Solstice has passed, and slumber season is truly upon us. It’s the time of year that I turn inward to tend my hearth, focus on self-care, nurture my personal health, embrace my meditation practice, immerse in artistic work and research that which may lead to new inspiration both creatively and educationally to share with others. Deep intentions (sankalpas rather than merely resolutions), for 2025 fill my mind.
This year’s set of retreats and related offerings have been a pleasure to birth. May they serve well!
As an artist and meditator who attends to the spiritual and practical aspects of energy; the misuse of which causes horrendous devastation for sentients and their home, mother earth, I examine the interdependencies and astonishing disconnect between nature and the human mindset, (including colonial worldview). I know my health is interlinked with the planet’s health. I know that my decisions regarding the land directly impact my survival. What is my appetite and capacity for change? What changes can I make in my life to assist myself and others, and what changes can I make to adapt to what may not be possible to change?
Looking more broadly, why do many of us compartmentalize when, where, and how we include Nature in our lives? We only seem to want certain forms of Nature, at certain times and with the capacity to turn it off if it doesn’t suit our lifestyle. We are Nature! With that in mind, I listened to my registrants and am happy to unveil a new retreat in 2025!
VISIONS & LONGINGS: A LAND RETREAT TO EXPLORE OUR RECIPROCAL LIFE FORCE : August 8 – 10, 2025
With boots on the ground plus time to constructively reflect and process, this retreat offers the opportunity to examine our relationship with the land and do so from two deeply satisfying perspectives. Through the concepts of indigenous natural law and the Hindu/Buddhist concept of darshan we’ll immerse for a weekend in how to know ourselves through the land.
The weekend will begin with a teaching on nehiyaw/Cree worldview of natural law by Knowledge Keeper/Cultural Advisor, Joseph Naytowhow. Tom Harrison, conservationist, rangeland agrologist, rancher and member of the Treaty Land Sharing Network will then provide a guided earth walk deep into Grasslands. This experience will be followed by an introduction to the Buddhist worldview of darshan by international Yoga teacher and author, Brenda Feuerstein. Using these lenses we’ll explore our relationship with the land to consider how we may develop conscious reciprocity.
The weekend will include a simple assignment and reflective walking followed by sessions of pranayama breath, in-studio meditation and written/visual response to distill this potent experience. We’ll fledge a nourishing personal practice and consider potential personal actions as a step forward in this earth challenged time. No experience necessary but curiosity and kindness are essential! Two nights accommodation with organic breakfast, nutritious snacks, Saturday potluck and all materials provided $795 to honour the weekend. Bonfire at Sky Story B & B, weather and fire ban status permitting. Early bird registration to June 30th. $695. Non-accommodation $595. Limited space. Check the skystory.ca website here for additional details!
CACTUS & LOTUS RETREAT – September 5 – 7, 2025
What is possible when we view the land as a relation? As a mother? Can we live in a way that allows us and the Earth to thrive? What kinds of connections and changes do we need to make?
If you’re feeling the pull to creatively explore your place, purpose, decisions and relationship with the land through meaningful investigation please consider registering for Cactus & Lotus 2025! This annual retreat has garnered repeat registrants! A small group of like-minded people who support each other on their weekend journey of discoveries, we’ll use humble non-threatening materials, enjoy delicious food, laugh, cry, ponder, acquire personal insights for home practices, explore earth friendly actions and creatively nurture our inner landscapes. Visit skystory.ca for more information. Early bird rate ends July 24th.
TELLING YOUR STORY: A WONDER WORKSHOP FOR OLDER YOUTH & ADULTS
March 23rd, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm (hybrid in-person and online)
You have a story – and it’s all yours to tell.
And no one can tell you it isn’t true.
And that’s why there’s an energy, an excitement, a “power” in it.
So many “official” stories are not
personal stories but stories of power: “Who’s got it?
How did they get it? How do I get it back?”
But you have power – in your story.
And this workshop is your invitation to write / tell from your story.
It doesn’t have to be a Big Moment, but it could be.
It could involve a moment, a chance encounter with a person, a place, an animal.
A witness to a new life or a certain death.
It’s yours to tell. No one else can.
When we reach inside to know our stories –
(not outside to the theories and threats posing as stories)
– we change ourselves in the knowing.
From the inside out we begin again….
Join writer/performance artist Madonna Hamel, spoken word poet, Kevin Wesaquate and master storyteller/ knowledge keeper, Joseph Naytowhow as they each guide us through the many days of our lives to find that one moment that was authentically us.
Note: Workshop will be offered in-person and online but participant registration is limited.
Fee: $95 including PST All materials supplied.
Bring your brown bag lunch. Beverages and snacks provided. OPTIONAL pay as you go early group supper at the Val Marie Hotel afterward.
If you’ve never tried intuitive painting, here is an example of an unfinished painting going through the intuitive process… four different stages with more transformation to come! We use humble materials of paper and high grade tempera paint. No experience necessary. Must be over 18 years of age. All genders welcome!
Earth Mother is Life: Onward & Inward