Upcoming Retreats

Rooting Our Hearts
Tools for Inner Peace

Oct 27-29, 2023 - Samish Island, Washington

Are you tired of seeing only the sad news stories of how people treat each other? Do you find yourself still wondering what “normal” life is anymore?

You are not alone. At our nurturing spirit retreats we seek to remind ourselves of the good in ourselves and one another and cultivate resilience while we restore our faith in the world.
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When you join us you will get to try different creative practices, experience embodied spirituality, and listen to illuminating stories and teachings.

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​Our retreats bring together participants in the different Creating Connection groups across Canada and the general public. These gatherings have resulted in powerful and unexpected life-changing events in the lives of attendees. A typical weekend program might consist of these categories:
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1. ​​mind/body practices
2. conversation and connection activities, and
3. lectures and workshops

Events are arranged to allow participants to focus on the category in which they are most interested in. Individuals may also feel inspired to be adventurous and sample something new. There are plenty of opportunities for participants to gather together and share what they have learned, or to freely opt out of any activities and make use of the beautiful surroundings and environment for their own personal rest, meditation and reflection.

Our Calendar

Facilitator's Workshop

Future 2024 Date TBD

Have you considered starting a Creating Connection group in your area? Are you currently facilitating a group and wish to exchange ideas and best practices with other organizers? This workshop is an opportunity to learn facilitation models, explore marketing tools, and experience a Creating Connection community. 

Barrie, ON

Future 2024 Date TBD

Experience community and connection through this full day of learning, meaningful discussion, meditation, music, healthy food, and authentic relating with others, followed by Earth Hour.

London, ON

Future 2024 Date TBD 

This no-cost retreat will include workshops and presentations, focusing on the theme of ‘Pilgrimage’. You will have the option to experience holistic mind-body practices, including mindfulness meditation, drum circle, walking a labyrinth, Tai chi, and meaningful conversation.

Past Retreats

A Taste of Nurturing Spirit
A Day of Retreat and Connection

June 17, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

A meaningful day of Nurturing Spirit with 5 different leaders!
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Nurturing Spirit Retreats provide an opportunity for meditation, gentle yoga, deep relaxation, spiritual conversations, and learning. We are inclusive and value each person and living being on the planet. Through mindful, meaningful and spiritual conversations, we hope to create a better world for all of us, one small step at a time.

Creating Community
Where Spirit, Nature, and Justice Meet

June 1-4, 2023 - Samish Island, Washington

Many of earth’s communities now live out of balance with the world around them. Many lack access to food, water, and shelter; the universal needs for existence. Many have gifts that go unrecognized and unshared. As a result, all communities—the human and the more-than-human—experience woundedness and loss.
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Come for a weekend of nurturing, awareness and hope. Join in community as we learn about and experience profound acts of reconciliation and restoration happening both locally and throughout the world.
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Find your place in this great awakening.

London, ON

July 13, 2019

A day of learning, meaningful discussion, meditation, music, healthy food, and real connection with others. More than fifty participants from across Southern Ontario and New York State had the opportunity to sample the Creating Connection experience free of charge. 

Priceville, ​ON

May 31—June​ 2, 2019

A weekend of mind-body practices, lectures, and meaningful conversation. Through workshops, discussion, and lectures we explored the theme "What matters most" with a very diverse group of participants. Thank you all for making this retreat a very unique and memorable experience. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Brantford, ​ON

February 22-24, 2019

Our first winter retreat was a great success thanks to all those who braved the weather and chose to spend a weekend at Circle Square ranch. We explored the theme "Living life meaningfully together" with discussion, mind-body activities, and more. 

Vancouver, BC

February 24, 2019

A day to discover water as the healing wellspring of life

• Through image and story
• Through meditation and movement
• Through music and metaphor
• Through rest and through play

Testimonials

“In a world that seems full of polarization, a place of unity where we move past our divisions is an oasis in the desert.”

“An escape from the city to connect and learn, open to everyone, welcoming and fun.”

“I had a wonderful experience with old friends and made new ones. Loved the accepting, non-judgmental atmosphere.”

“I was inspired to speak my desire and create connections in my own community, and now is the time!”

About Us

Creating Connection is a network of welcoming and inclusive communities across Canada committed to sharing in authentic conversation, promoting meaningful activities, fostering holistic wellness practices, and fostering compassionate action

Our communities engage in a variety of activities, including: coffee & conversation, adult colouring, book clubs, drum circles, weekend retreats, mindfulness meditation, yoga, lifelong learning & lectures, knitting circles, and more.

All are welcome regardless of background. Participants include individuals from diverse religious traditions, many who consider themselves “spiritual but not religious,” as well as those who identify as agnostic or atheist.
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​We are LGBTQ+ affirming.

find a Creating Connection group near me