If you’re a heart-centered individual who longs to escape the overwhelm
and find a reprieve from the noisy world around you,
then join us for a life-changing weekend amidst the
beautiful Southern Alberta Foothills.
There is such clarity to be found in the quiet…
Sitting at the window as the morning sun warms your skin, you’re lost in the peace and stillness of the forest around you.
Slowly your senses awaken, as you begin your day with a sense of calm and wonder.
You let out a grateful sigh, as you realize you have no one to please but yourself… a full weekend dedicated to allowing your soul the freedom to relax and discover what truly brings joy to your heart.
What you give your attention to, grows…
As your focus turns inward, you give yourself permission to abandon all the responsibilities and expectations … and you feel your shoulders drop as the weight you carry begins to lighten.
In these peaceful surroundings, you understand what it means to live intentionally… to allow yourself to be fully engrossed in each moment… you focus on the sun warming the ground, the burst of new growth, and the chatter of the birds.
Sharing this space with a group of heart-centered individuals, you begin to shed the labels you attach to yourself… to let go of the need for perfection… and to trust in the power and the courage of showing vulnerability, as you are supported… and celebrated… for being your beautiful, authentic self.
This is so much more than a weekend retreat... it is the beginning of a new way of conscious, joyful living.
It’s true what they say… no one can pour from an empty cup…
When you constantly keep giving everything you’ve got to those around you, your cup eventually runs dry. And eventually it stays that way if you never take the time to fill it back up.
How much would it mean to you to be able to:
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Simplify your To Do list and actually gain extra time every day? Do you feel yourself breathing easier already?
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Infuse your life with happiness by incorporating activities YOU enjoy into your daily mix of responsibilities? It’s time to start dreaming!
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Establish healthy boundaries and be able to say NO to other people’s wants and needs, and YES to your own (without feeling guilty). It is possible!
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Cultivate deeper connections with the people in your life by prioritizing your time with them instead of “squeezing them in”? Watch your relationships blossom!
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Incorporate healthy lifestyle habits that don’t require a ton of time and energy? Imagine looking AND FEELING wonderful!
This weekend is your time to:
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Immerse yourself in the healing stillness of your natural surroundings with time to meditate, journal, or simply walk the beautiful grounds
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Evaluate the distance between where you are… and where you want to be by allowing your dreams to surface and to begin to trust that inner guidance that knows what lights you up and fuels your spark
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Understand what healthy boundaries look like for you and discover positive ways to put them into practice that leave you feeling empowered
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Enjoy authentic conversations and laughter as you draw on the collective energy of the beautiful women who will be joining you
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Experience new modalities that allow you to incorporate mini-breaks and positive daily practices to draw on when life feels overwhelming
It all starts by deciding you’re worth it…
THE LOCATION
A true retreat experience doesn’t come from taking classes in a hotel conference room. It comes from losing yourself in the magic of your surroundings… and this is exactly why we chose Folk Tree Lodge.
Feel your stress begin to melt away as you leave the city behind and “escape” to the serenity of the Alberta foothills. As you pull into the drive of Folk Tree Lodge, you’ll be instantly transported to a place of total relaxation that is found in the 30 acres of pristine forest, vast open fields and a winding creek that spans the property. It provides a perfect backdrop for reflection and renewal just minutes outside of Calgary.
And nature doesn’t stop there. It continues throughout the cabins which weave together rustic charm and artistic craftsmanship.
Deer House is an authentic cabin built in 1954 featuring original oak floors, a cozy stone fireplace, perfect for meaningful conversations or fireside chats over a cup of tea, and a spacious sunroom, ideal for practicing yoga, qigong or meditation.
Beaver House features giant windows, mosaic floors, and a large kitchen, as well as a multi-level patio inviting casual meals and conversation, or a beautiful place to journal, while taking in the relaxing scenery of the forest and grounds.
Both cabins feature unique, country-inspired cozy bedrooms, multiple bathrooms (containing either a jetted tub or stand up shower), kitchen, sitting area and 360 degree views of the tranquil surroundings.
The property itself features an outdoor firepit, walking paths, swings, hammocks and outdoor seating which you are encouraged to use during your free time.
THE CUISINE
We’d be amiss if we focused only on nourishing your mind and soul. We’ll also nourish your body with hand crafted meals containing fresh ingredients (locally sourced whenever possible), freshly baked breads and mouth-watering desserts.
Beaver House has a large, live edge table, allowing us to enjoy our lunch and supper meals family style, to encourage hearty conversation and loving connection.
Breakfasts are also provided, which you are welcome to enjoy at your leisure.
Food allergies or intolerances? No problem! Our local caterer is happy to accommodate any of your specific needs.
This is TOTALLY for you if…
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You’re feeling overwhelmed
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You constantly feel tired and low on energy
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You feel like you give to everyone else but never yourself
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Your methods of self-care are fleeting and the real world rushes back in too quickly
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You’re ready to do some self-evaluation to make lasting changes for yourself​
This is NOT for you if…
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You’re simply looking for a yoga weekend
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You need every second to be scheduled and don’t like to relax
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You don’t enjoy meeting new people
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You aren’t ready to step out of your comfort zone
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You don’t see the lasting benefit of investing in yourself
OUR WEEKEND ADVENTURE
Burn away the limiting beliefs you of have of yourself with a cleansing Fire Ceremony which lights the way for the most authentic you to emerge.
Imagine trusting yourself enough to make positive changes
that will benefit not only you, but the people around you?
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
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3 days and 2 nights accommodation at the picturesque Folk Tree Lodge – accommodation options are first come, first served (details below)
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5 delicious meals lovingly prepared by a local caterer: all three meals on Saturday, plus supper on Friday and breakfast on Sunday, as well as coffee and tea
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Guided yoga, qigong and meditation sessions appropriate for any and all levels
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Releasing fire ceremony to let go of what’s no longer serving you
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Authentic group discussions and time for connection
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Experiential nature walk
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Supportive, relaxed and nurturing environment
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
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Transportation and travel costs
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Additional food or drink in addition to our planned meals
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Yoga mats and meditation pillows
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Personal, medical or trip cancellation insurance
MEET YOUR HOSTS
Andrea Desjardins
I'm Andrea and I am the founder of Embrace Wellness & Retreats.
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From a young age, I have been guided towards a path of helping others. Although my careers haven’t always reflected that, I have often devoted time to volunteering, or taking on training roles to fill that piece of my heart.
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It took me a long time to discover that this mentality of needing to do everything perfectly (or at least trying to outwardly portray that) and putting the needs of everyone else before myself was a clear cut recipe for overwhelm, unhappiness and burnout. For years, I was so busy being busy that it never even occurred to me to do life any differently. Until one day, I just couldn’t anymore…
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…and that gut-wrenching moment changed everything! It put me on a path of a slowing down and doing some inner work to really get to know myself… not as a wife, mother, employee, or any other ways I defined myself…but simply as ME - the woman I am even without having to be any of those other things. And you know what I came to learn? I really like her and I am enjoying getting to know her as she changes and grows!
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In late 2021, I sustained an acute (but treatable) injury. Chronic pain and a compromised lifestyle had a profound effect on my mental well-being, and I quickly realized how intrinsically connected our physical and mental health are to each other.
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I was introduced to Qigong and instantly fell in love with this moving meditation practice that helps to open energy blockages in our bodies. This practice benefits not only the physical body, but also the mind and spirit. It's what inspired me to become a Certified Spring Forest Qigong Facilitator.
I created Embrace Wellness Retreats as a place to share tips and practices to help us all learn to slow down, and to strengthen and honour our bodies and our minds... and to truly cultivate a life of peace and joy.
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My vision is to build a strong community of beautiful, healthy, happy, vibrant women who support each other. I hope on this retreat you will find your tribe... or expand the amazing one you already have.
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I am so excited to get to know all of you!
Eliza Arentewicz
I’m Eliza and I’m just as passionate about energy work and helping people as Andrea is.
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 knew I was going to teach it one day but life got busy and in the way of following my dream.
Years later, life stressors took its toll on me physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I do believe I was running with a nervous system on high alert at all times from a busy and stressful life. Fortunately, I was still practicing yoga and knew that it always was my best way to reset myself, during the worst of times.
Serendipity finally lead me to 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 life is very different now. I’m no longer under constant stress. I cherish all the moments I get to assist others to take better care of themselves. Slowing down and being present is key, I believe, to a more joyous life. There are different ways to make changes for everyone.
It is my desire to share some of these ways so that you can create a ritual that will work best for you to find your joy, your passion and your path to better wellness.
REGISTRATION
This is an all-inclusive retreat!
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All you have to get yourself here, and we'll take care of the rest.
Our goal is to make this retreat as relaxing and carefree as possible.
Multiple room configurations are available to fit the needs and budgets of all of our attendees.
See one that suits you best?
Let us know and we’ll do our best to reserve it for you.
*All rooms are available on a first come-first served basis.*
​You must provide your own roommate to utilize the double or triple occupancy rate.
Roommates will NOT be provided.*
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*Should you register for a double or triple occupancy rate without a roommate, you will be switched to a single occupancy rate.*
ROOM CONFIGURATIONS AND TOTAL RETREAT INVESTMENT
Scroll though the tabs below to see which room is right for you.
QUEEN SUITE (1 available)
Includes separate entramce, private bathroom with oversized shower, bedroom with Queen Bed,
living room/kitchen + Queen Sofa Bed
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HAVE IT ALL TO YOURSELF!
Single Occupancy
$1500.00
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BRING A FRIEND (OR MORE THAN 1) AND SAVE!
Double Occupancy
$1150.00
*per person cost
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Triple Occupancy
$900.00
*per person cost
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Quad Occupancy
$800.00
*per person cost
* Rooms may not be exactly as shown.
Non-Refundable Deposit of $250.00
due at the time of Registration
Balance due in full by October 23, 2024
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If you prefer a custom payment plan, we can certainly do so,
however, balance must be paid in full by October 23, 2024.
Simply submit your registration form (including deposit) to reserve
your spot and we'll contact you to finalize your room and payment details.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Any cancellation will result in a total loss of the $250 deposit. Full payment is due 30 days prior to Retreat start date. Any cancellation between October 23, 2024 and the Retreat start date will result in a total loss of funds. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if it is not meeting the trip minimum (if we do so your deposit and any subsequent payments will be refunded in full). Trip cancellation insurance is always recommended whenever making travel plans.