Join us for the second annual BYOR – a co-created and emergent weekend of practice and presence.
Unplug, relax in nature, explore the forest, swim in the river, sleep under the stars, dream your dreams…follow your own rhythm on 10 acres of beautiful, private, forested land.
The year’s weekend will be lightly facilitated by Kalen and Colleen (bios and schedule below).
Join us for the whole weekend or drop in for a part of it – read on for more details.
⬆️ Snapshots of The Land. More info below
Context: This spacious retreat is rooted in our desire to be in practice, in community, in the natural world. Each day will include a few optional opportunities for guided practice and intentional sharing.
This weekend is best suited for people who are comfortable spending good stretches of time in nature and who already have a basis of some practice(s) to work with – e.g. meditation,
nature connection, movement, art, writing, etc.
We anticipate our group will be small and intimate – maximum 10 people.
The basic structure of the weekend will be:
9-10am – Morning movement, meditation and intention setting
1-2pm – Nature connection practice
7-8pm – Harvest from the day, restorative practice
Quiet time and goodnight
All programming offerings are optional. Other offerings may be added in or even offered by other participants. We encourage you to feel in to your own needs around connection and solitude throughout the weekend.
You are welcome to be in noble silence for part or all of the retreat, or to be in connection with others who are not observing silence.
We fully encourage self- care, rest and reliance on your own inner guide to support you during your time on The Land.
Facilitators will be available for check ins and support as needed.
Things to do while on The Land:
Forest bathing
Self guided meditation practice
Explore the land (10 acres of forest)
Swim in the Koksilah River (25 minute walk)
Walk along the Cowichan Valley Regional Trail
Arts and Crafts
Self-designed ceremony/ritual
Rest and relaxation
Reading
Do whatever you want to do! *But please respect that this is a sober weekend.
Logistics
This is a camping/tenting retreat – choose from a forested spot (a short hike in) or car camping in the clearing
Bring your own food – fridge and food storage, outdoor kitchen, camp stove and basic cookware will be available
Base Cost – $50/night. Includes camping, facilities and 3 hours of programming each day
Sliding scale options are available on an as needed basis – please inquire!
To register email kalenleaf[at]gmail[dot]com. Please indicate whether you’ll be joining for one or two nights or for a day visit.
If you’re curious but hesitant, or just want to talk more about what this weekend could look like for you, please be in touch to discuss!
Facilitator Bios:
Kalen Colson, RCC (they/them) is a nature-based therapist, certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and a land tender. Kalen has been studying meditation and practicing group facilitation for over a decade. Currently delving into the practices of deep ecology and soul work, Kalen loves spending quiet, slow time on The Land.
Colleen Browne (she/her) has been meditating for 15 years. She lived at Tassajara Zen Center (the monastery for San Francisco Zen Center) for 3 years, is a certified Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga Teacher and hosts a weekly meditation gathering at her home in Shawnigan Lake. Lately she has been exploring ancestral work with Perdita Finn and expanding her understanding of Sprit.
Hazel is a hypoallergenic therapy dog who loves to greet and connect with guests on The Land.
More information about The Land
We will be gathering on “The Land” – 10 acres of mostly forested and wild land edging on the Cowichan Valley Regional trail, a 25 minute walk to the Kinsol Trestle and Koksilah River.
Kalen has been stewarding and hosting small retreats on this land for the past 5 years. Tucked away at the end of a long driveway, we have lots of privacy and won’t be seeing any neighbours or other folks. We may hear cars, children, other neighbourly noises or activity on the nearby Cowichan Valley trail. Generally, the land is quiet and peaceful. We hear lots of birdsong and frogs, see lots of trees and big skies.
Infrastructure on the land includes: The Gathering Space (500 square foot space with a wood stove, art supplies, books), an outhouse (pit toilet), a sometimes temperamental outdoor shower (cold showers are almost always an option), fridge and coolers for food storage, outdoor kitchen, tea station, tent platforms, multiple trails to explore, living altars and more.
There is no wifi on the land and cell service is available but sometimes spotty. We encourage you to consider fully unplugging and enjoying a tech-free weekend.
If you have questions about The Land please feel free to reach out.
