A Half-Day Gathering in Whistler, BC to Honour the Turning of the Season
As summer begins to soften into autumn, nature offers an invitation to pause. The Autumn Equinox is a threshold moment between light and dark, with the fullness of summer behind us and the quiet of fall ahead. It's a natural time to slow down, reflect and reconnect before stepping into whatever lies next.
Join Carolyn for The Seasonal Pause, a thoughtfully curated half-day gathering designed to honour this transition with her favourite practices and in her favourite mountain town. Carolyn has invited two cherished Whistler teachers, Sara Russell and Heidi Whent, to join her in creating this experience.
This is an opportunity to make space for yourself - to pause with the season, notice where you are, honour what matters and cross this seasonal threshold with greater presence and intention.
Sunday, September 20th, 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Itsken Hall at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Whistler, BC
Every part of the afternoon has been intentionally designed to mirror the rhythm of the season.
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Ground into the present through movement, breath and connection. We'll begin with a Cultural Welcome, Meditation and Pilates class with Sara (of Reform Whistler) to cultivate inner and outer steadiness.
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As the season turns, create space to let go of what no longer feels aligned. Through guided Journaling, Breathwork and Sound, we'll release anything we've been carrying that no longer needs to come with us.
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Soften into nourishing Yin Yoga with Heidi, Meditation and quiet integration tools with Carolyn. Leave feeling restored, connected and clear, carrying simple practices - and meaningful intentions - into the season ahead.
YOUR AFTERNOON
A Cultural Welcome honouring the land, place and ancestry
Grounding meditation and seasonal intention setting
Dynamic Pilates with Sara Russell of Reform Whistler
Guided journaling and seasonal reflection
A spacious mid-afternoon break to enjoy refreshments, connect with others, or simply take a few quiet moments for yourself
Transformative Breathwork and Sound
Nourishing Yin Yoga with Heidi Whent
Seasonal integration practices to continue at home
Light refreshments and thoughtfully curated gifts from local businesses
Meaningful connection within a welcoming community
THIS RETREAT IS FOR YOU IF
You're craving a meaningful pause before autumn begins.
You feel ready to reconnect with yourself after a full summer.
You're navigating change or entering a new season of life.
You're longing to regulate your nervous system through movement, breath and rest.
You appreciate thoughtful experiences that nourish both body and mind.
You'd like to step into autumn feeling grounded, intentional and supported.
MEET YOUR GUIDES
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Carolyn has been guiding Meditation, Breathwork and Yoga experiences since 2009. Her work blends evidence-informed nervous system practices with compassionate inquiry, helping people cultivate greater resilience, presence and self-awareness. The Seasonal Pause reflects her belief that the changing seasons offer a beautiful invitation to slow down, reconnect with ourselves and intentionally mark life's natural transitions.
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Sara Russell is the founder of Reform Whistler (Whistler’s newest Pilates studio) and a passionate Pilates instructor known for her thoughtful, encouraging approach to movement. Her classes build strength, stability and confidence while helping people feel more connected to their bodies. Sara's dynamic practice will invite us to root into the body and awaken energy for the journey ahead.
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Heidi Whent is a Whistler-based yoga teacher whose calming presence and nurturing approach create space for deep rest and restoration. Heidi invites students to slow down, soften and reconnect with themselves, beautifully complementing the reflective nature of our afternoon together.
A Note on the Experience
The Seasonal Pause has been intentionally designed as a supportive and thoughtfully held space to slow down and honour the changing season.
Rather than offering quick fixes or promising transformation, we'll share practices that invite greater awareness. Like any meaningful experience, what you receive from the afternoon will be shaped by what you're willing to bring to it - your curiosity, your openness and your willingness to meet yourself honestly.
You'll be guided every step of the way, while also being encouraged to honour your own needs and participate in a way that feels supportive and sustainable for you. Our hope is that you leave feeling a little more grounded, connected and clear, with simple practices to continue carrying into the season ahead.
*This afternoon includes Transformative Breathwork and gentle movement. Participants are responsible for honouring their own needs and are encouraged to modify or opt out of any practice. If you have questions about whether this experience is appropriate for you, please reach out (info@carolynannebudgell.com) before registering.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
As the season begins to change, offer yourself an afternoon to slow down, reconnect and welcome autumn with greater clarity and intention.
Prices are CAD
A Half-Day Gathering in Whistler, BC to Honour the Turning of the Season
As summer begins to soften into autumn, nature offers an invitation to pause. The Autumn Equinox is a threshold moment between light and dark, with the fullness of summer behind us and the quiet of fall ahead. It's a natural time to slow down, reflect and reconnect before stepping into whatever lies next.
Join Carolyn for The Seasonal Pause, a thoughtfully curated half-day gathering designed to honour this transition with her favourite practices and in her favourite mountain town. Carolyn has invited two cherished Whistler teachers, Sara Russell and Heidi Whent, to join her in creating this experience.
This is an opportunity to make space for yourself - to pause with the season, notice where you are, honour what matters and cross this seasonal threshold with greater presence and intention.
Sunday, September 20th, 2026
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Itsken Hall at Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Whistler, BC
A detailed welcome email with all the info of the gathering will land in your inbox within 48 hours of purchase.
Due to the intimate nature of this gathering and the advance planning involved, registrations are non-refundable.
Prices are in CAD.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Itsken Hall Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Whistler, BCGoogle map location here.
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Root
11:00 am Opening Meditation & Seasonal Intention Setting
11:20 am Cultural Welcome
11:35 am Pilates with Sara Russell
Release
12:15 pm Guided Reflection and Journalling & Altar Ritual
12:40 pm Refreshment Break
1:00 pm Transformative Breathwork & Sound Journey
Receive
1:45 pm Yin Yoga with Heidi Whent
2:20 pm Journaling, Group Reflection & Integration
2:40 pm Closing Circle & Oracle Card
3:00 pm Farewell
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All guided sessions
Light refreshments
Thoughtfully curated gifts from local businesses
Take-home reflection and integration practices
*Travel to and from Whistler and Accommodation is not included
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A welcome email will be sent within 48 hours of purchase with a list of what to bring and additional information.
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If you don't have access to a vehicle, convenient coach services such as Skylynx and Epic Rides offer regular transportation to Whistler Village, just a short walk from the venue.
Carpooling: We might be able to help connect you with someone also attending the retreat who has room in their car. This is not a guaranteed option, it depends on who is joining and if they are able to fit another person in.
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The Seasonal Pause has been intentionally designed as a complete experience, with each practice building on the one before it. To honour the group and the flow of the afternoon, we ask that participants plan to arrive on time and remain for the full gathering whenever possible.
If an unexpected circumstance arises, please let us know.
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Due to the intimate nature of this gathering and the advance planning involved, registrations are non-refundable.
If you're unable to attend, you're welcome to transfer your registration to someone else with advance notice. If there is a waitlist and we're able to fill your space, we'll happily refund your registration, less a small administrative fee.