Upcoming Retreats

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Autumn Pause Retreat

Monday September 22-Wednesday September 24, 2025

What? A retreat for women to move, breathe, and connect .

Celebrate the beauty of early fall on the Solstice with three days focused on movement, mindful connection, and seasonal wellness. NIA-inspired classes, guided Forest Bathing, and other optional activities will nourish mind, body, spirit. This gentle, joyful retreat invites you to move with curiosity, awaken your senses, while reconnecting with yourself and the natural world. This is time for self-care—everything is an invitation, nothing is mandatory.

No experience needed—just an open heart and a willingness to explore. 

Where? Canadian Ecology Centre, Mattawa

When? Monday September 22 (dinner) to Wednesday September 24 (breakfast)

What is included: 

• Two night’s shared accommodation (2 per cabin; 2 double beds, Cabins have hot running water, mini-fridge, shower and a flush toilet; Single supplement is $140.00 plus GST)
• all meals and snacks (vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options) and a welcoming Wine and Cheese
• guided Nia-inspired movement
• guided Forest Bathing in the Autumn woods
• guided hikes
• campfires, camaraderie, saunas, labyrinth, photography, journaling, naps
• entrance fees for three days to Champlain Provincial Park
• parking
• all taxes and gratuities,

What is not included? 

• Transportation to and from The Canadian Ecology Centre
• Special beverages (which you are welcome to bring but need to be carried in a Traveller when out of your cabin) 

Curious? 

• To learn more about NIA, check this out: https://nianow.com/about-nia
• What is Forest Bathing? Click on FAQ’s at www.forestbathingwithbeth.ca
• How sweet is The Canadian Ecology Centre? Look here: www.canadianecology.ca: 
• Why to go on a Retreat? Here are 7 great reasons about the unique benefits of Retreats that you just can’t get on your own: 

https://www.yourtango.com/self/why-retreats-uniquely-great-your-mental-heath 

Get to know your Guides: Judy Blaney is a lifelong educator and currently a Nia facilitator with over 45 years of experience in teaching and mentoring. Her career began in First Nation communities, where she discovered that teaching is as much about self-awareness as it is about guiding others. Today, Judy brings that same passion for growth and connection into her Nia classes—offering joyful, body-centered movement that nurtures both personal and community well-being. She lives in rural Hawkestone with her partner Rebecca and two dogs, Esme and Lily, and delights in time with their six grandchildren, forest hikes, lake swims and quiet paddles.

Beth Foster-Having wandered in the woods all her life, Beth has learned that, sometimes, you can go further by being quietly in one place and listening, smelling, touching, tasting and watching the wonder unfold. Beth believes that, in order to restore balance to our planetary and emotional health, we must reignite a deeper and sustainable connection between humans and the earth. As an ANFT Nature and Forest Therapy Guide and Trail Certification Consultant trained in 2018, she delights in guiding others to an awareness, understanding  and deeper appreciation of the healing power of nature as a tool for peace and prosperity. Beth loves to guide in all seasons in the woods near her home in Barrie Ontario Canada. As a Trail Consultant, she has designed self-guided trails at Scandinave Spa, Blue Mountains, and YMCA Geneva Park Conference Centre, Orillia. 

Investment (based on double occupancy):? $440.00 plus GST=$495.00

($50.00 refundable deposit until August 1/25 will hold your place)

I need an Autumn Pause! How do I sign up?

• Message Beth Foster bethfoster0156@yahoo.ca  with name, email address, phone number, address, choice of accommodation, any additional inquiries
• I would like to share a cabin with: (add participant’s name)
• I am happy to share a cabin with another participant: (open to sharing with a new friend)
• I would like my own cabin ($140 + tax single cabin supplement)
• To hold your place, e-transfer $50 deposit to Beth Foster (bethfoster0156@yahoo.ca) Deposit is non-refundable after Aug. 1st ; 

Balance of $445 due on Sunday, September 7, 2025.