Mountain Waters Retreats

Pass along dear friends.....

In our culture we do not do well with endings, nor staying still; our focus is instead upon growth, becoming, innovating and staying young. Now we've been brought to a standstill, in our homes and in our lives.

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic we can still be in contact with each other through the Internet, which has become our conduit to work where available and to the rapidly evolving news.
At the same time, our technologies allow us to continue to stay busy and distracted with all of the things we do to avoid the dark unknown we have entered into.

Covid-19 has turned the world as we have known it upside down in just a few short weeks. The unknown landscape in which we find ourselves brings uncertainty and fear. As an emotion fear tells us to be vigilant. It say there’s a threat to our safety. In our instinctual bodies fear says “do something” to protect ourselves and those we care for. But right now there is not much we can “do” other than wash our hands, help and care for each other, and maintain social distance.

So we need to learn to sit with our fear and to get to know it better without letting it run away on us. As Buddhist teacher Pema Chordrun says,

“If you don't get to know fear, how will you come to know fearlessness?”
Initiatory rights of passage have three distinct stages. The first is a descent into the unknown, a dark forest in which there is no clear path.
We are there now.

My problem-solving mind wants to come up with plans in this time of crisis. What do I do with the retreat season at our centre? How do I preserve and respond? Yet there is a deeper voice that says pause, stay quiet, listen and observe. Be with the fear and unknown until the path forward becomes more clear.

The second initiatory threshold involves drawing upon inner resources that have not been previously discovered. This is where we are called to step into new capacities, new ways of being, that are called forth by the very situation in which we find ourselves.

That is the light we find in the darkness, the one that illuminates the hidden path through the forest.

We enter the third stage of initiation when we carry this light back into the world and share it in our communities; this is where the culture is enriched by the very difficulty we have found our way through.

The Covid-19 virus has stopped the world in its tracks. From business to travel, to the endless consumption. Air pollution and carbon emissions are way down. Rivers are once again running clean. If we step into the perception that Earth, Gaia, is a self-regulating intelligence, this virus becomes something pushing us to slow down, configure new economic arrangements, and care for each other in more kind and basic ways. This does not brush aside the hardships we presently face with all expectations turned upside down. There will be loss. Perhaps people we know and care for will succumb to this illness. There will be loss of livelihood and economic security. Loss of the hopes we hold for the future. And yet here in the grieving of these losses, both real and imagined, we are reminded that death and loss are part of life.

We are not Masters of the Universe. Like all other organic lifeforms we are part of the food chain. The Covid-19 virus pushes us to be with our fears and to find our way back to a new humility.
The root of the word humility is humus, Earth. We are being asked to stay grounded, close to the earth, so that we may find a new kind of reciprocity that can inform our relations with each other and the living world.

At this point we are still near the beginning of the changes that this virus brings. It appears that we will likely have to cancel our spring programming at the retreat center, and perhaps the whole 2020 season.

It is too soon to know.

In the pictograms that form the Chinese language, the image for “crisis” means at the same time “opportunity.” For those of you who have been part of the life of our retreat centre over the last 16 years, I invite your insights and feedback into the opportunity that rests within this crisis.

We have a chance to renew and reconfigure the arrangements that have dictated what is and what is not possible in the world we have known. Things are changing fast. Governments that recently practiced austerity are now handing out funds to keep families and businesses afloat.

I have a sense that the retreat sanctuary we have created on this mountainside overlooking Nelson will continue to be a place where people come together and learn from each other. A place to find refuge and renewal, though in the future this may happen in different ways. For those of you in Canada who are isolating yourself with social distancing practices, there may be opportunities to be closer to nature, to walk wilderness trails, to eat from our organic garden by coming to Mountain Waters and staying in one of our cabins. The retreat centre may also be available for monthly rental within the safety of social distancing protocols, we can still engage in wellness practices, connect to the Earth and by doing so build resilience and healthier immunity.

I welcome your thoughts, and wish for all of you that you find ways to take care of hearts and minds, as well as your friends, families and neighbors, during this time when so much is changing and so much remains unknown.

Love, Richard.

Sending Positive Vibes to the World from our Sacred Space, Deep in the Kootenay Moutains

Mountain Waters Retreats - Visual Tour of the Center and its Stunning Surroundings in the Kootenays At Mountain Waters Retreats, we offer you an enriched learning environment of beauty, sacredness and connection to Nature. Our intention is to be a place whe...

A circle of women is ancient medicine that reflects something back about what it means to Belong – to live fully, share, reflect, and empower each other.

Join Sharon Abbondanza and Yogita Bouchard for Pilgrimage Within: A Woman’s Way into the Heart of Being.

Find out more here: https://mountainwatersretreats.ca/retreats/309/

Aerial view over an old growth forest of the Kootenay Region. We love the immersive feel of the trees. 😍🌲

Is it time for YOU to slow down, rediscover an essential loving relationship with yourself, and follow the path back to your inner Innate Knowing and Wisdom?

Join us for the Pilgrimage Within: A Woman's Journey into the Heart of Being.
https://mountainwatersretreats.ca/retreats/309/the-pilgrimage-within-a-womans-journey-into-the-heart-of-being/

Mountain Waters Retreats is located at the top of a logging road, at the edge of a beautiful ancient forest, with incredible views over Nelson BC and Kootenay Lake.



Home design by Mandala Custom Homes

Join us in May for a step by step journey that invites you to slow down, rediscover an essential loving relationship with yourself, and follow the path back to your innate, inner knowing and wisdom.
https://mountainwatersretreats.ca/retreats/309/

The Pilgrimage Within: A Woman’s Journey into the Heart of Being A Woman's Journey into the Heart of Being

Come to a place of peace with yourself. Unwind. Relax. Breath. Surrender. Let an upgraded reality unfold at your feet.

Ever wondered what it is like to live in a sustainable cabin in the middle of the woods?

Hking over Dennis Creek, West Kootenays.

Explore the region and reconnect with Water, the source of life on Earth.

The curved path leads to Canada's Shire. ⁠
Located deep in the inland rainforest at proximity of Nelson BC, Moutain Waters Retreats is a little Heaven on Earth promoting sustainable living in relationship with Nature, permaculture, yoga, meditation and holistic healing retreats. ⁠

Our forest Maloka. A true Temple of Light where each window gives directly to Nature. A yoga dome for retreats, movement and meditation practices.

Missed our latest newsletter? Find it here: https://mailchi.mp/a186416145fe/an-invitation-to-men-1526737

An Invitation to Men

This May, we will be hosting Golden & Dark Shadows, a Buddhist Shadow Work retreat. Visit www.mountainwatersretreats.ca for more information

The Roman God Janus (January) had two faces. One looked to the past, while the other towards the future. As such, he was the God of new beginnings and necessary endings.

This January I want to welcome the Janus that looks back to the past not with the eyes of complaint, but with a self acceptance and kindness for what we have learned in this year from our own experience.

As the God of Endings, Janus shows us about letting go. You see, endings are just as important as beginnings, in fact, they often must come first.

Missed our latest newsletter? Read the full story here:
https://mailchi.mp/b0c978479326/to-new-beginnings-and-necessary-endings

To New Beginnings and Necessary Endings..

This Fall, we will be welcoming Elfi Shaw back to Mountain Waters to host a Women's Retreat helping you reclaim your authentic sexuality.

Stirring the Cauldron is a three day retreat led by Elfi, who has been a teacher of somatic sexuality for 20 years.

See the poster below for more information or contact us at Mountain Waters.

This Fall, Yogita Bouchard will be hosting a Women's Pilgrimage through the Peekye Peak region of Nepal.

Historically, a pilgrimage was a sacred journey to a particular place - whether that be a shrine or a mountain - that was seen to hold a special spiritual power. For us today, it is a time to walk with a quiet intention, where we can go into a deeper self-acceptance and peace within ourselves.

We have one spot left for this intimate adventure. For more information, visit
http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/calendar/201/a-womens-pilgrimage-in-the-mountains-of-nepal/

Our Women's Pilgrimage to Nepal only has one spot left........are you inspired to join ? Pass along it's an amazing opportunity.

The views of the Peekye Peak region of Nepal are nothing short of breathtaking, with its vast mountains and deep valleys.

This Fall, Yogita will be leading a small group of women on an intimate pilgrimage through this region. For more information, visit
http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/calendar/201/a-womens-pilgrimage-in-the-mountains-of-nepal/

Our Relationships can be a rich source of intimate connection and personal growth, and yet all too often we can find ourselves caught in patterns of interaction that bring separation and pain.
Keeping Love Alive is a five day couples course that will help you shift perspectives and gather the tools to continue create a loving, respectful and alive relationship with your partner that flourishes over time.

This years retreat will have 6 hours of daily interactive "class" time plus space in the afternoon for you to engage in the recreational activities, or the forms of relaxation that nourish your relationship.

We are happy to offer a discounted locals price for couples who will not be staying at the retreat centre!
For more information contact Richard at 250-509-0553 or go to
http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/calendar/192/keeping-love-alive-summer-camp/

A testimonial from our recent A Women's Way retreat.

Whether you are looking to deepen your connection with your partner, expand your yoga practice, explore the therapeutic world of mindfulness and meditation, or simply reconnect with yourself, Mountain Waters has many retreats to offer you this year. Find a full calendar here: http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/

We enjoyed the few glimpses of sunshine this weekend in this beautiful spot we call home 😍

The views of the Peekye Peak region of Nepal are nothing short of breathtaking, with its vast mountains and deep valleys.

This Fall, Yogita will be leading a small group of women on an intimate pilgrimage through this region. For more information, visit
http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/calendar/201/a-womens-pilgrimage-in-the-mountains-of-nepal/

Walking in Nepal brings us along ancients paths, traveled for hundreds of years until today. One step at the time we walk so that perhaps we can open ourselves to the timeless sense of presence within us. Letting something unfold...with whatever intention we have in our our hearts and souls.

This Fall, Yogita will be travelling to Nepal with a small group of women to embark on a journey of quiet intention, where we can go into a deeper self-acceptance and peace within ourselves.
There are still a few spots available, please visit http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/calendar/201/a-womens-pilgrimage-in-the-mountains-of-nepal/ for more details.

Photos courtesy David Gluns

Our bodies hold the truth of all of our life experience. Bodywork is a powerful way to access this truth, and to release stress and held emotion.

We have a diverse and talented team of practitioners here at Mountain Waters ready to assist you on your personal wellness path. Read more about our practitioners here:
http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/about/massage-and-bodywork/

Massage and Bodywork Services Massage We are fortunate to be able to provide you with a incredible team of therapists working at our Retreat …

Relishing those quiet moments today, in this beautiful spot we call home.

Took a morning walk here at Mountain Waters and stopped where the creek flows through the lush landscape, listening to the gurgle of the water and smelling the dense, mossy forest. In this space, I reflected on a quote from the Hopi Prophecy-

“It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.”

As Spring approaches, many of us are in times of transition, of fatigue or grief, perhaps just of personal growth and change. We need to create our communities to support one another through these times, especially as women.

We are offering a number of Women’s Retreats this Season, to create a circle of women to support each other as we slow down and nurture ourselves. Here in this peaceful and alive setting, we can seek a deeper truth, reconnect with ourselves and develop a deeper sense of belonging.

To learn more, please visit www.mountainwaters.ca

Entrance to the Retreat Centre - the snow has all melted and the sun has come out. Can you spot Dolpa? 🐶☀️🌱

If you’d like to join us this season, please check out www.mountainwatersretreats.ca for our 2018 offerings.

A powerful quote from Brene Brown to start your morning. 🙏

Meet Dolpa - the newest addition to the Mountain Waters family ☺️

We named him after a great adventure in the Himalayas this fall. On our trek, this dog found us and joined us for over 20 days... always at the head of the trail walking with whomever was first and guarding our camp every night....and on our last night, one of our dunkey guys wanted to keep him and brought him to his home that was not too far away. The dog had been named Dolpa, which represents the region we were walking. But by the next day we arrived in our last village where we were going to fly out back to Kathmandu and there appears Dolpa, who ran back to find us once more......we all laughed.
So in honour of the incredible of this dog who cared for us, the Dolpa people of this remote region of Nepal, the majestic beauty and incredible journey we did, we called our little friend here Dolpa and he now will be greeting our guests and hopefully let the bears stay in the woods.......

"The snow must give way to the will of spring."

We are feeling rejuvenated today as the first signs of Spring arrive. Take a moment today, allow yourself to feel the sun's light on your face as the snow melts and new earth is born.

There is still space for our Women's Retreat this May, where we come together to support each other in healing, learning, sharing and transformation.

More info can be found here
http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/calendar/188/a-womans-way/

"Life is never a material, a substance to be molded. If you want to know, life is the principle of self-renewal, it is constantly renewing and remaking and changing and transfiguring itself.”

Spring is a time of deep renewal, to reflect and grow. This May, join us as we come together in a circle of women to support each other in nurturing, learning, sharing and transformation.

More information can be found here: http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/calendar/188/a-womans-way/

"The retreat was a perfect balance between yoga, meditation, silence, conversation, inside and outside time, theory and practice… The facilitation was so genuine and heart centred. I felt safe to share with other women and be open and learn and grow in was not planned or expected."

Learn more about our Women's Way retreat being offered this May here: http://mountainwatersretreats.ca/calendar/188/a-womans-way/

In a time when many women find ourselves running on empty, how do we stop and learn to press "pause" and in doing so, discover a new way forward?

This May, join Yogita Bouchard and Sharon Abbondanza at Mountain Waters for a 4-day transformational Women's Retreat.

"My body awakened and I reconnected with a spiritual side of myself I had neglected for some time. I have been so touched by the whole experience"

Take a peek at this birds-eye view of Mountain Waters Retreats, filmed by Andrew Misle.

We have lots of new and exciting retreats this Spring + Summer, head to www.mountainwatersretreats.ca to learn more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=7u1I3PjCNDQ

Mountain Waters Retreats in Nelson, BC At Mountain Waters we help people embrace learning and change so that they are better able to orientate toward what is truly important in their lives. We sup...