Awakening in Nature: Nature as a Path for Spiritual Growth
With Dean Nicholson and Maureen Smith
September 23 - 25, 2022
Wisdom traditions from around the world and across time have extolled the power of nature as a tool for spiritual growth and realization.
In this weekend in-person retreat you will engage in a combination of mindfulness meditation practices, art and creative exercises, and group discussion, all focussed on experiencing and interacting with the natural world in a transformative way.
Set in the beauty of the Okanagan Valley, nestled in amazing nature, this retreat will help you connect with the miracle of living with gratitude and awe. You will leave this retreat feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and with experiences that empower you to consciously engage with the natural world as a way of deepening your spiritual journey.
This retreat is for you if:
- You have a love of nature and want to learn how to leverage that love to support your spiritual growth and understanding.
- You would like to learn and practice time-honoured mindfulness meditation practices.
- You want an experience that will awaken and transform your understanding of yourself in relation to the natural world.
- You would like to practice and share with others in a safe and structured environment.
What you can expect:
In a safe, supported and structured setting you will:
- Learn about the Buddhist Three Marks of Existence as a way of understanding the nature of life, struggle and liberation.
- Learn how to interact with and explore the natural world as a way of deepening spiritual practice and understanding.
Retreat Schedule:
Friday: 7:00 – 9:00pm
Welcome, Orientation, Evening Meditation
Saturday: 9:00-12:00; 2:00-5:00; 7:30-9:00
Group and individual mediation practice, creative exercises, teaching and group discussion
Sunday: 9:00-12:00
Group practice. Group discussion. Closing.
In a safe and structured environment, there will be guided group meditations, individual meditation practice, art and creative exercises, time for reflection and journaling, and group teaching and discussion.
*Note: This retreat can be experienced on its own, or as a companion piece to the Come to Your Senses Retreat, and the monthly online meditation practice group Together in Spirit 2022: Online Community of Learning and Practice
Created in Partnership with
About the Program Leaders
Dean Nicholson
Dean has a Masters in Counselling Psychology. He is the Executive Director of East Kootenay Addiction Services Society with over 30 years clinical counselling experience in the mental health care field. Dean's areas of interest and expertise include depression and anxiety, trauma, addictions and spiritual growth. He has supported thousands of people through individual and […]
Learn more about Dean Nicholson
Maureen Smith
A Registered Clinical Social Worker, Maureen has been a Mental Health and Substance Use Counsellor for over 9 years and previously worked in Hospice and Palliative Care. She is a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator and meditation teacher. Since 2005, Maureen has been a resident and co-manager of the Clear Sky Retreat Center. For […]
Learn more about Maureen SmithCategories : Personal Stays, Winter stays