Resilient Heart Retreat
A Retreat for Deepening Self-Compassion
in our Daily Lives
October 23 - 27, 2016

What if you spent five days focused on nurturing one relationship?  

What if this relationship meant that someone ‘has your back’ every day for the rest of your life?  What if this person could comfort you in your darkest hour; when you’ve failed, disappointed yourself, and everyone else has turned away? What if this person could encourage and motivate you with kindness - always remaining focused on your long term health and well-being.  What if this person would stop you when you are about to speak in anger or frustration, help you to center yourself so that you can say and act with assertiveness and integrity?  What if this person understood who you really are deep inside and loved you anyway?  What if this was the relationship you had with yourself?

Join us for five days of strengthening your relationship with yourself.  In the tranquil setting of the Five Oaks Education and Retreat Center, you will nurture your body with healthy, locally sourced foods and find the space and solitude that will allow you to become more focused and centered.  Interspersed with your time in program, you will be able savour the beauty of the nature that surrounds you; walk the labyrinth, stroll along the river, and enjoy the majesty of the fall colours.  Our program includes Mindful Self-Compassion meditation, reflection exercises and relaxation techniques that will strengthen your relationship with yourself. Through this you will begin to develop greater self-compassion, build resilience, and discover ways to find a greater sense of peace in your life.    Consider what these five days could do for your most important relationship?
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What to expect from this Retreat:
  • You will share this experience with 20 – 30 participants
  • Program activities include meditation, short talks, experiential exercises, group discussion, home practices, and a direct experience of self-compassion
  • A safe, supportive environment for any difficult emotions that may arise
In the Retreat participants will:
  • Gain an introductory understanding of self-compassion and mindfulness
  • Learn how to motivate themselves with kindness 
  • Learn how to stop being so hard on themselves
  • Learn how to handle difficult emotions with greater ease and acceptance
  • Learn a variety of mindfulness and self-compassion techniques for home and everyday life
  • Learn self-care skills and how to mitigate the effects of caregiver fatigue
  • Learn how to practice the art of letting go and living with greater ease

Preparing for the retreat

Although it is not required, you may wish to familiarize with the concept of self-compassion prior to the retreat.  There are two books that we can recommend:  Self- Compassion by Kristin Neff Ph.D , and The Mindful Path to Self- Compassion by Christopher Germer Ph.D.   Both of those authors have websites with lots of resources and recorded meditation practices.  You might also enjoy watching the ‘TED talk’ by Kristin Neff called The Space Between Self Esteem and Self-Compassion.

Retreat Expectations

Plan to spend your time on this retreat in quiet reflection and communing with the natural world in this beautiful setting.  Many people will be using this time to decompress and disengage from the pressures and stress cause from our busy, noisy world and our ever increasing reliance electronic devices.  For these reasons, alcohol and partying behaviours are not permitted on the retreat grounds.  If you wish to enjoy electronic media in your own room, be sure to bring head phones so that you don’t disturb your roommate or other participants.  No cell phones are allowed during the retreat programming or in public spaces such as at meal time in the dining room.  You may certainly use your cell phone when you are alone in your room or outside as long as you are mindful not to disturb others.

What You Need to Bring to the Retreat

Plan to wear casual, loose comfortable clothing and dress in layers.  The grounds at Five Oaks are lovely and you will want to walk outside in the woods and along the river bank – savouring the peaceful environment.  Bring good walking shoes and outdoor clothing suitable for all types of weather.

You will want to bring a yoga mat, meditation cushion or cushions/pillows to support your body on the floor.  You can do the whole class including meditations sitting upright in a chair, but it is often a good idea to give yourself the option to change positions. Please also bring a covered water bottle and a shawl or blanket as it is common for your body temperature to fluctuate during meditation.  You will also need a journal or notebook as we will be doing some written reflective exercises.

Please indicate on your retreat registration if you have any specific dietary requirements.  The retreat centre is a nut–free zone and maintains a scent-free policy.