Dec 6 2024 - Dec 8 2024

First Light Yoga and Meditation Retreat

Reconnect with yourself over this weekend retreat

Take time just for you, lose some stress, you can feel more centered and able to deal with whatever life presents. Just being in the Sugar Ridge environment is a peaceful experience.

Listen to the birds, the breeze, feel your heartbeat, your breath. Enjoy whole foods and nourish your soul at the same time.

Let this weekend be a gift to yourself

No experience is necessary and this retreat is perfect if you’re curious about meditation but not sure how to start or what to expect.

Everything over the weekend is completely optional. If you need to sleep in then skip the early morning yoga session. If a massage is the nurturing you need, we can book that for you. Allow this weekend to be the kindest gift you could ever give yourself and honour your needs.

This retreat is perfect for you even if you have physical limitations to movement, little or no meditation or yoga experience. Beginners will discover how to sit comfortably and experienced practitioners can deepen their practice. No need to sit on the floor if that’s not comfortable – chairs are always available.

What to Expect this Weekend

Throughout the weekend you are invited to explore various forms of mindfulness meditations (vipassana) including sitting, walking and eating as well as mindful movement through yoga, keeping in mind that everything is optional. The word Vipassana means seeing things as they really are. It is the process of self- purification by self-observation. Basically we cultivate the ability to pay attention, while knowing that we’re paying attention. We begin by observing the natural breath to concentrate the mind. With a sharpened awareness we proceed to observe the changing nature of body and mind and the environment we’re in. Ideally we cultivate the ability to pay attention moment to moment without needing to sit still to do it, taking mindfulness into daily living.

On Saturday evening we will enjoy drumming and storytelling at Sainte-Marie for the First Light Festival.

RETREAT SCHEDULE

Friday, December 6

3-5 pm

Arrive and settle into your cabin

5-5:30 pm

Introductions and dinner at 5:30

7 pm

Gentle yoga followed by meditation

Saturday, December 7

7:30 am

Yoga

9 am

Breakfast & free time

10:30 am

Meditation - discussion & practice

12:30 pm

Lunch

2 pm

Guided Forest Hike (forest bathing) or sensory awareness workshop (weather dependent)

3:30 pm

Gentle Yoga

5 pm

Early Dinner

5:30 pm

Carpool over to Sainte-Marie to enjoy the First Light Festival

Sunday, December 8

7:30 am

Yoga class

8:45 am

Breakfast and free time to pack up your cabin

10:30 am

Sitting meditation & discussion

12 pm

Lunch - You are welcome to stay and enjoy the trails, the ambience, and the new friends. Departing at your leisure.

Meet Your Facilitator

Tammy Hoy

Tammy is a family-orientated mom of three who loves nature and all things fitness related, including trail running. Her passion for yoga began ten years ago when she stepped onto her mat for the first time. The peace and calm she found in her daily practice, transformed off her mat into her busy life and she was instantly hooked. As a cancer survivor, yoga was an invaluable tool she used to help her sift through a roller coaster of emotions and challenges put in her path. As a yoga alliance certified yoga instructor, Tammy is able to use her past experiences in her life to help guide her teachings and inspire others to find joy and peace in even the heaviest or chaotic of times. Her soft voice, welcoming personality and optimistic outlook allows her clients to feel at ease and in a safe place to explore their own challenges both on and off their mats. Tammy sees yoga as a life long learning adventure and she continuously looks forward to growing, discovering and breathing with each and everyone. “Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.” - author unknown

Book Your Retreat

Friday December 6

Sunday December 8

Tuition is per person

Shared accommodation – up to 4 people sharing a cabin $565 + HST
Semi-private accommodation – 2 people share a room$645 + HST per person
Private accommodation – room all by yourself $825 + HST

Note – some cabins have 2 rooms.

Tuition includes accommodation, meals, classes, and admission to Sainte Marie to celebrate First Light On Saturday evening.

Our Accomodation Types

Shared - Cabin will be shared with up to 3 other guests of the same gender. If you are booking for just yourself, depending on the retreat, we will match you with other guests of the same gender.

Semi-private - Cabin will be shared with the 1 other person you are registering with. If booking alone, we will try to match you with someone of the same gender.

Private - Cabin for one person, not sharing with others.

Book now

The Centre

Welcome to Sugar Ridge! It is our mission to provide a space for you to be nourished in body, mind and soul. From completely silent to dip your toe, testing mindfulness, we have what you’re looking for!

Our Facility

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Please Note: This Retreat has now finished. See our upcoming retreats here.

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