​Join us for an Inspirational 1/2 Day Retreat
Sacred Dreams Lodge
The Yurt @ Misty Ridge Retreat B&B
Sunday, November 17, 2024 from 1-5 pm
EMBRACE THE CHANGE
​​​We often think of menopause in terms of unwanted symptoms, that appear in our 50's, such as:
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the end of our reproductive stage
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hot flashes/night sweats
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increased belly fat
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thinning hair
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decreased libido
and that dealing with these issues is or will be just par for the course.
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The Truth Is:
Hormonal changes that affect our bodies start in our mid-30's and can be contributing to things like:
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digestive issues
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migraines
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difficulty sleeping
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muscle and joint pain
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anxiety, depression & panic attacks
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The Good News Is there are many tools and strategies available to make this transition smoother and much more enjoyable.
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So why isn't anyone talking about them?
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We are!!!
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Join us for a 1/2 day focused on understanding and honouring your body, which will include:
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education;
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discussion; and
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mind-body practices
that will leave you feeling empowered to make healthy and informed choices that are right for you.​​​​
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Going through the menopause journey is inevitable for all of us, but we can choose how we want to take it.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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Welcome Ceremony
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Intention Setting
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Understanding our Hormones
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Symptom Management
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Qigong for Hormonal Balance
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Fueling Our Bodies
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Somatic Practices
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Pelvic Floor Strengthening
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Sharing Circle
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Community & Connection
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Light Snacks and Refreshments
THE LOCATION
A true retreat experience doesn’t come from taking classes in a hotel conference room. It comes from losing yourself in the serenity of your surroundings… and this is exactly why we chose Misty Ridge Retreat B&B.
This unique 6.5 acre property offers panoramic views of the city skyline on one side, and majestic views of the rolling foothills on the other side, abundant wildlife, and most importantly, the opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature, which benefits both the mind and the body.
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Located just 40 minutes from downtown Calgary, and minutes from Spruce Meadows, our afternoon retreat will take place inside The Yurt at Misty Ridge.
Blessed and named Sacred Dreams Lodge, this is a truly magical location to come together to practice, to release, to share and to evolve.
WHAT TO BRING
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Yoga Mat
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Blocks, Bolster, Blanket or other comfort items
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Water Bottle and/or Hot Drink Mug
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Journal or Paper & Pen
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Hi. I’m Andrea, a certified Qigong Instructor and the owner of Embrace Wellness & Retreats.
My passion for all forms of health & wellness, and the importance of a strong mind-body connection, came about during a year-long shoulder rehabilitation process, where conventional medicine was not enough to enable me to fully recover. I am fascinated with the number of ways we can proactively support our own physical and mental health, and will continue to be a life-long learner so that I can make the best choices for my health and wellbeing.
We know our own bodies better than anyone else!
We are our best eyes, ears and voice, and when we are able to truly listen and understand how our body speaks to us, and then combine that with knowledge of what supports are available, we are in a powerful position to strongly advocate for what we need.
When I began to learn more about what happens on the menopause journey, I realized I could have been doing so much more earlier on during my peri-menopausal years, but at that time, the information was not readily available. Unfortunately, it still isn't known to many women, and the misconception that struggling through many unwanted symptoms (some of which are actually compromising our health) is just "part of the process" continues to be circulated... even throughout the medical system. We deserve better!
It is with that in mind, that I have partnered with Eliza and Teresa to bring this retreat to you. We are passionate about sharing information so that we are all empowered to make the choices that work best for us individually.
Andrea Desjardins
Eliza Arentewicz
Hi. I'm Eliza. My wellness journey began in 2000 when I took my first yoga class. I was intrigued and inspired by it, and still am to this day. I began Yoga Teacher training in 2015. It sparked my passion to teach others and to bring myself back to a more joyous life. It also lead me to take Meditation training and to become a Reiki Master and Qigong Teacher.
My perimenopause journey has been enlightening!
I continue to be surprised about how little I knew about it when it knocked on my door.
I was taking good care of myself but was still met with symptoms which have served as good lessons. I started diving into all aspects of it, educating myself as much as possible to make the right decisions for myself and continue to do so.
Every body is different and we need to empower ourselves with education and a clear voice to raise our concerns with care-givers.
All organ systems rely on our declining hormones. Sitting back and letting nature take its course was my thinking before entering menopause, but it is no longer. I take better care of myself now, focusing on sleep hygiene, nutrition, exercise, hydration and socialization. Self-care is necessary, daily.
My boundaries are now much more firm. I prioritize myself, no longer putting myself on the back burner to assist others.
It is my belief that this transition is an important time for women to deal with everything they have avoided, to take care of, within and around themselves, in order to carry onto our next era. It is a vital step to be taken in order to thrive because it is no longer a choice. Action is required!
Hi, I’m Teresa! I’ve worked in the wellness space for over 25 years, as an advocate for others, helping girls, women, and families navigate their journeys, and giving back to our community. During this time, I’ve had to do some pivoting, learning, growing, and adapting of my own.
I’ve learned along the way that true wellbeing is a journey that teaches us to stop, be present, learn from, and ultimately find joy and gratitude.
As a mom of two teenagers with family and job commitments, I understand that it’s easy to get stressed and hit bumps along the way. I’ve experienced first-hand the impact that a busy life with stress and decreasing hormones can have on our mind and body, and I’ve worked hard to bring alignment, gratitude, wellness, and purpose into my daily life.
One way I bring purpose to my life is through life-long learning, yoga, and facilitating. In 2000 I took my first yoga class and fell in love! By 2009 I became certified as a 200-Hour Hatha Yoga Instructor, Yoga Fusion instructor, Mayan Yoga instructor and have since taught over 1200 yoga classes. I’m also a Yoga Nidra instructor and a Certified Life Skills Coach. Over the last few years, I began to dive deeper into health and wellness by completing my Holistic & Integrated Health Certification and several certificate programs focusing on Menopause Transitions for women. I also have a BA in Sociology, and certificates in Human Resources and Public Relations & Communications.
I have always believed in the power and strength of women and that together we can inspire, create, and lift each other up!
Teresa Nelson Keller
INVESTMENT AND REGISTRATION
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