Our Story
The Vision – Spiritual Life-Connecting Retreats
“The only way to connect to existence is to go inward, because there at the centre of your being you are always connected. You have been physically disconnected from your mother. That disconnection was necessary to make you an individual in your own right, but you are not disconnected from the universe, your connection with the universe is one of consciousness. You cannot see it, so you have to go deep down with great awareness, watchfulness and you will find the connection.”
For 28 years I didn’t know what I wanted to do in my life. I worked in many different fields trying different things, and yet never felt that I belonged. After spending 2 years in India I decided that I must change my path in order to have a better life.
A year later I decided to go on a journey deeper into my spiritual soul to find my true self or higher self. I always felt that there was a bigger plan to life than that which we see through our eyes and understand with the mind.
I realized that if we were on the right path in life, then things would flow and fall into place like a puzzle. When we are not on the right path things will not work out so easily, it will be like constantly swimming up stream. The Universe always gives us signs and shows us the way; we only need to learn to listen to nature and read the signs.
I always looked up to people who knew what they wanted to do in their lives, to be a doctor, engineer etc. My father always said to me that I should study computers, as they are the future. Although I felt that to complete the circle of the world we need all the professions, I told him that if I studied computers I would fulfill him and not myself, his happiness and not mine.
I decided to deeply cleanse my body from toxins by doing colonics, something I learned from a friend back in India. At the same time I was learning Reiki with my Master Paritosh. Together these experiences were an amazing life changing combination! Everything became clear to me, I felt at home for the first time. It was amazing! I cried out of happiness from feeling so connected to the universe and all humanity and knowing why I was here. Every day I would go to sleep feeling excited and looking forward to the next day to go out and play with the world, happy like a child the day before his birthday.
I suddenly understood what I was looking for and what I was meant to do in my life. At the time I was living in Manhattan, New York, working for an outdoor advertising firm – within three months I was in Thailand building a retreat center following my dream!
In 2007 a Shaman named Diana came to Koh Phangan. She had been a clairvoyant for 35 years. In the session I had with her, she told me that in one of my past lives I was a Shaman – a medicine man/healer, in Mongolia and in my last life I was enlightened. It took me over a year to understand that this was a confirmation of my Satori (Satori in sanskit means sudden glimpse of the truth or higher order) back in New York and that I have come back to help humanity.
After years of teaching Reiki and combining it with colonics and detox programs, I can share my personal experience with you that a clean vessel (body) enables us to channel energy in its purest form. The fusion of these two programs is the best alchemy to find the inner self and live to your full potential.
Experimentation with Reiki will allow you to find out for yourself how this energy can help you advance in your development and in the journey of life.
Reiki is something that connects everybody; it’s a great way to find a spiritual community, and most importantly to share Reiki and practice because the way to be a good vessel is by having experience.
My vision has always been for students to connect together all over the world and share the phenomenon of giving and receiving Reiki to enable these beautiful souls to connect/unite with people they resonate with from all over the world.
The retreat vision has manifested so that I can share this alchemy and inner wisdom with people within the natural settings of Thailand.
Thank you to Mother Nature for guidance and much more beyond words. Thanks to the divine for allowing my soul to come back and be a vessel to help bridge the man-made gap between our fellow human beings and nature so we can all live in harmony again. Many thanks to my mother who always supported me along the way, who had full understanding in me following my heart. Thanks also to my father for his patience and understanding. A special thanks to all my teachers, guides and angels along the way.
And most of all special thanks and gratitude to my amazing and beloved wife for her own transformation and personal growth, her trust and support along the way. For all her amazing work, teachings and treatments over the years and for being so strong.
Live Your Dream in health, happiness and longevity,
Ari Barkan
