More Testimonials from Participants
“Bringing into awareness the concept of cycles of change was like after having lived a full, long life of 70 years, walking into my childhood home with fresh eyes. Familiar and heart rending (at times), yet also cause for one’s heart to leap in one’s chest (with Joy and Fear). One is supported, loved, and encouraged to take leaps of faith.
As one moves forward, the realization occurs that we are seeing the world with slightly different eyes. One begins to whisper prayers to the Divine to “change me” and to feel the wings of hope and faith under ones feet.
This is an invitation to take the leap my dear one. The world is calling to you. Blessings!”
— Carla Jo Cravens Mansini, SHIP
“Thus far I have participated in three of the five SHIP retreats, or “initiations,” and plan to complete the series in the near future. I found the Aahara community and its SHIP offerings when I was beginning a new chapter in my spiritual life, exploring the possibilities of spirituality outside of, and on many of the points I hold most dear, along with, the mainstream spiritual traditions with which I was familiar. SHIP has helped me open my shamanic consciousness and provided new and effective ways of processing life experiences and my reactions to them. It has helped to open my heart and mind while supporting my intentions for a better life for myself, for others, and for this beautiful universe.
The Aahara leaders are very knowledgeable and supportive and offer unique and powerful modalities to help participants learn, heal and grow. After the first retreat, one SHIP-mate commented that it's “like a year's worth of therapy in one weekend.” It is that and more. I encourage anyone who wants to understand and change negative patterns and pursue a higher path to look into beginning their own shamanic journey.”
— Maggie Schaver, SHIP
“Every time I have an energy work session with Carley I leave feeling a little more whole like the puzzle pieces to my heart are finding their way back. She creates an atmosphere for deep healing and transformation. She has helped me feel so safe and accepted that there is comfort in being vulnerable around her so she can really help me get to the deep dark places that need light and healing. I am so grateful to have found her! I recommend all walks of life and all ages to step into her office, she meets you where you are and that is exactly what you need even if you weren’t sure you needed it"!
—Lynsey Dunham, Energy Work Session
"Allow yourself to enter into the creative combining of the feminine/masculine self. Where the space of newness in your body that is the integration transforms your reality. Allow Carley's guidance to embrace you and your co-travelers in the cocoon spun from the safety of Carley's magic and your yearning for a deeper, more seeing way. Entering into other dimensions through meditation and breathing, we immerse our spirits with Lion, Whale, and Gorilla and find messages to carry us forward to our own unfolding into freedom. All of this in safety, joy, and wonder. How to leave such an experience? If leaving is possible: perhaps, gratitude for Carley's courage and her willingness to enfold us in a shared experience of her world."
—Janice DiGirolamo, Fem-Mas-Cue-Lin
"This was so much more than a “class” for me. It was truly a deep journey into myself to look at all the wounds that keep me in separation consciousness within myself and in all relationships. The breathwork journeys and deep sharing of each participant offered a treasure chest of wisdom and gifts of healing. A beautifully enriching experience."
—Linda S, Fem-Mas-Cue-Lin Class
"Let me start by saying I look forward to taking the Fem-Mas-Cue-Lin class again as soon as it is offered. The material gathered by Carley was presented in a sensitive and comprehensive manner. Carley's experience, words, and presence gently penetrate the soul in preparation for deep learning, processes, and shamanic journeying. Carley is a gifted Wayshower and shares her humanity with compassion and innate ancient wisdom. The material was rich and so impactful and I hope others will partake of this gift at this poignant time on the planet."
—Joanne Jakeman, Fem-Mas-Cue-Lin
“The Africa trip in 2018 with John and Carley far exceeded my expectations. They were accommodating, thoughtful, cautious, and extremely loving. The trip was incredibly well-coordinated and included excellent food, accommodations and an amazing driver. I felt safe and comfortable throughout the entire trip. They are an exceptional team who create life changing experiences. I would highly recommend a trip they organized. It doesn’t get better than this!”
—Liz Sandford, 2018 Africa Journey
A trip to Africa was not on my proverbial “bucket list” so it’s somewhat inexplicable that I have been there three times since 2016. I had never felt called to go to the continent until in late 2015, when Carley whispered in my ear at a dinner party that she and John would be leading a trip in the spring, something deep inside me stirred, and while it was not an immediate “Yes!”, the calling to make the journey grew stronger each day. It wasn’t until well into the first trip that I learned to recognize the pulling sensation in my soul as the call of the ancestors. The first trip cracked my heart and mind wide open and has led me to fully embrace the powerful connections and healing energies available to support us from “the ancestors”. I came to see that the land, the trees, the animals, the rocks, and the humans are all our ancestors. Each subsequent trip has taken me to a deeper level of knowledge and has not only supported me in my spiritual growth but has impacted my family and friends as they make their way on their own paths.
Being with the White Lions of Timbavati was an unexpectedly joyful and powerful experience. While I was intrigued by Carley’s teachings and the story behind the creation of the GWLT, I was not expecting to feel the overwhelming expression of love and protection I received from these majestic creators. The connection that they have with humanity is palpable, robust, and undeniable. The staff and guides located on Tsau at Camp Unicorn are welcoming and supportive. The accommodations are aesthetically pleasing in every way. And oh! You will be fed well! Nutritious, delicious, and eclectic meals are prepared and served with such care.
The game drives at the Trust and safari in Krueger National Park are worth the trip alone. I truly have no words to express the combination of peace and exhilaration you are likely to experience on these excursions. The elephant has been a totem for me since early childhood and to be with them outside of a zoo was deeply impactful to me. I have come to learn about and love so many other fauna of the region thanks to the knowledgeable and affable guides that accompany us on each outing.
Being in Zimbabwe and being with Mandaza was an incredible opportunity. His powerful teaching, his articulation of our connection to all things, and the sound of his deep full-body laughter will never leave me.
Let’s talk about fear. From my heart, I encourage you to not let your fears (or the fears of others) guide your decision regarding taking this amazing journey. Admittedly, I had to rub up against some resistance of my own and navigate the mental gymnastics of ‘who are you to go to Africa?!’ That voice that prefers to keep me small and contained was pretty persistent at first. (I suggest you call your inner rebel to the table for negotiations!) If it’s money, you will find the resources. I come to see money as replenishable and the opportunities to have profound adventures in life as finite. If its safety that concerns you, I can tell you that in my travels to SA and Zimbabwe with Aahara, I have felt safe and well cared for by our hosts and our guides.
There are so many incredible stories I could share about each of my three trips to Africa. Each adventure is a jewel in my crown of Soul Rebel I wear each day. I hope this little message has served you well.
Big rooooars and much love~
—Suzi Evans, Africa Journeyer
“I have travelled twice to South Africa and once to Zimbabwe with Carley and John. Their knowledge and extensive planning skills really shine through both the itineraries and actual day-to-day adventures. Everything is well organized and taken care of so participants can fully show up for the many rich and life changing experiences. They are effective communicators who provide an open and respectful space for any concerns that may arise, differing opinions, and freedom of choice (when possible). Group sharing of each individual’s journey and process is encouraged, respected and highly valued. I would definitely travel again with Carley and John and cannot adequately emphasize how much exceptional care and enthusiasm they devote to leading participants on these exciting destination trips!”
—Patricia Lowinske, Africa Journeyer