FAQs - The Seat of the Soul Institute

Journey to the Soul 2023 RETREAT FAQ's

What are the tech requirements for participating in the retreats?

You will need:

reliable Internet connection
the ability to be viewable on video for the whole retreat (audio-only participation is not an option)
access to Zoom (it’s free)

Your Zoom links will be sent after you register.

Can I participate from a public place like a library or cafe?

You will have your camera on throughout the entire retreat. You need a space where you can ensure privacy both visually and verbally for yourself and your fellow participants. You will also need to be interruption-free during the whole retreat, including your small-group work (they will be depending on you!). For some, this will require a little effort but it is critical.

Do you still offer the annual in-person Journey event in Portland, Oregon?

Not at the present time.

We are very happy that this format makes it more accessible for those who couldn’t travel to Portland to participate and opens up a truly global opportunity for learning and connection. Also, each of our online retreats is carefully designed to be very experiential, intimate, and fulfilling. Expect to be engaged, connected, and enjoy yourself.

What can I do to prepare between now and when the Journey begins in July?

When you register, we will send you a questionnaire. Complete the questionnaire and return it within 3 days.

There are several recommended activities for you to do before July 15, which people in the past have always reported as finding helpful and enjoyable. If you have the time and want to dive in, here are several options for doing so:

Read or re-read The Seat of the Soul and The Heart of the Soul (Part 1: Fundamentals – pages 21-121). These two books are the ones to focus on.
Start practicing what you are learning in the books with people now.
Many people want to have someone in their life to practice and learn with. You may want to think about someone you’d like to also have take part in the Journey. If so, find out if they are interested and invite them to register as well so that you have a partner to share the experience and support each other.

What do you mean that the retreats are “live and interactive”?

This online format provides experiences for participants to get out of their comfort zone and s-t-r-e-t-c-h themselves. These are not “information only” gatherings — no “Zoom-snoozing” here! They are engaging, participatory experiences that include small breakout groups with specific topics and exercises; in-depth sessions with Gary; opportunities for Q and A; and solo time to integrate your learning. Your full presence and participation are being counted on.

Participants in our online retreats have said that the new technologies used to support partnering and small breakout groups encouraged sharing that was intimate and authentic. The tools that Gary teaches throughout the event will support you in the creation of Authentic Power long after the event is over.

Why would I want to participate in the Journey to the Soul retreat if I have already read the books/attended a previous Journey?

The invitation is to put what you have read and resonated with into practice in your life more fully — to truly accelerate your spiritual growth. Your life, exactly as it is, in any moment, is ready for you to apply the Journey teachings and tools and see for yourself what happens when you do.

There is also tremendous value in interacting with like-hearted peers who are on a similar quest. (We call these interactions spiritual partnership: partnership between equals for the purpose of spiritual growth. They can greatly enhance your spiritual development.)

Is this regarded as a “teaching” or a “philosophy”?

Creating Authentic Power is not a religion, philosophy, theory, or dogma. You will practice with tools that enable you to experience things about yourself that you have not seen before and to speak and act more consciously. We encourage you to experiment with what you learn about yourself at the event and apply it in your life. Creating Authentic Power is a practice and a way of being in the world.

Will my spiritual beliefs be compatible with creating Authentic Power?

Creating Authentic Power is becoming the authority in your own life. It requires experimenting with tools such as emotional awareness and responsible choice. In our experience, learning to use these tools is supportive and powerful no matter what path you are on.