothing short of life-changing. I definitely went in with a little bit of nerves, but came out with clarity, reassurance and a newfound sense of confidence in the direction of my life.
Josie and Brian hold such a safe, supportive space for everything that can come up during a journey like this. I truly cannot recommend this experience enough! If you are ready to get out of your own way and step into your highest timeline, this retreat is for you.
- Z
“With grace and confidence, Josie fosters an environment where genuine insight can arise. In my experience that's rare. Not too formal or precious, not overloaded with heady teachings, but a kind, spacious, and responsible container in which it is actually possible to turn toward tender parts of soul and psyche. In the presence of an authentic practitioner who has walked the terrain she invites her students to enter, I could relax and do the work, knowing I was in good hands.
Bringing to bear expertise in diverse disciplines-- yoga, chi-gong, transpersonal psychology, mindfulness, and heart medicines-- Josie is uniquely qualified to usher seekers and seasoned devotees alike into a bona fide encounter with themselves. I'm grateful for the flashes of light, cracked dams, and soothing rains I found at Vikara.
- B
“I enjoyed myself tremendously at Josie and Brian’s Vikara retreat. I was surrounded by good people and a loving presence throughout the weekend. Josie explained what to expect during and after the heart medicine, which was very helpful; and eased any apprehensions I may have had…which were none!
I will definitely participate in additional retreats and highly recommend this journey for the curious and those who wish to explore more deeply their inner being.
Please treat yourself to something special, in a healing, caring, and welcoming environment. You won’t be disappointed.”
- K
“From my very first meeting with Josie to discuss whether we thought a heart medicine retreat was right for me, I felt her deep commitment to the process and to helping people take a safe and supported path. In our calls she helped me to refine my expectations and to lay the groundwork for the intentions that I would set in the ceremony on the day of the journey. Josie and Brian made sure that the day of the journey was worry-free and that our small group was ready and supported at every step. They are a caring and unique team — I’ll definitely be back for another session!”
- L
”I have been searching for a number of years to find the right set and setting, for me to finally take the plunge, and find help unlocking years of trauma.
I found Vikara Yoga and wellness retreat through a friend of mine. I was really nervous about doing such a retreat. The moment I spoke to Josie during the intake session I knew I had found the person/people with whom I could do this with. Josie understood my apprehensions, she listened, and she was incredibly attentive, knowing exactly where she could support me.
Once at the retreat, both Josie and Brian made me feel safe and welcome. The way the two of them worked together during the session was incredible to witness. They complemented each other as they worked with some very vulnerable people. They were constantly watching, bringing comfort where needed. They knew what each person needed and when they needed it by watching each one very very closely all day. Josie and Brian made me feel so safe, that nothing bad could possibly happen, that I was finally able to let go of many years of fear, anger, resentment, and heartache.
If you are thinking of participating in any of their programs, I can highly recommend doing it. If set and setting are everything, Josie and Brian at Vikara have it all. That day was life changing. The compassion, love and encouragement they provided was everything I needed.
Josie also has made sure to follow up in the days following the retreat to make sure I have everything I need, and to make sure I know she is there should I need to talk. From beginning to end, an incredible experience made possible by two very generous, loving and kind souls.
