Speaking with Nature
An in person Earth Day Retreat
Saturday, April 26th, 10 am - 5 pm
Mindfulness practice, earth-based community processes, eco-art, and a locally sourced nourishing meal, on a 171 acre nature refuge.
Join us for a day of nature connection through inward reflection and outward exploration at Sarana Springs. Our minds can often be full of distractions, but something big happens when we unwind and step into the forest to sit with trees and rocks or pause by flowing water.
For thousands of years, Indigenous and Earth-based traditions have guided us to see the earth as a living, breathing being. We are part of that wondrous aliveness, though modern life has disconnected many of us from her essence, and from our own true selves.
This one day retreat is designed to inspire a more mindful, compassionate relationship with both yourself and the world around you by creating space to feel, grieve, and connect with the powers in nature. Through deep listening, we will enter a field of greater awareness with simple, intentional steps toward finding our place in the world - a place that nurtures stewardship and a bonding relationship with our precious Earth.
What to Expect:
Guided sitting and walking meditation
Reflective practices and group sharing
Time to attune to yourself in nature
Group processes for engaging with the voice of the earth
Teachings from Buddhist roots and Earth Based Traditions
All meditation and mindfulness levels are welcome. Please contact us regarding mobility needs or medical considerations.
Dates and Times:
This day-long retreat is on Saturday, April 26, 2025
9:30 am: Arrival at Sarana Springs near Chatsworth, Ontario
10:00 - 1:00 pm: Meditation and guided time in nature, exploring the landscape
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Lunch
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Creating a Nature Mandala
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: Council of All Beings, a group process developed by Joanna Macy and John Seed
4:30 pm: Retreat Ends
Location:
This event will be hosted both In-Person at Sarana Springs near Chatsworth, Ontario.
Meals:
A vegetarian lunch on Saturday will be provided. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
Pricing:
All options are provided at sliding scale rates. Choose the option that you can best afford at this time.
The Supporter Fee covers the costs of running the subsidized program for the day, and the Young Adult Fee is reserved for ages 18 - 35. Contributing what you can helps to support some costs for those who choose the Pay-What-You-Can option and our work at Sarana Institute.
In-Person:
Includes lunch and amenities.
Young Adult Fee: $80 - $120
Supporter Fee: $120 - $150
PWYC (Pay-What-You-Can): Please contact us for either payment plan arrangements or to discuss providing an amount that works for you.
Optional Local Accommodation:
You are welcome to come to Sarana Springs just for the day on Saturday, April 26th. If you would like to stay close by either on Friday or Saturday nights, limited on-site lodging is available. There are also local hotels and B&Bs nearby. Please contact us after submitting your registration if you want to stay at Sarana Springs.
Accommodation options at Sarana Springs:
Please note that we cannot guarantee requests for the cabins or indoor bedroom. For both camping and cabins the spring weather is unpredictable so please consider the cooler conditions. The cabins are not heated. Availability will be confirmed as soon as possible after registration. There are an (almost) unlimited number of camping spaces.
Camping: The best way to experience Sarana Springs is by camping! $25 per night to help cover maintenance costs of the land and amenities. Outhouses and an outdoor shower will be available, as well as access to our on-site kitchen with power and amenities such as hot water.
Cabins: There are 3 cabins available for $75 per night on Friday and Saturday. Please note there is no electricity or plumbing inside these cabins. Outhouses and an outdoor shower will be available, as well as access to our on-site kitchen with power and amenities such as hot water.
Indoor Bedroom: There is one indoor room available for $100 per night on Friday and Saturday. And yes, there is electricity and plumbing. Please note: there are cats that live in the house.
Stay for Trailblazing on April 27th:
Our annual Volunteer Trailblazing event for past participants of the Yana Retreat is on Sunday, April 27th. You are welcome to stay and offer your energy and contributions for a potluck lunch. The Trailblazing event is a joy-filled day where we get lots of good work done on the land and connect with eachother. Come meet some of the Yana circle!
"Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond."
—Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass
Retreat Faculty
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Andrew is Registered Psychotherapist, Buddhist Chaplain, and Meditation Teacher. He’s also one of the Co-founders of Sarana Institute. He brings his decades of experience navigating the inner territory and how this reflects in our lives, his BIG capacity, and a really great laugh.
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Maxine has been teaching with Sarana Institute since 2017 as one of the core members for the Yana Program. She’s a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner and Embodiment Coach. Maxine brings her courage for inner transformation work, her heart and her depth.
About Sarana Springs
Sarana Springs is 171 acres of wildlife refuge located on the traditional lands of the Anishinabek Nation. This land is home to Sarana Institute's nature-based retreats like our Yana Retreat for young adults (August 8th 2024) and our Autumn Equinox Meditation Retreat. We are approximately 2.5 hours North of Toronto, near Owen Sound, Ontario.
Sarana Springs if home to many habitats and ecologies, including meadows, wetlands, cedar, pine and mixed wood forests and water features, such ponds, freshwater springs, and the source of the Bighead River that flows to Meaford, ON and into Georgian Bay.
Getting to Sarana Springs
We are approx 2.5 North of Toronto, in Holland Chatsworth, Ontario. If you are arriving from the GTA we encourage carpooling. If you are open to sharing a ride with someone else, there is an option in our registration form to select if you need a ride or can provide one. We will do our best to help coordinate ridesharing. If you have any questions about this, just reach out.
Camping at Sarana Springs
Camping is optional at an additional fee of $25 per night. This fee can be paid by cash or cheque separately to Angie Di Iorio Blake. Outhouse facilities are near 'The Nest' which is a pine forest that makes for excellent sleeping. There is wifi and electricity access on the Land, but not at the camping area. There is access to our community kitchen. If you choose to camp you will be responsible for your own meals and clean up except for our lunch together the day of our workshop.
Make it a Weekend Experience
There are many local B&B options as well if you'd like to find a cozy place to stay as a home base for the weekend. Grey-Bruce is home to many breathtaking hiking trails, waterfalls, artisan shops, and vistas, and we welcome you to come explore and include our day-long event as part of your weekend!
Do you need more help registering or have questions?
For Program Registration Information:
Luke Albert, Program Coordinator
luke@saranainstitute.org
For Curriculum Details and Questions:
(Rev.) Andrew Blake, Program Director
andrew@saranainstitute.org
Our cancellation policy can be viewed here.
If you have any concerns about attending online, need to miss a live training date, or have questions about our Payment Plan options, please reach out to us.