Retreat FAQs

Somatics comes from the Greek word “soma”, which means body. It is a body-mind practice that allows you to drop deeper into the awareness of what is happening inside your body. Somatics is the process of tuning into the body’s innate wisdom, to listen, observe and become aware of what is happening inside of you. When you tune into the body you become the witness of how sensations, experiences and the breath are taking place in that moment. It is a powerful tool to regulate the nervous system because the mind shifts away from chronic tension and flight-fight-freeze-fawn, to an aware present state, which dissolves the tension. Some common somatic practices include:Taking slow conscious breathsObserving sensations as they move through the bodyShanking or bouncing the body to move energy Body scanGrounding yourself

Every practitioner will have a different explanation of this based on their unique trainings, background and experiences. As a Certified Mastery Method Coach, I work from the inside out to create deeper and more lasting changes. This work is done on five levels: Somatic (body), Emotional, Mental, Behavioral and Unconscious. While we will be touching on all five levels during the retreat, the main focus is on somatics.Somatic coaching pays attention to how behaviours, blocks, patterns, situations, circumstances, and emotions are showing up in the body. The attention becomes not just about what the mind is doing, but how the body is reacting and responding to what is going on. It's about tuning into what the body has to say or show you. The mind is just the tip of the iceberg, beneath the mind is the entire body holding all your past memories and your deeper wisdom. When you move out of your mind and into the body, you get to drop into a deeper connection with your body, opening you up to your fullest potential and supporting you to step into the fullest expression of your authenticity. I chose somatic coaching because from my experience in healing from chronic pain and overcoming blocks, when you ignore what the body is showing you, you stay stuck. That’s like leaving the main character out of a juicy novel. When I started to slow down and really listen to my body, my awareness and growth expanded. Reconnecting to the body can be a slow process, and it’s important to move at the speed of trust and what your nervous system can handle. When I learned practical tools to move pain and blocks through the body without ignoring the body or “pushing through”, my healing took a leap.

Yoga means to unite. The practice of yoga is to form a union between the body, mind and soul. True yoga is learning to be with the mind and drop into the deeper awareness of the body, so that you can connect your soul ~ to be free ~ to beYou. It’s an empowering practice and a path to your authenticity. My style of yoga and coaching are somatic because they focus on how sensations, movements, experiences and emotions show up in the body. During the retreat you get to explore your body’s deeper intelligence to support you to uncover the patterns and conditioning that exist beyond the surface level. Where coaching merges with yoga in the retreat is that you are given the opportunity to slow down and move the body. Through the practice of asanas (postures), pranayama (breath control practices) and meditation, you will get to experience how your blocks are showing up in your body, so they don’t stay stuck there. You will get to physically move your blocks through and out of you, so that you don’t need to carry them anymore. This experience will create a deeply lasting change, a life-long tool to take home, and allow you to take more ownership of your life.

The mind alone cannot heal a physical survival response. While traditional coaching and therapy tend to focus on the mind, our bodies store past stress, trauma, and ancestral conditioning. By blending somatic coaching with yoga, your nervous system has the time and space to safely process and release what it has been holding, freeing you from chronic tension and emotional blocks at the root.

Cacao is the whole bean, minimally processed and raw, with a more intense, bitter, and earthy flavor. Ceremonial Cacao has been used by indigenous cultures in Central & South America for thousands of years to support health, well-being and spiritual growth. Cacao becomes "ceremonial" when it uses ethically sourced, minimally processed whole beans made into an unsweetened drinking chocolate that preserves its natural nutrients. Drinking it is a mindful ritual that involves setting an intention, practicing gratitude, and connecting deeply with your body and the plant.There are many health benefits to ceremonial grade cacao:Boosts mental health and enhances cognitive functionIs a natural aphrodisiacContains antioxidants to help manage stressHigh in magnesium and other mineralsSupports the overall cardiovascular system and improves skin healthWhen not consumed with sugar can reduce the risk of diabetes and prevent cancer.And if all that wasn’t enough, it’s the perfect coffee replacement because it contains a natural stimulant that boosts energy called theobromine. Curious with more questions, check out these FAQs about cacao.

A cacao ceremony is a mindful practice sitting in a dedicated space with presence to connect with the plant of cacao as a way to learn and use it as an ally for the heart and mind. It involves slowing down to follow three main pillars: gratitude, intention, reciprocity. Important to note that a cacao ceremony is not replicating any specific ancient indigenous ritual. It is a modern emergence that came about to honor the spirit of cacao and the invitation to go deeper in connection with yourself and life. A cacao ceremony can be practiced solo in daily ritual or in a group setting.

Over the last 6 years I have developed a relationship with cacao as a way to support me in my personal inquiries, make decisions, get inspired and spiritual growth. The spirit of cacao helps to connect you with your heart and your deeper wisdom within, so that you can listen, because the truth is YOU KNOW, it’s just about taking the time to slow down. I also decided to use cacao as a way to support you to open to joy, form a deeper connection to your body and tap into your authenticity. Cacao is not only a tasty warm drink to enjoy in the mornings (that will also support you getting over jetlag), but becomes a guide that you can take anywhere with you.

All skill levels for yoga are welcome! All classes I teach are appropriate for every-body, from beginners to advanced, regardless of your experience, flexibility & strength. I believe yoga should be inclusive. I have been teaching trauma-informed yoga therapy since 2011, and it is second nature to me to offer different options based on people’s injuries, flexibility and strength. If you have any specific concerts or questions, please contact me.

There will be a combination of gentle & therapeutic yoga, restorative yoga, align & refine, and mindful flow classes being taught. In addition, classes will include pranayama (breath control practices) and meditation. All classes will be adjusted according to how people feel each day. Class Descriptions: Gentle & Therapeutic Yoga: For every-body regardless of your age, experience, size or shape of your body. It’s a great place to start or continue your yoga practice regardless of your experience, physical limitations, and strength. This class is also great for those recovering from or currently experiencing injuries and/or pain. During this class you will use your breath as your guide to gently move, while listening to what your body needs. Taught at a slow pace with therapeutic postures and sometimes QiGong movements, your body, mind, and soul will thank you for taking this time to practice.Restorative Yoga: A relaxing class to soothe and calm the nervous system. Poses are held for longer periods of time using props from around the house to support the body to be comfortable in order to rest and let the nervous system settle. At the end of class students will feel well rested, ready to focus and be present.Align & Refine: This class gives attention to form and details of the postures to learn proper alignment. Postures are generally practiced without flowing movements and might be repeated and broken down to bring greater awareness to the poses. A great class to build confidence, generate strength, and become present. Mindful Flow: A moderate class that is intentional and accessible. The breath is used to coordinate movement through flowing connected postures. By maintaining the focus on the breath and body alignment, mindful awareness is cultivated to become more present in oneself. Somatic Yoga with Coaching: A specific yoga practice and sequence to guide you more into your body to become aware of how your feelings, thoughts, behaviors, sensations, blocks are showing up in your body. Through thought provoking questions and personal inquiry you will explore how to move stuck energy out of the body to create lasting change, reduce tension and reconnect more to yourself.