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Small group environment​. Many retreats I've seen have groups sized from anywhere between 8 and 80. The more participants, the more noise and distraction. The bigger the group, the easier it is to "hide" from the invitations or questions that may be the key to your growth and/or healing. That does not fit my definition of retreat.

 

We will keep our space limited to four participants plus Amy (my partner) and me, Patti Phillips (life coach and retreat guide), as your hosts and facilitator. Get to know us a bit here, if you like.

 

I believe in order to create the atmosphere of stillness and ease, this small group size is necessary. The benefit to participants is having a private bedroom, access to me if an informal 1-on-1 coaching conversation is desired, and an opportunity to make deep connections with each other.

 

 

 

Pre-retreat: You will be provided with the Explore Life Retreat Guide prior to the retreat to help you set your personal intentions for your time at Nurtured by Nature.

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Three easeful days and three cozy nights embraced by the winter season, both metaphorically and actually. The guided, intentional group discussions offer an opportunity for reflection and learning of the value of slowing down and being still. The free time and outdoor experiences invite you to embrace the unique elements of winter; snow, long nights, hibernation from the cold, clear bright skies, northern lights (if we're really lucky).

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A range of guided and informal learning discussions and experiences

• creating a shared vision for the week-end​

• facilitated sharing circles

• painting (think kids poster making)

• appreciative inquiry

• Nature Therapy walks

• journaling

• informal coaching during free time

• Recreation activities, both indoors and outdoors.

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Home-style accommodations and meals​

• of course we'll be staying at Nurtured by Nature Retreat and Playhouse in Pinawa (check out the TOUR page of this website)

• private bedroom in hotel quality bed (linens and towels supplied)

• As well as being your retreat facilitator, I'm also your home cook who likes to provide whole food meals. I may not be able to accommodate all special dietary needs. However, in consultation and with your contribution I'll do my best to meet your nutritional needs.

• indoor and outdoor shared spaces

• indoor and outdoor quiet spaces

• wifi and tv free zone

• resident pets (1 dog and 1 cat)

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Access to recreation resources for your free time and our shared outdoor experiences

• walking and cross-country ski trails (we have a couple of sets of loner skis if you wear a size 6 or 9 boot or bring your own)

• snowshoes

• The Wonder Woods

• fat tire bikes

• library of personal growth books

• adult colouring books

• table games

• other people to play with

• support from Amy and me

• some extra cold weather clothing (let us know what you need)

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Pre-retreat informal interview/intake. Because of the small group size, shared space, and condensed time frame, my hope is to bring together four like-spirited women who will best embrace the essence of the Winter's Embrace Retreat.Therefore I will be doing informal interviews as part of the registration process. It may sound somewhat controlling but if you've ever spent a weekend in a group with just one person who isn't aligned with the others, the atmosphere is definitely not easeful. For those of you who end up attending the retreat, my guess is, you'll thank me.

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We'll get on the phone for 30 minutes or so at a time that works for both of us. You'll get a chance to share your motivation to attend, your expectations, what you'd like to contribute to the group, past experiences of retreats, and any questions you may have. In past experience, the conversation itself will let us know if there's a good fit.

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Contact me by email to request your interview, when you're ready (but before January 25).