TCN Newsletter Issue 11: February 2015
Intentional Gatherings Guild Article:
Tribal Alliance Retreat 2015
A New Breed of Gathering
with
Alokananda
by Taylor Proffitt
Tribal Alliance Retreat began in 2014 as the joining of four powerful visionaries; Alokananda, Clayton Gaar, David Casey and Jamaica Stevens. The quartet teamed up when they realized they were throwing retreats/events at the same time during the completion of Project Nuevo Mundo’s Earth Odyssey tour. They didn’t realize something more profound than their original visions wanted to birth. In its first year Tribal Alliance Retreat became a Post Envision-Festival “after-retreat”. As opposed to after parties that frequently follow festivals, Tribal Alliance was its own unique entity specifically aimed at achieving a balance between the necessary “branches” of an emerging holistic culture. It set a new precedence on the transformational scene, including a focus on rejuvenation, alliance building (networking), regenerative culture (sustainability), leadership empowerment, ceremony, yoga, celebration and much more; all the while activating community kinnection. Tribal Alliance Retreat is held at VerdEnergia Pacifica, a lush and tropical permaculture oasis in western Costa Rica. I caught up with Co-Founder Alokananda to ask some questions about what participants can expect this year and what happened last year.
TP: So what types of experiences took place at last year’s tribal alliance retreat, for those who weren’t there?
Aloka: Everyone who participated last year had a remarkable experience. Many were exposed to workshops, community and culture they had no idea existed. I think everyone’s expectations were exceeded and everyone received exactly what they needed. There were daily yoga classes, nightly music, ceremonies, networking, community building, permaculture practices, a lot of joy and also deeper inner work that happened for peoples process. Outwardly new alliances formed and people got a lot of support for the projects that they are creating in the world. I think the highlight experience for me last year was at the river, when a group of us in our own ways and times, gave our bodies to the river while a line of people on each side honored and witnessed our surrender to the water, bless our own lives like that. It was a magical moment of stillness and deep communing with mother earth. The entire experience of Tribal Alliance is magical, powerful, surreal and impactful.
TP: What was the role of permaculture in the retreat, and what is its role this year?
Aloka: Permaculture is definitely one of the pillars of Tribal Alliance. The whole environment, the whole set-up of VerdEnergia is a permaculture oasis. From the structures, to the locally sourced food, to the lay out of the property. As permaculture philosophy and practices fluctuate from individual to individual, we have some of the most diverse and open minded educators in that field of expertise that understand the evolution of permaculture’s role in fitting into a more holistic culture like the one we are co-creating. It is shared at this retreat in a clear way that allows individuals to create their own authentic relationship to permaculture design, principles, philosophy, application and integration. There is definitely something for every degree of permaculture enthusiasm. Some people go really deep in that modality and some are brand new to it, but we know that both will walk away inspired.
TP: Who taught workshops and performed live art and music at the event last year, and who will be joining us this year?
Aloka: Workshops were held by a wide array of presenters last year, from permaculture educators, to Ceremonial leaders to yoga and movement. Elders & Wisdom Keepers Grandmother Kaariina and Alaya love, Qi Gong with Beth Leone, and some of the co-founders were just a few of the many presenters. Last years music line up was a bit more grandiose including sets from Kayla Scintilla, Rising Appalachia, Polish Ambassador, Ayla Nereo, The Human Experience, Dj Dakini, Living light, Numatik and more. This year we’ve made it a bit rootsy balancing the EDM with some more ceremonial flavors. Our featured artists for 2015 are Desert Dwellers, Lulacruza, Suns of the Earth, DJ Dakini, Cualli, and some amazing up & coming singer-songwriters like Colin you home, Compersion and other guests. Grandmother Kaarinna will be joining us again to offer sweat lodges, council work and more. Paradox Pollack, who is one of the movie producers of Star Hawk’s book, the 5th Sacred thing, will be presenting as well. Adam Yellowbird, who founded the eagle-quatzel-condor confederations unite and a big world bridger to the indigenous communities will also be coming. Tim O’Hare who is near VerdEnergia will be offering permaculture workshops along with Matt Finkelstein and others. There are a lot of presenters in a diversity of expertise; Check them out on our website.
TP: What can participants expect to be unique about Tribal Alliance Retreat 2015?
Aloka: We’ve really dialed in our mission and programing this year. What is being developed is truly cutting edge and the organic process of co-creation between everyone involved with the project has brought in a very exciting energy to this year. We saw tangible trackable results in the lives of participants last year and TA in the world, and we know everyone who participates will walk away with everything they need for their planetary service and individual process. The facilitated networking has been upgraded, we have long-term visions and platforms that will allow everyone to stay connected and co-create this movement. Our main elder Grandmother Kaariina is dreaming this in deeper with us. Our sweat lodge and other ceremonies will also have more variety and impact as we have 3 additional wisdom keepers this year. We are truly bringing in something wholly dynamic and integrated.
TP: Other than workshops, music, and art, what are other focuses and activities during the retreat?
Aloka: There is a diverse set of offerings that are there for participants to co-create their own experience. Everyone comes with a similar calling yet each has their unique focus. That’s the beauty of the community, some are more focused on permaculture, some on ceremonial work, networking or yoga. Really there is something for everyone and we all co-exist in the space with the deeper understanding that everyone who is there has come with a powerful intention to be a leader in the world, to be a game changer in their field of expertise; who want to go to the next level. We all need support and community is essential and so these are some of the foundations of what makes Tribal Alliance unique and effective. Some of the unique activities are facilitated networking and the ceremonies. There are optional daily sweat lodge ceremonies and kambo ceremonies. There are also a couple of cacao ceremonies in the evenings.
TP: How far is Tribal Alliance Retreat from Dominical where Envision is held? Are there shuttles?
Aloka: Around 3 hours and there will be direct shuttles available taking participants from Dominical directly to VerdEnergia, but these shuttles need to be reserved and paid for ahead of time, so make sure to contact us right away!
TP: How can readers get involved, and when do tickets go on sale?
Aloka: Tribal Alliance has become a life of its own, a community building platform working to support our collective & individual missions as a people. There are a lot of ways to get involved as it grows, but participation is a great starting point as it is still in its early stages. Tickets are on sale now!
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“This is one of the most amazing events I have ever been a part of. Elders sharing wisdom, daily sweat lodges, farm fresh meals, heart centered, substance free celebration, all at a serene permaculture retreat center in the jungle of Costa Rica. So glad family are creating these types of events. Go here and network your butt off with seriously awesome souls doing the deep integration work!”
-Clayton Gaar (Tribal Council / Kinnection Campout)
“Last year’s Tribal Alliance Retreat was one of the most potent networking opportunities of my life. I met so many incredible individuals who I continue to connect with around the world.”
– Timothy Kelly
“Tribal Alliance (2014) was an extraordinary experience. The entire context of the event speaks for itself. It’s epic.”
– David J. Weber
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Interview with: Alokananda
Co-founder, Tribal Alliance Retreat
Lead Singer/Vocalist, Suns of the Earth
Founder & Co-creator, Unitribe Productions
Find Suns of the Earth on Facebook
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