The Day of the Dead - Celebrating the Continuation of Life
Sunday, October 31 – Tuesday, November 2, 2021
Celebrate the Dead
This weekend we pause from our busy lives to intentionally dedicate an evening to honour our ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. This observance is commonly known as the ‘Day of the Dead’, a colourful Mexican tradition with roots in the Aztec festival for the Goddess Mictecacihuatl, The Lady of The Dead. Many cultures across the globe have honoured their ancestors for centuries with special celebrations dedicating altars, shires or “Ofrendas”.
For most people, the subject of death is something that triggers fear, or is considered morbid; inappropriate for conversation. However, death is part of life. We are all going to die at some point and it’s a much easier process if we come to terms with the transition as a normal part of life. The unknown after death creates fear but in cultures where commemorating the departed is an annual event, the tradition is joyful as celebrants believe that death is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life, or the continuation of life.
On the eve of the ‘Day of the Dead’, (the basis for Hallowe’en) we stand by the belief that the gate between the worlds of the living and the dead opens up for a short time, and that during those moments our ancestors and departed loved ones cross the gate to reconnect with us. Guided by a celebratory intention, we will create our sacred space to openly praise their life in an intimate way.
In anticipation of this significant spiritual moment, and following a guided meditation in harmony with nature, we tap into a moment of solitude to inspire us to write a letter, a poem or a short anecdote to the departed.
We create a sacred, joyful space with a colourful and festive “Ofrenda” of flowers, personal trinkets, candles and pictures of the departed to welcome their arrival. Collectively, we wait at the gate between the two worlds with inspiring music, written messages, poems and stories to let our loved ones know that they are not forgotten.
The retreat comes to a close the morning after with meditation and contemplation to settle our minds and spirits after the previous night’s experiences, and with our intention to live on a healthy and spiritual life.
SCHEDULE
Sunday
3 – 4 pm Arrive and settle into your cabin
4:30 Meet and greet in the studio”
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Setting Intention for the evening to honour loved ones who are deceased
Creating the sacred space: we’ll build an altar, and share our stories of those we honour, remembering what they brought into our lives. Building the altar, making offerings (craft activities, materials included) and writing poetry/stories
Offerings: A ritual to remember those we celebrate that night. This will include music, personal stories and poetry.
*The evening may be long, as we take the time needed to share stories and celebrate the dead, before heading to bed.
You are encouraged to bring photos of those you want to remember and honour, any personal items connected to them to share on the alter, as well as any favourite snack foods they enjoyed.
Monday – The Day of the Dead
8:00 am Meditation – or sleep… do what you need!
8:45 Breakfast
10:00 Self care session: Self acceptance, release self-criticism,
12:00 Dismantle the altar
12:30 pm Lunch
2:00 Self-care session – loving kindness meditation
3:00 Free time – book a massage (based on availability, first come, first served basis), nap, or hike
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Restorative Yoga
Tuesday, Nov 2
7:30 am Gentle Hatha Yoga – or sleep if you need
9:00 am Breakfast and free time
10:30 am Meditation
11:00 Group closing discussion
12:30 pm Lunch – Nourish your body!
You are welcome to stay and enjoy the trails, the ambiance & your new friends. Depart at your leisure.
Written orientation will be sent to participants a 2 weeks before to the retreat. It will include:
- A brief historical and cultural background including the spiritual meaning of the celebration.
- Suggestions for the items to bring to help create the sacred space.
Registration Details
Shared accommodation $465 + HST
Semi-private (2 ppl in the cabin) $565 + HST per person
Private (cabin by yourself) $725 + HST
Tuition includes all meals, accommodation and classes/workshops
With social distancing protocols in place, you will need to book semi-private or private accommodation if you are attending as a single. If you are coming with someone you can share with please book semi-private (2 ppl) or shared (3 – 4 ppl) accordingly. Max group size will be determined by the gathering limits allowed at the time of the retreat.
For more information about our COVID-19 protocols click here.
If you have any questions please be in touch 866-609-1793 or email [email protected]
Celebrate the Dead
This weekend we pause from our busy lives to intentionally dedicate an evening to honour our ancestors and loved ones who have passed away. This observance is commonly known as the ‘Day of the Dead’, a colourful Mexican tradition with roots in the Aztec festival for the Goddess Mictecacihuatl, The Lady of The Dead. Many cultures across the globe have honoured their ancestors for centuries with special celebrations dedicating altars, shires or “Ofrendas”.
For most people, the subject of death is something that triggers fear, or is considered morbid; inappropriate for conversation. However, death is part of life. We are all going to die at some point and it’s a much easier process if we come to terms with the transition as a normal part of life. The unknown after death creates fear but in cultures where commemorating the departed is an annual event, the tradition is joyful as celebrants believe that death is not the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life, or the continuation of life.
On the eve of the ‘Day of the Dead’, (the basis for Hallowe’en) we stand by the belief that the gate between the worlds of the living and the dead opens up for a short time, and that during those moments our ancestors and departed loved ones cross the gate to reconnect with us. Guided by a celebratory intention, we will create our sacred space to openly praise their life in an intimate way.
In anticipation of this significant spiritual moment, and following a guided meditation in harmony with nature, we tap into a moment of solitude to inspire us to write a letter, a poem or a short anecdote to the departed.
We create a sacred, joyful space with a colourful and festive “Ofrenda” of flowers, personal trinkets, candles and pictures of the departed to welcome their arrival. Collectively, we wait at the gate between the two worlds with inspiring music, written messages, poems and stories to let our loved ones know that they are not forgotten.
The retreat comes to a close the morning after with meditation and contemplation to settle our minds and spirits after the previous night’s experiences, and with our intention to live on a healthy and spiritual life.
SCHEDULE
Sunday
3 – 4 pm Arrive and settle into your cabin
4:30 Meet and greet in the studio”
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Setting Intention for the evening to honour loved ones who are deceased
Creating the sacred space: we’ll build an altar, and share our stories of those we honour, remembering what they brought into our lives. Building the altar, making offerings (craft activities, materials included) and writing poetry/stories
Offerings: A ritual to remember those we celebrate that night. This will include music, personal stories and poetry.
*The evening may be long, as we take the time needed to share stories and celebrate the dead, before heading to bed.
You are encouraged to bring photos of those you want to remember and honour, any personal items connected to them to share on the alter, as well as any favourite snack foods they enjoyed.
Monday – The Day of the Dead
8:00 am Meditation – or sleep… do what you need!
8:45 Breakfast
10:00 Self care session: Self acceptance, release self-criticism,
12:00 Dismantle the altar
12:30 pm Lunch
2:00 Self-care session – loving kindness meditation
3:00 Free time – book a massage (based on availability, first come, first served basis), nap, or hike
5:30 Dinner
7:00 Restorative Yoga
Tuesday, Nov 2
7:30 am Gentle Hatha Yoga – or sleep if you need
9:00 am Breakfast and free time
10:30 am Meditation
11:00 Group closing discussion
12:30 pm Lunch – Nourish your body!
You are welcome to stay and enjoy the trails, the ambiance & your new friends. Depart at your leisure.
Written orientation will be sent to participants a 2 weeks before to the retreat. It will include:
- A brief historical and cultural background including the spiritual meaning of the celebration.
- Suggestions for the items to bring to help create the sacred space.
