Join us July 12th - 14th for a reviving retreat at Riverside Acres where you will find yourself amongst uniquely peaked cottages, surrounded by wild grasses and flowers.
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Riverside Acres offers us a very special opportunity to be off grid and feel the effects that nature can have on our minds and bodies. Waking up to the sounds of moments that do not include to-do lists or errands. Just taking the moments that you truly deserve and are of importance to our well-being.
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Shoes are optional
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Walk through the details with us below...​​​​​​
Pass Options
Arrival: July 12, 2024 at 5:00pm
Departure: July 14 at 10:30am
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Included in your stay:
2 nights in a shared cabin.
Private cabin option when you stay with a group of 3.
5 meals, refreshments, elixirs, snacks
All activities
$555.00 + tax
Arrival: July 13, 2024 at 12:00pm
Departure: July 14 at 12:00am
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Included in your pass:
Breathwork, Art Therapy, Cacao Ceremony,
Sunset Sound Bath, Ecstatic Dance under the stars
Snacks, Refreshments and Dinner
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$250+tax
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Friday, July 12
5:00pm
We will greet you upon arrival, get you checked in and assigned to your cottage so you can settle in for the weekend.
6:00pm - 7:00pm
Welcome dinner
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Dinner will be served in the pavilion laid with sand for grounding to welcome you to The Barefoot Retreat. Snacks will be provided to those arriving later. All dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.
7:30pm
The Barefoot Retreat Opening & Tree Planting Ceremony
As a gift to the land of Riverside Acres, we feel called to plant a tree in communion, we will come together to plant this tree, which will give back to Riverside Acres by providing beauty, shade, and a lasting symbol of our gratitude and connection to the land.
8:30pm - end
Fire Circle & Elixirs
We will close Friday with an intimate circle around the campfire with nourishing elixirs to support your gentle grounding and embodied arrival into the Retreat. Also allowing for a potential early bedtime for those who are keen to join in the Sunrise Sound Bath the following day.
Saturday, July 13
6:00am
Sunrise Sound Bath with Somatika
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Somatika consists of two facilitators, Meghan and Daren who will offer all of the sound vibration opportunities throughout the weekend. Greet the Sun with them for a Sunrise Sound Bath by the Labyrinth. As the sun begins to ascend you will find your self surrounded by the delicate sound of trees, layering of bird song amidst crystal singing bowls and chime. Place your bare feet or hands on the earth connecting with the earth beneath you.
7:00am
Grounding Yoga Nidra with Jodi Hope-Johnstone
Jodi is long time yoga teacher and powerful breathwork facilitator based out of Calgary, AB. As the sounds of singing bowls and chimes dissipate Jodi will lead you into an enriching yoga nidra session. A guided meditation and relaxation practice that will have you immersed, in a state of deep conscious relaxation.
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8:30am - 9:30am
Breakfast, muffins, and hot beverages will be served to consume in the kitchen or under the pavilion based on your preference.
9:30am - 11:30am
Expansion
Expansion time is to allow you time to create, explore, or simply rest. During this time we will provide a Nature Mandala workshop and mindfulness activities such as adult colouring sheets, and journal prompts.
11:30am - 12:30pm
Lunch and fresh brewed iced tea will be served under the pavilion. There are picnic tables located outside of each cottage if you would prefer to sit amongst the flowers and natural grasses.
12:00pm -- DAY PASS BEGINS
Day pass attendees arrive to check in and join in.
12:30pm - 2:00pm
Breathwork with Jodi Hope-Johnstone
Jodi will take you through controlled breathing techniques to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. by focusing on the rhythm and depth of breath. This breathwork session promotes emotional release by regulating the nervous system and oxygenating the body more efficiently. The effects of our breath can be surprisingly profound.
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2:00pm - 2:30pm
Snacks and refreshments will be served
2:30pm - 5:00pm
Art Therapy with Ania Telfer
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Ania Telfer is an incredibly creative Art Therapist based out of Edmonton, AB. She will facilitate an art therapy session called Story Sticks. Taking you through a journey as you weave your individual story using tempura paints, organic materials, cotton string, and of course, sticks! Ania will also provide grounding exercises and journal reflections to assist you integrate your session.
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5:30pm
We will gather for a dinner under the pavilion. We have set aside lots of time for dinner, expansion activities, relaxation by the fire, exploration of the land or connecting with others.
8:00pm
Cacao Ceremony with Kelley Thompson
Kelley is a multi-faceted facilitator based in Calgary, AB who specializes in everything from astrology, ceremony to fitness. Kelley will lead us into a heart-opening cacao ceremony, creating a space for participants to deepen their connection within. Cacao serves as a sacred plant medicine known for promoting emotional well-being, introspection, and a deep connection to oneself and the natural world.
9:30pm
Sunset Sound Bath with Somatika
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As the sun sets around 10 pm we will be sending off the day with the sweet vibrations of sound bowls, gong, chime and ocean drum. Reflecting on all that we have experienced today. Feeling the openess of Cacao before we start to move our final energies through.
10:30pm - 12:00am
Ecstatic Dance under the stars with DJ Vesi Vibes
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DJ Vesi Vibes is talented a female DJ that offers Ecstatic & Goddess dances in the Calgary area. As the sound bath comes to a close, DJ Vesi Vibes will play a live set of soothing, moving, and transformative music that will have your feet planted on the ground, surrounded by coloured spot lit trees. Close your eyes, allowing your body to move as it pleases under the dark night sky.
Sunday, July 14
8:30am - 9:30am
Breakfast, muffins and hot beverages will be served in
the kitchen or pavilion.
9:30am
Closing Circle
We will gather one more time in circle for reflection, thank you's and gifts.
10:30am
Goodbyes & departures
ABOUT RIVERSIDE ACRES
The land provides an abundance of opportunities to ground, connect, and completely restore your inner peace. A stone laid labyrinth lined by a slow moving river, with layers of birds chirping is where we will facilitate our sunrise sound baths.All meals will be intentionally homemade and served under the pavillion laid with sand for grounding.​
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The Cottages are named "The Keepers of the Land." Each one intentionally built and devoted to the memories to honour the men who have passed on too soon. Each holds a special energy, story, and life lesson. Inside, you will find 3 beds, with homemade patchwork quilts and lanterns. All cottages are off grid, and there are double outdoor showers for your use.
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All meals will be intentionally homemade and served under the pavillion laid with sand for grounding.
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This is the most intentionally created retreat space that I've come across. From the labyrinth, a poetry trail, a wishing tree, and so much more. Riverside is an absolute haven for healing opportunities.
Riverside Acres is a 14 acre wellness space brimming with natural beauty alongside the Redwater river near Vimy, AB. Our family has created an enchanting off-grid space for our guests to swap their busy schedules for a tranquil experience.
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LIVE SIMPLY is our motto.
Sink your toes into the grass, snuggle up with a patchwork quilt, watch the starry sky and hope to catch the northern lights dancing. Let the serenity of the quiet country bless your spirit. Life at Riverside Acres means taking a step back in time where living simply reminds you of all the joys in nature.
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