BC Association for Living Mindfully proudly presents…..

Returning To Our Nature:

A Meditation Retreat for Mind, Body, Heart & Spirit

with Dr. Krista Stogryn and honourable guest W̱’SÁNEĆ elder Ko Le Sa Luk Frazer Smith

“I learned to listen when I was given to understand how much can be heard in silence”-Richard Wagamese

Saltspring Island, BC

September 20-23 2024

 This is an invitation to join us for 3 days of meditation and mindfulness development on Ts’uween (Mt. Tuam), sacred mountain to the W̱’SÁNEĆ people. There the KDOL Retreat Centre offers a vast wilderness landscape that supports expansion of the mind and heart, deep listening and connection with nature. It is a wonderful opportunity to slow down, delve more deeply into the gifts of meditation and develop skills to support your ongoing healing and resilience.

Guidance in practices of mindfulness and self-compassion will be provided during daily teaching sessions, while stories and teachings of the land are brought to life by elder Ko Le Sa Luk Frazer Smith. Opportunities for sharing and discussion will support the deepening of our practice and community. Those who are 21+,  new to meditation or first time on retreat are encouraged to join. The small size of this retreat (14 participants) offers a friendly setting in which to explore and learn.

Arrival:  Sept 20, Orientation 3 pm with dinner to follow at 5pm  

Departure: Sept 23th 12 noon                                                        

** We will be holding noble silence outside of teaching and sharing times from dinner on the 20nd  to dinner on the 22nd

Accommodation is provided in individual mountainside cabins that overlook the lands and waters of the W̱’SÁNEĆ territory. The cabins are rustic, simple and unheated so you will need to bring warm blankets and clothing in case of cool mornings and nights. Facilities include shared bathrooms with a sink and shower, and outhouses. 

The terrain at the site can be uneven and sometimes hilly. There is a flight of stairs to get to/go from the meditation room. Kindly consider any mobility challenges for these conditions prior to registering and note there is no wheelchair accessibility.

Carpooling is encouraged. The road up the mountain to KDOL is gravel and can be a bit rough. Low clearance vehicles may have difficulty with pot holes.

Delicious vegetarian meals will be provided by our experienced retreat cook. Please note there is no smoking on the property.

Prices for accommodation and tuition are for single occupancy and attendance

WHEN REGISTERING PLEASE NOTE THAT PAYMENT OF THE COMBINED ACCOMODATION AND TUITION AMOUNTS ARE REQUIRED AT THE SAME TIME IN ORDER TO SECURE YOUR REGISTRATION.

3 Nights Cabin and Meals                     $350 +GST
                                                                 PLUS
Tuition                                              $450
*Send us an email to be placed on stand by for this very popular event! If a spot opens up, we’ll let you know

Dr. Krista Stogryn, tla-chit-ah-nilth-aqsa is a family physician, mindfulness teacher and ceremony holder. Krista began sitting meditation retreats in medical school and was inspired by an early teacher to bring mindfulness skills into her work with patients. She has spent her career living and learning in First Nations communities, and her worldview and approach to healing has been further transformed by land based practices founded in ‘All My Relations’. Her personal and professional practice continue to be guided by these two influences. She has been facilitating the Art of Living Mindfully with BCALM since 2018.

Elder Ko Le Sa Luk, Frazer Smith from Tsartlip First Nation is a medicine keeper, fire keeper and knowledge keeper with many gifts passed down from his Elders. He enjoys guiding drum & rattle making workshops, plant walks, ceremonies, and talking circles, and has worked for many years in the correctional system and treatment centers supporting men on their healing journeys. Through his many roles as an activist, policy changer, mentor, helper, teacher and adopted grandpa he has impacted the lives of many.

CANCELLATION POLICY 

  • 85% tuition refunded with cancellation notice of more than 4 weeks prior to program start date
  • 50% tuition refunded with cancellation notice of 2-4 weeks prior to program start date
  • In order to assure minimum numbers in our courses, no refunds will be given for cancellations within 2 weeks of the program start date, or once the program starts