An opportunity to recharge before the busyness of fall and to grow more appreciation for life’s simple moments.
Join Carolyn Anne Budgell for a 5 day, 4 night retreat into silence, space and rest with a like-minded community. Amidst the towering trees and gentle forest paths on Vancouver Island, BC, our quiet retreat centre offers a space to step away from daily noise and reconnect with stillness. This retreat is designed for those seeking a pause and time to just be.
Our home:
A retreat like this requires a special space - one that is immersed into nature, with the simplest of dwellings and untouched natural surroundings. Welcome to the Earthspring Sanctuary Retreat Centre, located within a large protected nature sanctuary in the Highlands, near Victoria BC.
Just 30 minutes from the Victoria ferries and airport, Earthspring is a quiet area of forests, streams and open hilltops where individuals can find refuge and "come back home to themselves." The land offers an extensive trail network and outdoor spaces for contemplation and ceremonial gatherings from multiple traditions.
Cuisine by Marika Richoz:
Three nourishing meals are provided daily. With Marika's care, you will find yourself fully satiated with vegetarian dishes that will become part of the meditation practice. Mindfully eating and appreciating every last bit.
Accommodations:
Earthspring offers a variety of simple, yet comfortable accommodation options including self-contained cabins in a forested refuge, private rooms with ensuites and dorm spots.
Main Lodge Rooms:
There are four Lodge Rooms in the Main house with ensuite washrooms, some with views of the pond and some facing into the forest. An adjacent washhouse has a shower for guests.
A Dormitory space (female only) on the top floor of the Lodge provides six single beds. Guests share a private toilet and shower.
Forest Cabins:
Earthspring offers several self-contained cabins in a forested refuge. In a room illuminated by the moon coming through the window, within a web of natural life that envelopes you for restorative resting.
Cabins have a loft with a queen size bed, electric power, cook stove, compost toilets, drinking water, wood or propane heat and wrap around decks.
Daily Schedule:
The retreat begins with an evening gathering before we transition into silence, allowing you to settle into the experience with intention and connection to others. Over the next several days, guided meditation sessions, dharma talks, silence, guided gentle yoga, self led walking meditations and opportunities for reflection provide the structure to deepen your practice. Though silence is maintained, there will be designated times for questions and one-on-one guidance.
This retreat is for those with prior meditation experience.
View alternate retreat dates here.
A detailed welcome email with all the retreat info will land in your inbox within 48 hours of purchase. Payment plans are available. Prices are in CAD.
please fill the sign up form after completing your purchase
“I wanted to let you know how that weekend helped me, in many ways, and gave me the gentleness I needed. I’m really driven to your approach, and it helped me to heal from different things I’ve been going through in the last year, even if it’s a journey. Thank you so much for that opportunity, for your kindness and to allow us to live that beautiful experience with you.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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We recommend having some experience with meditation. This retreat is not ideal for someone brand new to the practice.
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Earthspring is located close to Victoria on Vancouver Island, BC. Check www.bcferries.com for ferry options.
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We request that everyone is at the centre and ready to begin by 3pm on Tuesday Aug 12th.
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A detailed reminder of what to pack will be sent out one month prior to the retreat.
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The Dormitory is the best option for you.
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Yes, we are able to accommodate many needs, such as gluten-free, dairy free or vegan. On this 5 day retreat, there will be three meals daily. All meals are primarily organic vegetarian cuisine. Please ensure that you communicate extra dietary information clearly in a separate email, after registering.
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Absolutely. A retreat is a lovely way to care for your growing body and to prepare for the changes that lie ahead.
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You are responsible for finding transportation to and from the retreat. We cannot guarantee carpooling with another retreater.
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Fill out the sign up form. The deposit (non-refundable) can be sent by purchasing directly through Carolyn’s website shop. A confirmation email will be sent within 36 hours, welcoming you to the retreat and to share more information with you.
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Credit Card is accepted through the store on Carolyn’s website, PayPal or Wise Transfer (for International participants). If you’d prefer to receive an invoice first, let us know via info@carolynannebudgell.com.
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After paying the deposit, you can choose to pay the remainder in 1 or 2 installments. One instalment would be collected 4 months prior to the retreat or two instalments would be collected 6 months prior and 4 months prior.
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The deposit is non-refundable. Please note that it is the responsibility of the participant to schedule travel and plan accordingly to arrive on time. Please note that there shall be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, extreme weather situations or any force majeure conditions, as well as travel delays or illness.
We wish we could compensate people for unforeseen circumstances, but we have incurred expenses.
If you need to cancel and there is adequate advance notice, the remainder (after the non-refundable deposit) might be refunded, only if your spot is filled.