Listening to Songs of Awakening
Each September, as the Equinox balances light and dark on Earth, we step back to enter the “relative silence” of retreat—a time for meditation and self-reflection. This year’s theme, Listening to Songs of Awakening: Whose song are you listening to? What lyrics express your True Nature?, invites you to explore the music of your inner life.
When you arrive at Sarana Springs, the land itself may speak to you, inviting you to unwind and slow down. Through teachings from Buddhist and Earth-Based Indigenous traditions, and by listening to your own ancestral roots, you may hear songs, mantras, and stories that remind you of your spiritual purpose. Many of us have forgotten how to listen inwardly or to the wisdom of our ancestors, but these messages remain within us—carried in our DNA and revealed when we listen deeply and trust what arises.
This fall, we invite you to listen inwardly and create a quiet space in community to hear what is being called forth in your life. While the sounds of our busy minds may persist, we encourage you to step away from the chatter and nourish what you long for in your inner world. What source do you drink from? How do you nourish your relationship with the Creative Energies of Life and your deepest longings?
Drawing inspiration from teachings rooted in wisdom, compassion, and our relationship with the Earth, we are invited to speak our Truth to the world and align with a truer version of our Purpose for the benefit of all beings.
Please join us this fall for a nourishing weekend of community practice.
(Rev) Andrew Blake, Retreat Director
The Details
Retreat Structure & Offerings:
Two Retreat Options:
Standard Retreat: Friday–Sunday (Sept 19–21)
Extended Retreat: Friday–Tuesday (Sept 19–23, ending at 4pm). The extended retreat will run if a minimum number of participants register; additional fee applies.
Meditation & Silence: Periods of silent meditation to support deep listening and self-reflection.
Nature Connection: Time in nature exploring our 171-acre refuge.
Ritual & Council: Group ritual and sharing circles to foster community and insight.
Teachings: Guidance from Buddhist and Earth-Based Indigenous traditions, as well as opportunities to connect with your own ancestral wisdom.
Meals & Accommodation: Simple, clean, and nourishing meals provided. Limited on-site accommodation available, or you may stay locally.
Community: Practicing together as a community deepens meditation and offers inspiration from each other’s wisdom.
For Beginners: All levels of meditation experience are welcome. Beginners are encouraged to schedule a phone call with (Rev.) Andrew to ensure this retreat is a good fit.
During this retreat, you will:
Experience daily seated and walking meditation practices
Explore compassion for yourself and others through guided contemplation
Deepen your listening skills in a semi-silent retreat environment
Enhance your connection with nature and integrate it into your daily awareness
If you are a beginner to meditation and mindfulness practice, we ask that you contact (Rev.) Andrew, our Retreat Director to discuss your practice and how this can be of best support to you.
Dates and Times:
Standard Retreat: Friday–Sunday (Sept 19–21, 2o25)
Arrival 5:30 pm on Friday
Departure 4:30 pm on Sunday
Extended Retreat: Friday–Tuesday (Sept 19–23, 2o25, ending at 4pm).
The extended retreat will run if a minimum number of participants register; additional fee applies.
Location:
This retreat will take place in person at Sarana Springs near Chatsworth, ON. To see directions and learn more, see our page Visit Sarana Springs.
Pricing:
Fee: $495 (Friday–Sunday); additional fee for the optional extension (Friday–Tuesday).
The registration fee is sliding scale, meaning you can contribute more to support if you are able to support our work and make this retreat accessible to all. It is not required, and all fees include the same amenities.
The registration fee includes catering. Accommodation fees are extra.
Payment Arrangements/Financial Assistance: Don't hesitate to get in touch with us directly at info@saranainstitute.org if you want to discuss payment arrangements or financial constraints. We want you to attend the Autumn Retreat regardless of your financial situation.
Accommodations:
Camping options are available, and we have limited on-site accommodations in small cabins. Please contact us to reserve your spot. Accommodation fees are separate from the retreat cost.
Local Hotels, Inns, and B&Bs:
There are also some hotels, inns and B&Bs in Owen Sound and the surrounding area. If you are searching for accommodations on Airbnb, look for places closest to Holland Centre.
Danby House: https://www.danbyhouse.ca/
Two Sisters Inn: https://twosistersinn.com/
Travelodge Owen Sound: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/en-ca/travelodge/
Quality Inn Owen Sound: https://www.choicehotels.com/ontario/owen-sound/quality-inn-hotels/cna74
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.ca/
Meals:
We can accommodate most diets, food sensitivities, and allergies. Please inform us of your dietary requirements. Meals will be primarily vegtarian, with some protein options available.
Further Questions?
Contact us by email at info@saranainstitute.org.
About (Rev.) Andrew Blake, Retreat Director
(Rev.) Andrew’s path has guided him through a network of spiritual and healing traditions for over 50 years. These teachings, approaches, and mentors have nurtured both his own healing and awakening, helping him see life more clearly. They have also deeply informed what he has integrated and now brings back as teachings for his community.
As cofounder and program director at Sarana Institute, Andrew’s training and experiences in community life have matured through various programs he has created. These include the Mindfulness + Compassion Certificate Program for Healthcare, Palliative Care, and Caregiving Professionals; the Young Adult Nature Awareness (YANA) program, which supports the upcoming generation aged 18-35 with essential life skills and strategies; and other online programs that support individual meditation practices, including the Tuesday Night Meditation Sangha.
Beginning his spiritual practice and training in his teens, Andrew has studied, practiced, and trained extensively in numerous spiritual wisdom traditions and healing approaches that support both personal and collective transformation. His career began as a Registered Massage and Shiatsu Therapist, then as a Registered Psychotherapist, and later he graduated as a Buddhist Chaplain under the mentorship of his preceptor, Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD, at Upaya Institute in Santa Fe, NM. He often says, “I wear many hats.”
In his twenties, Andrew received rich spiritual training from his root teacher, Ven. Dhyani Ywahoo, the 27th generation holder of Tsalagi (Cherokee) wisdom teachings. Her school, Sunray Meditation Society, is rooted in both Indigenous and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Andrew took refuge first with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in 1980 and has since undergone lifelong Buddhist training, beginning in the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism and continuing with many other lamas and teachers. He has consistently translated his experiences and Buddhist studies into teaching opportunities for his community.
Reflecting on his journey, Andrew says, “I’ve been teaching most of my life now, and meditation classes on Tuesday nights for over 40 years. The one thing I’ve learned is that one never truly knows; we are constantly discovering new ways of knowing that gradually transform our lived experiences, illuminate greater meaning and aliveness, and turn our suffering into greater ease of being and joy.”
Contact (Rev.) Andrew anytime at andrew@saranainstitute.org.
