Nest Retreats
Healing in community.
💌 you’re invited:
Join us this summer at Nectar Yoga
on Nexwlélexwm (Bowen Island, BC) July 14th-18th.
If you’re longing for the time and space to return to yourself after long periods of stress, burnout or exhaustion, this space is made for you.
The healing journey is, famously, a tough one. The healing process often requires us to face what is unbearable to face. It is a challenging and rewarding path. And, there is another part of our healing journey that is equally essential. It works in tandem with the grizzlier parts of the path. We also must reach for all the goodness that was out of reach during our hurting times. Often, this includes:
love / belonging / play / care / joy / nourishment / ceremony / connection / space to feel / processing and reflection / freedom of expression / freedom to be who we are / time and space to truly rest / ease / peace / release
There are times when what is needed to immerse oneself in the beauty that life has to offer. Especially when life has been stressful, painful, or draining, we need to remember the moments that make life worth living.
How do we create space for our bodies to feel joyous?
Well, this may be different for each of us. But, from my perspective?
We feed it. We let it cry when tears come. We speak to it gently. We stop to listen. We laugh from the gut. We dance with reckless abandon. We seek softness. We walk barefoot. We sit by the stream. We sit in circle. We rest as long as rest is needed.
On this retreat, we’ll explore what a joyous body means to you.
Themes explored on this retreat are lovingly inspired by the work of Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés (author of Women Who Run With The Wolves), enriched by teachings and practices from polyvagal theory, yoga philosophy, embodiment, and the harmony of the natural world.
This 5-day/4-night retreat includes:
Silent mornings
Trauma-informed yoga
Forest meditations
Nervous system education + exploration
Group circles
Storytelling
Guided creative expression
Free time to read, rest, reflect
An afternoon at the Mist Thermal Sanctuary (on site!)
Lake and ocean swims
Peaceful accommodations on 20-acres of forested land
Nourishing plant-based meals
Closing fire ceremony
Price depends on your selection of accommodations. Choose your room here.
Nest at
Nectar
Nectar Yoga Retreat is a healing place on 20 acres of forest on Bowen Island, the traditional land of the Squamish Nation. Take a quick 20-minute ferry ride from Vancouver and be immersed in the beauty and tranquility of this very special place. This is my third time hosting a retreat here because of the care and attention given to every detail.
Here’s what you can expect:
Practices
Always trauma-informed. Options are provided throughout so that the yoga practice can truly meet you where you are. I welcome you to share with me any accessibility needs or preferences, so that I can offer you supportive options throughout.
Morning practices will ease you into the day, beginning with meditation and pranayama (breath/energy practices) gradually building towards active movement, in a slow-flow vinyasa style of asana (postures). Evening practices are designed to prepare you for a deep, restful sleep with yin, restorative, and yoga nidra.
We’re big on rest here - expect long, luxurious savasanas to integrate post-practice. :)
A Soft Place to Land
While this retreat is intended to be therapeutic, it is not therapy. The themes and topics discussed are designed to be supportive for anyone who is returning to themselves after a challenging or stressful period.
Silent Mornings
We practice mauna (silence) until breakfast. In yoga philosophy, mornings are known to be a time we are closest to our true nature. Staying silent supports our practice of internal focus (our focus internal for our meditation, svadhyaya (self-inquiry practice) and asana (posture) practice.
All Feelings Welcome
For those of us who have lived outside of compassionate supports and joyous experiences, receiving these gifts can bring conflicting feelings such as guilt, shame, restlessness, grief, fear and more.
It is my belief that we benefit tremendously when we allow, and compassionately tend to feelings often labelled as “negative”. Allowing these responses to move through us may make way for the very joy we are seeking. You will have access to group and individual supports as well as be encouraged to take breaks as needed.
Agency
Choice is essential in the healing process. As a core foundation of my work, I make choice available to you in every practice, discussion, and activity. You’ll be encouraged to listen to your body and tend to your needs throughout.
FAQs
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Nectar Yoga is a short ferry ride from Vancouver (BC Ferry Sailing: Horseshoe Bay-Snug Cove). Once you arrive on the island, you can take the local bus to Nectar, or carpool with your fellow guests. I will set up a group chat prior to the retreat so that you can connect.
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All genders all the time 🕺🏻. People of all ages and genders are welcomed, as long as they can contribute to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all guests.
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No. Only because the admin costs required to follow up with guests increases my workload and thus, the cost of the retreat. You will pay your deposit upon registering, with the rest of the balance due June 1st - so you have some time to save up.
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Yes! If you sign up for a shared room, but are joining us solo, I’ll be happy to pair you with a roommate. If this is out of your comfort zone - please don’t worry! You will be spending most of your time outside of your room, and typically guests go to bed quite early and keep noise minimal.
We have had guests become very close friends after sharing a room on their retreat :)
Still have questions?
Reach out anytime.
I’ve had the pleasure of hosting multiple nest retreats. One of my favourite parts of this work is seeing the friendships made! Nest friends have formed close bonds on their retreats that continue to blossom in their daily lives!
Past retreats
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2023). A rest-focused nature retreat.
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest in the Inn Between: Wolfe Island, Ontario (Autumn 2023). A yoga & poetry retreat with special guest Jess Janz
Nest at Beach Garden: Nosara, Costa Rica (Winter 2024). An embodied experience of the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Beach Garden: Nosara, Costa Rica (Winter 2024). An embodied experience of the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Beach Garden: Nosara, Costa Rica (Winter 2024). An embodied experience of the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Beach Garden: Nosara, Costa Rica (Winter 2024). An embodied experience of the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Beach Garden: Nosara, Costa Rica (Winter 2024). An embodied experience of the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Beach Garden: Nosara, Costa Rica (Winter 2024). An embodied experience of the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Beach Garden: Nosara, Costa Rica (Winter 2024). An embodied experience of the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Beach Garden: Nosara, Costa Rica (Winter 2024). An embodied experience of the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Uppliva: Ottawa, Ontario (Spring 2023). A 5-part mini-retreat spa series immersing into the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Uppliva: Ottawa, Ontario (Spring 2023). A 5-part mini-retreat spa series immersing into the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Uppliva: Ottawa, Ontario (Spring 2023). A 5-part mini-retreat spa series immersing into the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Uppliva: Ottawa, Ontario (Spring 2023). A 5-part mini-retreat spa series immersing into the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Uppliva: Ottawa, Ontario (Spring 2023). A 5-part mini-retreat spa series immersing into the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Uppliva: Ottawa, Ontario (Spring 2023). A 5-part mini-retreat spa series immersing into the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Uppliva: Ottawa, Ontario (Spring 2023). A 5-part mini-retreat spa series immersing into the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Uppliva: Ottawa, Ontario (Spring 2023). A 5-part mini-retreat spa series immersing into the 5 elements: earth, water, fire, air and space.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.
Nest at Nectar: Bowen Island, British Columbia (Summer 2024). A yoga and creative expression retreat with special guests Michaela van Beinum, Pascale Goodrich, and Max Goodrich.