Move, Create, Integrate: Exploring the Seven Chakras Through Aum’s Women’s Retreats
Oct 01, 2024 06:00AM ● By Camille Lueder
Yuliya Stepanov
Founder and retreat guide, Yuliya Stepanov, aims to provide participants with a deeper experience of their chakras, offering uninterrupted time for growth and healing. Thus, each retreat focuses on one of the seven chakras—from root chakra to crown chakra. The upcoming November retreat, Awakening of Inner Fire, focuses on the third, or “solar plexus,” chakra. The experiences are designed to teach participants about the chakra and its function while activating the chakra’s energy through focused awareness, attention and specific practices. The retreats provide an extension of the women’s groups already offered by the studio.
“It’s important for people to understand that each chakra has specific responsibilities and energy qualities,” Stepanov says. “The idea of the retreat is to explore a specific area through movement, creativity and integration so we can better understand ourselves.”
Retreat participant Viktoria Shostak attended the Sensual Awakening retreat, which focuses on the sacral chakra and emphasizes self-discovery, pleasure and creativity. She felt an inner calling to explore herself further and saw the retreat as an ideal opportunity.
Viktoria Shostak
(Photo: Nadya Mikhel)
“Whatever you get out of the retreat depends on your intentions ... I stepped into vulnerability, opened up and allowed myself to grow,” Shostak says.
Participants might find themselves engaged in yoga and dance, exploring nature through hiking and swimming, and expressing their creativity through painting and drawing. Meditation is also a key practice, allowing guests to connect deeply with themselves and explore their subconscious minds.
“When we go hiking to the waterfalls, I ask everyone to walk in silence, paying attention to their feelings and surroundings,” Stepanov says. “We don’t focus on others; we focus inward. Then, when we dive into the waterfall, it’s a very intentional act.”
Retreat guest Kelly Pitman describes the Sensual Awakening retreat as the most incredible experience she has had in women’s retreats. “Yuliya and her team have an amazing gift for creating a beautiful environment where women can let go of the outside world and truly sink into the present,” Pitman says.
Beyond providing peace and personal growth, Shostak emphasizes that the retreats are simply fun. Participants stay in a beautifully decorated house, enjoy healthy meals and spend time in nature, all while being creative and authentic. Shostak notes that the women-only approach offers unique opportunities for healing and self-discovery.
“I built so many great connections with the women after the retreat, and I’ve made some amazing friends,” Shostak says. “I highly recommend these retreats for anyone seeking self-discovery, connection and personal growth.”
The retreats not only provide the potential for transformation but also equip participants with tools to continue their journey at home. Pitman left the retreat with life-changing experiences and a renewed appreciation for life.
“I left feeling so full, with an incredible experience that fueled me and excited me about the things I’m working on,” she says. “I left with new friendships and inspiration... I needed that even more than I realized.”
The goal of each retreat is simple: to leave participants feeling fulfilled.
“That’s my focus—to help them fully relax and be taken care of. I create a welcoming, warm and beautiful atmosphere,” Stepanov says. “And when they leave, they feel fulfilled and energized.”
Chakra-based women’s retreats are held in Clayton, Georgia, from 9 a.m. Saturday to 7 p.m. Sunday. The next retreat, Awakening of Inner Fire, is scheduled for November 9-10. There is space for 16 participants, supported by a team of four, including a cook, photographer and videographer, organizer and Stepanov herself. ❧