4 Day Silence Retreat – Sept. 30 – Oct. 3, 2021
A silence retreat steeped in shamanism and yogic wisdom. Recover your energy through self inquiry and self-care. Daily yoga, meditation. sacred ceremony, relaxation, silence, Ayurveda, modern Earthlore and shamanic teachings. This retreat is to prepare physically and energetically for the coming Winter and Earth consciousness shifts. Deep relaxation and regeneration are key for preparing for winter months, so if you feel drawn to plan a short get-a-way, this retreat is for you!
Tent camping accommodation included, as well as all plant-based meals (kichari mono-diet) & herbal elixirs.
10 participants max. The off grid octagonal log home and bunkhouse will comfortably house participants, for an additional fee of $50.
Sliding scale fee for this retreat min $175 – $375 max.
About 80 mins from Ottawa/Gatineau, 45 min from Wakefield/Renfrew, and 20 mins from Shawville.
Where and When
Starts 9AM Thursday Sept. 30, ends 3pm Sunday Oct. 3. Our retreat is located at Santainaii Earth-based Healing Centre, 166 Ch. Himmelman, Ladysmith (Thorne). We will meet at 9AM on Thursday starting with opening ceremony, please have breakfast at home prior to arrival. Please arrive 15 mins early to orient yourself on the property and figure out sleeping accommodations etc.
A typical day may look like this:
6:00 Morning meditation/yoga practice
8:00 am breakfast
9:00 am to 12 pm am session with Bermalva
12-1:00 pm lunch.
1- 2:30 pm nap/free time/bodywork
2:30-4 pm yoga/meditation
4:00 pm to 6 pm Guest workshop/session with Bermalva
6:00 pm supper
7:00 pm end of the day program/ceremony/meditation
*this is an example only, timings and events subject to change
Accommodation and Food
Santainaii is a place in the country that is found to be deeply healing and relaxing. This is a residential retreat, having the chance to live and sleep away from home, in order to fully detach from regular daily life and immerse yourself into the benefits of the retreat. You are encouraged to bring a tent or trailer to set up on the grounds of the property for private sleeping. Our additional accommodations are humble and rustic, the bunkhouse (sleeps max 3 during COVID times additional $50 fee applies) or a room in the main home (with a double bed). It is best to stay on site at all times during the retreat, as the inner work is best supported by that, however, if there are medical or physical limitations that require you to sleep at your home if you live locally, that is possible – the rate of retreat does not change for you. There are outside showers and composting toilets available, and an additional composting toilet at the bunkhouse.
Bedding and pillows are not provided – do bring your own sleeping bag/blankets, pillows and anything else you might need for sleeping. If you snore, please indicate this on the registration form.
We have vegetarian healing foods at this retreat, provided by our personal cook, Bermalva or group volunteers. Eating and preparing fresh vegetarian/vegan/omnivore foods over the weekend. Our diet is a particular focus on this retreat as it is a mono-diet (means eat same food at each meal) and we will experience an Ayurvedic anti-inflammatory diet that supports detox of the organs, cleansing, pain reduction and digestion. Diet will be gluten and dairy free, so if you have any specific dietary needs, be sure to note this on your registration form. All food is being taken care of so no need to take snacks along. If you must eat between meals, we will have fruit on site, however we will try and avoid snacking, sticking with the principles of Ayurveda.
Upon arrival there will be a sign up sheet for Sevadar tasks (karma yoga). Everyone will be requested to help out (selfless service) in some way over the weekend, mainly in the kitchen, clean up and sanitation.
What to Bring
– Meditation kit (cushion, shawl, yoga mat and a large blanket). The retreat involves several sittings a day in meditation, so bring what you think you need to make you comfortable. If you are not used to sitting in meditation, seats are available. Warm blankets/shawls for cool outdoor morning meditations
– Comfortable clothes, warm and cool clothing for fluctuating temperatures.
– Bring a notepad, blank paper, pens, pencils and colored markers/colored pencils
– Your water bottle. We have a beautiful and bountiful amount of spring water. We encourage you during the retreat to drink plenty of water. There will be healthful drinks and elixirs provided as well.
– All toiletries, towels, face cloths and items needed for hygiene
– swimsuit for lake swim (weather permitting)
– any herbs, vitamins or medications your require
– Yoga mat, blocks or props you need
– sunscreen/natural bug spray
– rain gear and work/gardening gloves
– bedding, blankets, pillows for sleeping (bring flat sheets as bed sizing varies)
– if tenting/trailer, all tent/camping supplies, tarp, tent pegs etc.
– remaining payment for registration in cash or cheque
Pre Retreat Prep
In the week leading up to your retreat, try your best to be mindful of the foods and drinks you are consuming, limiting or eliminating junk foods, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and processed foods. This will help your body and mind to be ready for retreat and have an easy transition. Please note there will be no coffee or caffeinated tea served. It is best to wean yourself off of caffeine prior to retreat to reduce risk of headache/migraine.
Massage/Bodywork
Massage and body work with will be offered by our holistic therapists on certain days of the retreat. This can greatly help the process of letting go within retreat and cleansing. Various forms of massage and bodywork are offered by our talented practitioners. Book your appointment separately, contacts and instructions will be given upon registration. Cost varies according to treatment and practitioner. Treatment cost is NOT included in the registration fee.
Investment and Registration
$175 min. – $375 max – sliding scale. Tenting is included in this price.
$50 – in doors bunkhouse accommodation, includes tax (can accommodate 3 people during COVID restrictions) or bedroom in main house (with double bed)
Max. 10 people for this retreat
Includes food, drinks, classes and teachings, space for camping, access to outside composting toilets and showers and indoor shower/flush toilet.
*SEVA Place – one spot is held in every retreat where one individual is offered a spot at NO COST, due to disease, health concern, in real need yet unable due to financial restraints (spot avail only if room).
Bring your own, blankets, sleeping bag, pillows, extra blankets, shawls, outside weather-pertinent gear, boots, umbrellas, natural bug repellent, work gloves etc.) For tenting; tent, tarp, sleeping mattress, sleeping bag, pillows, blankets, flashlights and all the necessary equipment for tenting in rain or sun. Access to main house for electricity, flush toilets and drinking water.
Registration for the retreat is considered complete when the deposit of $50 and filled in registration form received, due at least two weeks prior to retreat start.
COVID SAFETY – please note masks are expected to be worn when inside a building, this includes when moving around in the bunkhouse accommodation. However, most classes and time will be spent outside in our covered workshop space, and in nature, where masks are optional.
*Please note we will not be asking about personal information pertaining to vaccination to attend this retreat – all regular health and safety measures will be in place for all, equally.
Registration is complete when
1.) $50 deposit is sent
2.) Registration form below is filled out