First Light Yoga and Meditation Retreat
Friday, December 2 – Sunday, December 4, 2022
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.
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 without needing to sit still to do it, taking mindfulness into daily living.
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. Allow this weekend to be the kindest gift you could ever give yourself and honour your needs.
Please note: The scheduled visit to Sainte Marie will depend on any restrictions in place and currently we have arranged for our group to arrive there at 6pm (entrance group sizes are limited).
Schedule
Friday
3 – 5 pm Arrive and settle into your cabin
5 – 5:30 Introductions and dinner at 5:30
7:00 Gentle yoga followed by meditation
Saturday
7:30 Yoga
9:00 Breakfast & free time
10:30 Meditation – discussion & practice
12:30 Lunch
2:00 Guided Forest Hike (forest bathing) or sensory awareness workshop (weather dependent)
3:30 Gentle Yoga
5:00 Early Dinner
5:30 Carpool over to Sainte Marie to enjoy the festival 
Sunday
7:30 am Yoga class
8:45 Breakfast and free time to pack up your cabin
10:30 Sitting meditation & discussion
12:00 pm Lunch
You are welcome to stay and enjoy the trails, the ambiance, the new friends.
Depart at your leisure
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.
Meet Your Facilitator
Jenny Jackson has been immersed in Movement Education for more than 20 years. Jenny is a seeker of inner well-being, and she consciously aligns herself to live with an open mind, an open heart, and embodies joy & vitality which is reflected in her welcoming & inclusive style of instruction. She teaches with a strong anatomical influence while still deeply honouring the classical roots of yoga. Jenny believes that feeling vital and in harmony with others & within our own selves is the primary goal (in life and in our bodies), and practice should reflect this.
Registration Details
This is a very popular retreat and is offered three weekends in a row!
Tuition includes accommodation, all meals & classes, and admission to Sainte Marie.
Rates are per person
Shared accommodation – up to 4 people sharing a cabin $565 + HST
Semi-private accommodation – 2 people share a room in a cabin $645 + HST per person
Private accommodation – Room in a cabin all by yourself $825 + HST
This retreat is also offered the weekends of Nov 18 – 20 and Nov 25 – 27.
Call us for more information or to register 866-609-1793 or email [email protected]
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.
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 without needing to sit still to do it, taking mindfulness into daily living.
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. Allow this weekend to be the kindest gift you could ever give yourself and honour your needs.
Please note: The scheduled visit to Sainte Marie will depend on any restrictions in place and currently we have arranged for our group to arrive there at 6pm (entrance group sizes are limited).
Schedule
Friday
3 – 5 pm Arrive and settle into your cabin
5 – 5:30 Introductions and dinner at 5:30
7:00 Gentle yoga followed by meditation
Saturday
7:30 Yoga
9:00 Breakfast & free time
10:30 Meditation – discussion & practice
12:30 Lunch
2:00 Guided Forest Hike (forest bathing) or sensory awareness workshop (weather dependent)
3:30 Gentle Yoga
5:00 Early Dinner
5:30 Carpool over to Sainte Marie to enjoy the festival
Sunday
7:30 am Yoga class
8:45 Breakfast and free time to pack up your cabin
10:30 Sitting meditation & discussion
12:00 pm Lunch
You are welcome to stay and enjoy the trails, the ambiance, the new friends.
Depart at your leisure
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.
