Bali
Celebrating Shakti with Tara Sherman & Mary Bue
Bali, Indonesia • Friday, March 14th - Saturday, March 22nd 2025
Join us.
How can we describe the indescribable? The pulse of Shakti beckons …
The sea, the moon, the way a fruit ripens? A kiss, a song? How can we possibly? We can only try, and we will do so over this week in movement, savoring, adventuring, writing, reflection, and embodiment.
Save $200 if paid in full by July 31st!
Bali is one of these indescribable places on this earth. The land pulses with life. The tides, volcanoes, wild rains, thick jungle. Stunning flowers cascading in rainbows. Fire-y sunsets. It is with great and humbling pleasure that we invite you to the Ring of Fire, beautiful Bali, Indonesia!
Join Tara Cindy Sherman and Mary Bue for a blissful, rejuvenating journey across the world, to explore the beauty and mystery of Bali Indonesia. Spend seven days and nights on Bali’s west (sunset!) coast at Puri Dajuma Eco Resort and Spa. Located directly on the ocean, this gorgeous eco-resort does its best to care for the earth with zero marine waste, recycling, organic food, and community-organized clean-ups. Top-notch staff, delicious cuisine, stunning locale. All genders are welcome.
Symbolic Themes & Activities
Each day will be inspired by the energy and symbolism of a sacred deity with a combination of movement, meditation, writing practices, activities, and excursions that embody the theme. Every practice is optional and will be explained in a welcoming, respectful, and reverent way that honors the culture from whence it has arisen. Some days will be full of excursions where short practices will be woven in. On Sacred Rest Days there will be options for different movement, yoga, meditation practices with Tara, Mary, and Balinese instructor Tini.
Excursions will include:
Boat Trip with optional snorkeling to Menjangan Island (Deer Island)
Sri Ganesha Menjangan Temple Visit
Day Trip to Ubud ~ shopping, art, dining
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary ~ Ubud
Buddhist Temple visit ~ Brahmavihara-Arama in North Bali
Banjar Hot Springs
Seva ~ selfless service with Satu Hati - One Heart - organization (distributing food, painting, sharing English with students, TBD)
Sea Temple ~ Rambut Siwi (optional add on)
Sea Turtle Conservation Center ~ Kurmah Asih (optional add on)
and more
When not touring the island, we’ll go internal with daily writing practices, dream work, meditation, creative visualization, Shakti Flow, and yoga nidra. Yoga asana (postures / vinyasa) will be offered daily (except for our day trip) with special workshops. No active creative work is required, NOR is any yoga experience required. Everything is optional! We are all creative beings in the ways in which we choose to weave our daily lives.
Shakti
Shakti is the creative feminine power in each of us and in all of life. The Pratyabhijnana Hridayam states that “Shakti is the cause of the manifestation, maintenance and reabsorption of the Universe which she manifests upon her own screen.” This means that Shakti becomes everything in the Universe and everything beyond the Universe.
Shakti is said to be the “juice” of creation and the power that leads to Blissful Freedom. Our practices and pilgrimages into the mysteries and magic of Bali are designed not only to align with the Shakti of the archetypes we are working with and their unique vortexes, but to honor the sacred land, sites and people of Bali. We’ll celebrate the Shakti in ourselves and each other as we raise our vibration to fuel our growth and evolution while we tap into the Blissful Freedom that the ancients say is the underlying energy of the cosmos.
Archetypes & Deities
From the perspective of Hindu philosophy, the gods and goddesses can be viewed as forms of energy. Each form of energy is given a name and a personality and within each energy is a governing intelligence or essence. The use of mantra, ritual, yantra and myth can awaken us to these various energies so that we may align with and draw upon their power. Working with archetypes or deities through their mythology, symbolism and sounds help humans build relationships with the fabric of life and enhance our abilities to experience a richer, fuller and more expanded awareness of reality.
In her book “Awakening Shakti” Sally Kempton describes archetypes as such “An archetype is a subtle blueprint that both transcends individual personality and lives in it, connecting our personal minds to the cosmic or collective mind.” She speaks of deities saying “The best way to explain in modern terms what a deity is, is to understand a deity as a unique vortex of energy. Sometimes that energy vortex takes a recognizable anthropomorphic form. Sometimes that energy is felt through sound vibrations (mantras), or through geometric pictures (yantras). Recognizing and decoding the various “tastes” of the deities is a way of deepening your capacity for living with passion and depth.”
Our time together in Bali will offer potent, blissful moments to bask in myriad tastes of Shakti and poetry of Her archetypes.
Retreat Details
Learn more about registering, your lodging, your hosts, and browse activities.
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Dajuma proudly follows Tri Hita Karana Balinese philosophy, which stands on 3 sacred principles:
Harmony with the Gods, with Nature and between People.
Lodging is luxurious and charming to say the least. We are surrounded by painstakingly detailed wood & stone carvings, artworks, traditional floral decorations, and you may return to fresh flowers sprinkled on your bed when you return from your evening meal.
Rooms have dreamy beds, private baths, an outdoor patio with seating and a hammock, and easy access to one of the two wonderful pools and a short walk to the beach.
Hot water kettle with tea & instant coffee, mini fridge (with minibar – beverages at an additional fee), fluffy towels, robe, hairdryer, eco friendly soap and shampoos provided. Laundry service available.
Learn more about the wonderful Puri Dajumama.com/ at their website.
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This retreat is for you, and the emphasis is SELF CARE. If the group is heading out for the day to explore and you want to stay in and rest, sleep, dream, have a cosmic colada while staring out to sea or take your own excursion around the island, that is YOUR prerogative! Also please note that all instructors are very careful and sensitive about self adjustments during yoga classes (like, probably none) unless requested. Also, if you want to opt out of any group activities, sharing sessions, or writing practice, you will not be judged by any means. Also note that during group sharing, the sharing will be (kindly) timed so that no one speaks way more than the others and those who maybe wouldn’t share will always get a chance (or choose to pass). At this resort and during the retreat, there will be plenty of space to be on your own with built in breaks. Meals will be taken at the restaurant on you own timing during their regular dining schedule.
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Our 8 nights and days together at Puri Dajuma Eco Resort and Spativities subject to change):
Round trip transportation from Bali Ngurah Rai / Denpasar International Airport (approx 3 hour drive from airport). *If arriving from elsewhere on island, this can also be arranged, potentially with an additional fee.
Three nourishing organic meals each day from the resort’s award winning restaurant (the vegan and GF options are phenomenal!). Arrival evening and departure morning meal also included.
Daily* yoga classes with Balinese instructor Tini, Tara & Mary (*except for full day excursions)
Meditation, Pranayama (conscious breathwork), Shakti Flow, and Yoga Nidra
Beautiful accommodation with private baths (some are outdoor!)
One aromatic Balinese massage
Learn the art of Balinese traditional offerings (Puri Dajuma staff)
Snorkeling and boat ride to Menjangen Island
Community beach clean up
Visit to Ubud for shopping & sites
Sacred Monkey Forest (Ubud)
Buddhist Monastery visit
Hot Springs of Banjar
Dream work
Optional Group sharing/discussion
Writing practice & guided writing prompts
Swim in the sea or any of the three ocean-view pools
Sunsets!
Gift basket of tropical fruits awaits you in your lovely room!
OPTIONAL ~ depending on what is offered at our eco-resort
Balinese dance lesson (guest instructor)
Balinese cooking class with Puri Dajuma chefs
Carving lesson with wood or stone (Puri Dajuma staff)
OPTIONAL ADD ONS:
Visit to Rambut Siwi Temple Sea Temple
Excursion to WWF initiated sea turtle conservation programme at Perancak estuary
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Flights
Passport fee (please note your passport must be current and must not expire for 6 months after trip … also please note it is required you need a visa if you stay longer than 30 days in Bali)
Travel insurance (recommended!)
Medical care
Gratuity
Additional massage / bodywork / manicures / pedicures / spa treatments, etc.
Transport costs before or after retreat is finished (happy to help arrange transportation if you are staying on island longer or coming early)
Alcohol / minibar items / fancy coffees or smoothies, additional snacks beyond meals. Bali coffee, teas, juice, purified water are included.
SUP or surfboard rentals / lessons, additional excursions. Happy to help coordinate!
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We are SO grateful for your interest in joining this retreat experience to Indonesia.
To reserve your spot and learn about payment options (digital & check), please email Mary at marybue@gmail.com.
If you already have spoken with Tara or Mary or know you are IN, feel free to make a deposit here and we will reach out with registration information within 24 hours.
INVESTMENT FOR CELEBRATING SHAKTI IN BALI RETREAT FEB 23-MAR 1ST 2024
Earlybird special! $200 off if paid in full by July 31st 2024
$2400 (per person) Shared Room (two twin beds) // $2199 earlybird)
$2,800 – Single Private Room // $2600 earlybird)
$600 Deposit (non-refundable) included in total price - Deposit here!
HOW TO PAY
Please note that preferred payment options are check, Apple Pay, or Zelle. A small fee will be added for credit card, PayPal or Venmo due to their processing charges.
If you choose to place your deposit or pay full early bird price via credit card here, kindly note the 3% admin fee is added.
Half payment due by October 15th 2024
Full payment is due by December 15th, 2024
Please note there is a late fee of $10/day if payment is not met on the listed scheduled dates.
ONCE REGISTERED
As the retreat approaches, you will receive informative emails with more information about Bali, getting there, what to pack, what to expect, and will introduce you to your roommate if you chose to be paired with someone. You’ll also receive a waiver of liability to sign, knowing that you choosing to participate in this experience at your own risk.
REFUND POLICY
Full refund (minus deposit) before Oct 15th 2024*
50% refund (minus deposit) between Oct 15th-Dec 15th 2024
No refunds after December 15th 2024
*In the case that Bali is not allowing United States citizens due to the pandemic and this retreat is canceled by the host, your deposit/payments will be refunded less a small administration fee OR, if you choose, pushed forward to a determined rescheduled date.
** Air travel to Bali may require vaccinations for COVID-19. Please take into consideration before registering for this retreat that there will be no refunds for anyone who doesn’t get the potentially required vaccination for foreign or domestic air travel.
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TARA CINDY SHERMAN
My first introduction to the yogic path was in 1970 when at the age of 13 I read Siddartha by Hermann Hesse. The wisdom in that book made such an impression on me that I taught myself to meditate by gazing into the flame of a candle, many years later I learned that this technique is called trataka and is a valid tantric technique for meditation. Though I didn’t continue to practice for very long, being exposed to Eastern teachings at such a young age made a lasting impression on me. The inner knowing that there is more to life than the “seen” world is what drew me to, and keeps me on a yogic path, and is what I strive to bring to all of my classes.
In 1987 I returned to a regular practice of meditation and soon discovered the joy of hatha yoga. In 1993 I received my first 200 Yoga Teacher Certification at Expanding Light in Grass Valley, CA and have been teaching yoga ever since. That same year I was initiated into the tantric form of meditation known as Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda.
Since that time here are some of the certifications and trainings that I have taken: DansKinetics from Kirpalu Center in 1999, Atma Yoga from Christopher Baxter in 2001, Ashtanga with Doug Swenson in 2002, Yoga of the Heart Cardiac & Cancer with Nischala Devi in 2004, JAI Prenatal with Jennifer Gray in 2006, Yin yoga with Paulie Zink in 2007, Yogic Mystery School and trip to India with Russill Paul studying Nada yoga in 2008, Vini Yoga with Gary Kraftsow in 2012, and goddess philosophy and meditation with Sally Kempton at Mt. Madonna in 2014.
Over the years I’ve brought together all of my favorite teachings and experiences into what I’ve named Radiant Shakti Flow which incorporates the Hindu Goddesses, ritual, chanting, drumming yogic warms, creative movement and yoga nidra for a full experience of the sacred.
I had the great pleasure to drum for Shakti Chant Band who preformed kirtans around town for 8 years, and now play in Shakti Bhava with my dear friend Coco.
Teaching yoga has brought great blessings to my life. I taught workshops, immersions, and drop-in classes at Yoga Center of Minneapolis (YCM) from 2000-2018. I was also involved with YCM’s 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program and taught in the Advanced 500-hour training there. Currently, I teach at Minneapolis Yoga Training and Wellness. I feel it both an honor and blessing to help train teachers in this ancient art and science so that the full wisdom of yoga is passed on.
MARY BUE
Mary Bue is a registered yoga teacher (e-RYT 500), an indie musician, and a teacher in the Viniyoga tradition, a breath-centered, flowing practice that believes in adapting postures to fit the whole person (not forcing a person to fit into a posture!). Mary received her certification at Whole Life Yoga in Seattle, WA by Tracy Weber, (student of Gary Kraftsow, student of T.K.V. Desikachar) and her 300-hour from Yoga Center Retreat (formerly Yoga Center of Minneapolis). In 2020, Mary received an additional 200-hour certificate in Nada Yoga (the Yoga of Sound) from Nada Yoga School in Rishikesh India.
Mary has pursued continuing yoga education in prenatal yoga, yoga for anxiety & depression, pranayama, and 30 hour-certification in Trauma-informed Yoga with Firefly Yoga International. Mary was a teaching assistant for Whole Life Yoga’s ten month long, 200-hour teacher training in 2010 and has also assisted in WLY’s “Yoga for Healthy Backs” Series. She has her bachelor’s degree in psychology, with an emphasis on Transpersonal Psychology from the University of Minnesota – Duluth. Mary has also received volunteer training in sexual assault victim advocacy from PAVSA and domestic violence victim support from DAIP. She founded and ran Imbue Yoga Studio in S. Mpls for nearly 3 years (closing Jan. 2019).
As a wanderer-luster and experience junkie, she has worked in many types of jobs: as a clinical research assistant in a prison & hospital, an AIDS prevention outreach worker on the streets and harm reduction work in needle exchanges, as well as many hundreds of hours as a server, bartender and barista.
In her life as a musician Mary has toured in 40+ states, released 7 albums, been awarded four artist grants, enjoyed three Artist in Residence awards, and has served on the board and steering committee of the Duluth Homegrown Music Festival.
All of these experiences culminate in the guiding of Creativity and Yoga Retreats. Mary has led and co-led retreats in Northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, New Mexico, Bali, Malta, Ireland, and Italy.
Mary is an avid runner (10 half marathons and two full marathons), nature lover and vegan. In her spare time, she enjoys playing music, cooking, writing blogs, poetry and in journals, painting cow portraits, reading non-fiction and traveling.
Join us! Register here.
Would you like to join us on this incredible Bali adventure in 2024? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly! Your spot will be held once we receive your deposit. We can't wait to hear from you!
If you are lucky enough to travel to Bali with Tara and Mary, you will be forever rewarded with memories of benevolent grace and beauty. Bali is a beautiful, beautiful place! Together they are powerful: loving, caring, creative, and experienced pros at what they offer. They created a a fun and safe atmosphere and our group bonded. Bali and it's people are heart-centered, just as Tara and Mary. The resort staff, the room, food and the service (massage!) are top-notch. The grounds are impeccably maintained, you are surrounded by tropical flowers, meandering pathways, and the ocean is just steps from your room. The excursions included 500 year-old temples, snorkeling near a massive Ganesh temple, traveling by boat in the blue water, seeing deer and monkeys, the beautiful coral and colorful fish. We were able to participate in conservation and preservation by being introduced to locals in Bali who are working to protect it by feeding others, eliminating plastic and saving sea turtles. Learning about ceremony and being taught about traditional holidays by making offerings, dancing with the story-telling dancers in the Indonesian tradition were highlights! Really wonderful experience, highly recommend!
- Jeanne Francis ~ founder of Alhambra Retreat House
