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ACTUAL RETREAT EXPERIENCES

Photo collage of actual Private Retreat Experiences at The Center for SoulArts with Ronda

VIDEO TESTIMONIALS

Sally shares her transformational experience from despair to SoulArts mastery with Ronda

"InSightOut" Weekend Group Retreat with Ronda, 2009 (photos and comments)

Tracy's reflections on her spiritual journey and 3-year SoulArts apprenticeship with Ronda

An inspirational testimonial of one woman's transformational rebirth and spiritual awakening at a 4-day SoulArts midlife spiritual retreat with Ronda

"Virtual Retreat/Direct-Experience Teaching," utilizing David Whyte's Faces of Braga with Retreat Testimonial from Rev. Betsy

Ronda & Sylvia

Suzanne

Sharon Hawkins - read her article in "The Healing Power of Creativity"

Michelle and Jasmine

Juddith

Helen

Patti Tucker

Jeanette

Nancy at predawn

Carol

Nikki Nickerson

Janet

Dianne

Ronda

Linda Ward

SEE SLIDE SHOW FOR MORE...

Testimonials

THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING MANY OTHER LIVES IN THIS WAY!

Note from Ronda:

To my friends and clients... and for these, your words of true Self-realization and love given to serve others, here, where you once were...

I honor the courage you find inside to follow a subtle inner sense to come (often during difficult life struggles), to stay present in this process of inner attunement we so deeply share, and so break through to experiencing for yourself the way to your healing wholeness, and unique living artistry of your true Self!

Thank you with all my heart for opening to the All of YOU!

In Recognition,

Ronda

Private Retreat Testimonials

Archived Samples (Private & Group Retreat Video Shorts)

Dear Ronda,

I have searched my entire life to feel and see inside of me, what I have this week. In a world where there are so many distractions to be someone other than ourselves, I found this magical place where I reclaimed my soul, my true self, and my true calling is in this life time.

Thank God you have the courage and faith to follow your true calling, for through you I have discovered myself! May you bless others as you have blessed me, and may my life shine brighter from this amazing time spent with you.

God Bless,

Nikki Nickerson - Multi-Business Entrepreneur and Reclaimed Teacher
3 1/2 Day Retreat & 6-Month Follow-up Training Apprenticeship

Dear Ronda and those who walk the path after me, 

3 ½ days? How can that be enough time to even being to scratch the surface of what I am searching for or what troubles me? But, I was willing to give it a try, because after being in 2+ years of traditional therapy it was getting me absolutely nowhere if not going backwards.

So let it be told that this place holds an amazing calm reverence to it that allows the mind to be in its own private sanctuary. Free to think and just to be. So in 3 ½ days, I have learned more and felt more than I have in 2+ years of therapy because my mind was clear to feel and concentrate on just me. What a refreshing concept. 

Ronda, I think you are an amazing person who through all your "trials and errors" has come across a way to help those who seek peace of mind, joy, life altering changes or midlife changes. I'm sure there are other changes too!

What you have  to offer is truly a gift. I am most thankful I found my way to this place at this stage in my life. I know my coming here was the best thing I could do for myself. INVESTING in yourself is never wrong. If I can't gamble or invest in me, then I am admitting I am not worth it. I AM WORTH IT!

The crossroads from here will be challenging and I have my tools in place to help me and guide me along that path.

I am certain our "paths" will meet again. Thank you for helping me see my "SELF" in the entwined parts of junk I am carrying and how to get rid of all that to be true to just me.

God Bless!

Robin Jones, Sales Representative, Chicago
3 1/2 Day Retreat Intensive

"Your Vision will become clear only when you look into your heart…
He who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens" – Carl Jung

Thank you, Ronda,

For giving me this peaceful rest inside of myself; for showing my heart how to open up and breathe and for letting my soul take of and be free! Thank you for awakening the beauty of life inside myself!!!

Big kiss and hug,

Alexa (Film producer who traveled all the way from Switzerland for this 5-day retreat. I think she holds the farthest-traveled record to date.)

Dear Ronda,

The first thing that struck me when I arrived is just how normal you are. What I was experiencing as "normal" was the presence of your soul stripped from the pretense of fear. You are unconditional love and it's given me the courage to follow my soul's voice. Your gift is rare and I am so fortunate to have found you!

Love and Peace!
Janet, Process Consultant emerging into ---> (stay tuned)

Dear Ronda,

This experience of focusing on myself and my inner longings was SO needed by me! I appreciate so much your gentleness and insight, not to mention your knack for knowing the next right step to move me, reluctant me, to the next level during each of these 3 days.

I can't really find the perfect words of appreciation to express my gratitude for helping me to see that the parts of me I had thought were lost or stolen from me have always been there just waiting for me to reclaim them and bring them back home to my heart.

My collage experience gives me a chill and brings tears to my eyes, tears of joy and gratitude.

I know that you are an artist who is known for making beautiful masks but to me, you are an angel who helps remove them.

Much love,

Sharon Hawkins, CEO and Owner Home Care Agency,
3 1/2 Day Retreat Intensive

(SEE Sharon's Article in SoulArts Reflections: The Healing Power of Creativity)

Dearest Ronda,

Thank you for creating the space, time and place for me to open the door. I've sensed a calling to this time and place and I'm glad I heeded the call!  

This has been magical for me. From the guided imagery exposing the life-long wound to the symbolic creations. I have a door that is silver and gold. Nothing to any longer fear. It has eyes to see, mirror to reflect, a heart that has the experience of all life has to offer. Love, pain, Joy, sorrow, Freedom, Imprisonment, creativity, disillusionment, laughter, sadness. All that I am.

It is now time for me to Let go, sit and become...

Tracey Huguley, interpreter for the deaf, home school mom
6-Month Apprenticeship

Dear Lord,

Thank you for bringing me here. Words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation I feel as a result of my three days here with Ronda. This has been the most profound, important, enlightening experience of my entire life and I am completely awe-struck.

I came here feeling like I should be here, but not knowing exactly why. I am walking away with a whole new outlook in life, angels, and my unique soul.

Ronda, you are absolutely amazing and have a true gift to treasure!

With ever-lasting love and gratitude... thank you,

Anonymous, executive secretary seeking 2nd half of life purpose and clarity
3 1/2 Day Calling Intensive Retreat

Thank you, Ronda, for gifting me with my liberation.

I remain in a relaxed altered state - or perhaps simply my natural state, and I find my mind trying to wrap around what happened and every time I try, I know its useless. It just is without knowing. It is and I am.

I remember the question you asked that led to my realization: What would happen if there were no difference between the bliss and the pain? In that holy instant, separation collapsed into simply Being, and I arrived at my long-sought destination of Oneness... allowing my mind and body to quiet and relax, to release the struggle...

In this new space I hear echoes of the past reverberating but they have become just that: echoes rather than new noise. My happiness has exceeded its bounds; my ceiling has become my floor... and my heart is dancing as Ii begin simply enjoying being without agenda... and knowing I AM for the first time...

Jeff Hutner, Documentary film producer
1 (very alive!) Private Session with two prep dialogues

Ronda,

I can't fully express how wonderful and magical this time has been. You held the space and energy for me to fully embrace myself... My gratitude and humbleness is beyond words. 

"The time has come to turn your heart
Into a temple of fire.
Your essence is gold hidden in dust.
To reveal its splendor
You need to burn in the fire of Love." – Rumi

Suzanne Coll, life coach, workshop facilitator:
3 1/2 Day Calling Intensive Retreat

Dear Ronda,

You have given me a gift larger than life, beyond all time – you are amazing!  Your willingness to go beyond, to go to the depth required, to be naked – all for the sake of love and beautiful truth.  I love you for that and all that you are before us – so we can do the same: Thank you!

Honoring you are – honoring I am now.

The most explosive growth of my entire life!  Thank you for the Shamanistic journeys to retrieve a divided Soul. I shall love you forever for helping to bring back TRUE spiritual meaning into my life.

I sailed to my Soul's shore on a sea of tears gently guided by the soft breeze of your wisdom. You are God's gift to me!

Huge Hugs and Luvs,

Sylvia, Life Transition Coach
Week Long Cleansing Retreat & Soul Intensive

P.S. The best restaurants in town have NOTHING on you!

Ronda,

Seeing you was exactly what I needed, faced as I am with the end of my day job and starting a new career. What synchronicity.

I admit I was skeptical at first... I came to the retreat with you because I could see from your book that you had navigated the soul's darkest places; indeed, had learned to use them to deepen your spirituality.

Learning, through you, how to do that for myself is ineffably valuable. I learned the meaning of my own self realizations, and more importantly, the need to honor them and embody them into my life.

I understand a deeper meaning of meditation, the reality of my own wholeness and a more coherent groundedness.

I found you to be a safe refuge for the deepest feeling that I could express. I experience you as fun, sensitive, and totally present.

Your work embodies inspiration, humor, wisdom, and shamanic magic. I feel blessed!

Edwin Halloway, retiring IT manager, seeking life vocation
3 1/2 Day Calling Intensive Retreat

Thank you, Ronda, for your gentle guidance pointing me in the direction I know I need to go to give my Spirit what it needs. Here is what I wrote last night:

"I start anew, emerging from this place, bringing with me joy, love, playfulness, patience, grace, and stillness – All coming from giving myself what I know I need."

Ronda,

Wow! I feel so blessed that you let me in your home to take me on this truly soul awakening path. And in only three days I found what seems like a lifetime of work to get back to my Self... this I thank you so much for!

With much love,

Randy Lodge
3 1/2 Day Calling Intensive

Ronda,

My life was changed today in large part because you guided me through the door and made me feel safe. Thank you! I am energized and ready to take the "new/old me" anywhere she wants to go. My beautiful mask is a fabulous symbol of how happy I feel.

With joy,

Dear Ronda,

I knew this was the place for me... from the moment I was greeted by the welcoming puppies. The soul-warming and magical hot chocolate told me of the magic to come.

I feel excited leaving here today... elicited at the transformation... excited that I have a way to quiet my brain - although I know it will always "be a dear telling me it's woes." (smile!)

I've always been excited about life, but lately had been dulled and you helped me find what was inside me.

This place, the rain, the ceremonies and you are magical! I will remember you in my heart always,

Shannon Nemzar, at risk youth social worker
3 1/2 Day Calling Intensive Retreat

Dear Ronda,

I feel more alive now than I have ever felt before. I am a new woman ready to show the world the real me. Thank you with all my soul for helping me along my path of inner peace and Self-love. I feel my brother's Spirit smiling at how his sister found the beauty in herself that he had always seen. I am eternally grateful to the earth's all knowing energy that brought me to you, this place and at this time.

Until our paths cross again, All my love and gratitude!

"But I know when a heart is really free. And I walk along with a step that's light to begin to live the rest of my life." - J. Kavanaugh

Shannon Eary, graphic design college student
3 1/2 Day Calling Intensive Retreat

Ronda,

Everything at your retreat truly is a celebration: the land, the energy the work – and you!

I honor your path and I deeply support the work you are doing.

With love and admiration,

Dear Ronda,

I found you as I "googled" spiritual retreat. So many choices. What attracted me to Ojai SoulArts was the private guidance. Where else does this exist? I was coming to grow, not to be lost or hidden away in a group. The cozy self-contained "hula hut" provided privacy and an openness to nature - a real plus for me.

My friends asked, "Is it isolated? Will you be safe there alone?" Silly questions, typical fears. I felt so safe and so deeply cared for, respected and even pampered. So thank you Ronda for your gentle guidance, alert recognitions of ego interference without being judgmental, impatient, or sanctimonious. Thank you for helping me connect with my soul and to root out the parts of myself that were limiting me and pulling me down, for helping me find my own enlightened wisdom.

Thanks, too, for fabulous food, for welcoming me into your wonderful family. Most of all for the awesome beach ceremony and the beginning of my spirit-filled future.

Namaste,

Nancy W., Retired Nurse
3 1/2 Day Retreat

Dear Ronda!

You are amazing. Too bad you didn't take a before and after picture of me. My soul is dancing like these flowers [drawing]. It is amazing what I have learned in three days. It is like finishing a college degree. Also what is so amazing is that I felt so at home and this place was so familiar to me like I have already been here. I am speechless. For the first time in my life, I am 32 years of age, and I stayed alone without anyone. Unbelievable. It felt like a dream. I am so grateful that I found my way to you. Strength and wisdom. I came to clarify my head but I got much more. I feel ALIVE with all my being. I can write endlessly because I am peaceful and my mind open. I am sure you are probably smiling by now, if not crying. It is hard to leave. Next time you see me I will be FREE with all the colors of my life!

Love, Peace,

Helen, A., Pharmacy Assistant
3 1/2 Day Retreat Intensive

Dear Fellow Travelers,

I am so grateful to those who came before me - thank you for your tales. It brought me comfort to read these pages. [from the actual guest book of which some have been transcribed here]

New travelers - Welcome! May you find your way here both peaceful and challenging. Ronda is a delightful companion and an extraordinary intuitive, gentle, knowledgeable guide for you. Ronda clearly draws from her own direct experience and a vast array of other teachers. I knew I was in the presence of a teacher/guide who had integrated the work of many and had done her own depth of "homework" and soul searching. Very impressive and awesome.

May you experience it all to the fullest and follow your spirit's wisdom an calling here and beyond.

I am grateful to know and sense you out there,

Elise, Psychotherapist from PA

P.S. This S. California weather really stinks! [Elise happened upon the one week of rain in 2 years and we had a torrential blast together!]

Midlife Small Group E-Course and Retreat Testimonials

Words cannot describe the profound impact of my retreat with Ronda LaRue of SoulArts, Ojai.

How can you describe:
at 67 being gripped with the fear of dying before having a chance to live, finally feeling really alive for the first time.

How can you describe witnessing:
a phenomenal healer who has helped hundreds heal from diseases such as cancer, yet frustrated with her life long quest to heal her very own soul, realize that she doesn’t need to be fixed or healed.

How can you describe witnessing:
a gentle woman, who so profoundly yearns for the love of a deceased family member, that suicide is attempted to join him, now finds herself embraced by a self love that overshadows anything possible to obtain from the outside.

How can you describe witnessing:
a woman driven with such intensity that she fears wounding those she loves, embracing the strength of that intensity and softening the edges so that it nurtures herself and those she loves.

How did these miraculous transformations occur? Did they take months or years? No, just a day or 2 and sometimes just minutes. Were there tears? Yes. Was there pain? Some, but there was no gut-wrenching reliving of past traumas so common in traditional "therapy." No one was re-traumatized by the use of the current "psychological treatment du jour."

So how did these changes come about? They came with the guidance of a Master teacher, Ronda La Rue. And guess what? This Master was not wearing white robes or sitting on a throne of pillows. We didn’t have to “OM” it in or invoke healing from the angels or our spirit guides. We didn’t have to fast in the desert or meditate on a mountain top. With Ronda’s help we were able to look within and see ourselves as never before.

We looked, we saw, and loved what we saw!

What was different about Ronda’s guidance and that of other retreat leaders I have experienced? She wasn’t up there and the followers down there. She was us and we were her. Ronda is beautiful, caring, vulnerable, proud, humble, gentle, blunt, wise, childlike, serious and playful and a Master teacher as well. How neat is that?

To me, one qualifies as a Master teacher when their students no longer need look to the teacher for answers but can find the answers within themselves. That is what I am able to do after this retreat. Does that mean I will never do another retreat with Ronda since I can look to myself for answers? Absolutely not!! You do some things just because they feel good. I will attend other retreats, not because I am dying inside but because I again want to feel the safety and unconditional love that I experienced in Ronda’s gentle care.

I want to "Pay It Forward" by sharing this intimate experience with the hope that others may be guided to one of Ronda’s retreats.

Namaste,

Carol Bales

See more group retreat comments here...