The Yin Yang
Transformative Retreat
Discover Harmony Within
Grafton, Ontario Canada September, 20-22 2024
Imagine practicing the ancient centering arts of Daoist Qigong, meditation and mindfulness while immersed in the serene beauty of Stonewoods Sanctuary, a sprawling 22.5-acre haven of mostly old-growth forest, interlaced with guided footpaths.
As you rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit you hear the whispers of the wind and the sweet songs of birds. Towering beside you are 170-year-old Norway Spruce trees and you feel well guarded by the White Pine, Eastern Cedar, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Black Spruce, Tamarack, Birch and Aspens offering an atmosphere so fresh and cleansing you feel reborn.
Imagine a weekend recharging and centering yourself with Qigong, mindfulness, meditation, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing), with bonfire clearing ceremonies or simply connecting with the healing power of nature, respectfully guided by Cindy and Terry to attain a harmony and balance within yourself and nature. As you practice these new skills, there is a quiet awakening that arises: you feel more alive than you have ever felt.
Enjoy delicious vegetarian meals, refreshing dips in the saltwater pool, relaxing moments in the hot tub, or the invigorating warmth of a two-person infra-red sauna. Or just be in one of the many places perfect for quiet contemplation.
Simplify. Reduce the Noise. Undo the stress. Do less to achieve more.
The bustle of your usual life falls away gracefully. Here, at this place of spirit, you have found what you have been searching for: peace. Imagine that. It does exist. Join us in quiet hamlet of Grafton, Ontario.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We respectfully acknowledge the land that Stonewoods sits upon as the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee. We offer our gratitude to our First Nations for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.
Now you are at peace, flowing with the Tao, having come to the Stonewoods Sanctuary.
“Can this really happen in a weekend?” you ask… “Is it really possible?”
The answer is absolutely!
Not only is it possible it’s one of the best ways you could spend a weekend, with like minded people and simple nature based, rejuvenating practices. If you feel drawn to achieving inner harmony or connecting deeply with self and others or simply wish to immerse yourself in the healing and replenishing energy of nature’s way…then this is definitely for you! Even if you are an experienced practitioner of inner arts or a beginner you will come away deeply refreshed with new ways to deepen and maintain your inner wisdom.
Welcome to Tao Travel — Journeys That Enlighten the Soul!
Tao Travel’s sole purpose is to bring those who are of a like mind together on a spiritual retreat where thoughts and experiences can be shared for a lifetime.
Tao Journeys and Cindy Stone’s Inner Wisdom have teamed up to bring you this amazing Yin Yang retreat weekend.
Has your interest been piqued? Do you need to know more?
Let’s keep going.
The Inside Scoop —
For a full weekend you will learn methods towards ultimate balance and deep connection with self.
Feeling stressed or burn-out by modern-day burdens? Don’t worry, you will learn and deepen the practice of Daoist meditation to bring clarity and calm to your mind. Find the ease we all need to tackle today’s challenges.
If you feel constantly pulled in different directions? Your mindfulness practice will help you find your true self, your inner wisdom and place in the world.
Is your mind cluttered with static? Qigong will clear your mind, body, and spirit, harmonizing and grounding you deeply in the earth.
I Answered “Yes” to All of These Questions!
I’m Feeling Drawn to This Weekend Retreat…
What else do I need to know and who’s leading this retreat?
Lao Tzu said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Are you ready to take that first step, especially if it could profoundly impact your life in wonderful ways?
Tao (pronounced Dao) is the Chinese philosophical concept of being. Rooted in the Yin and Yang principles of harmony and oneness, Taoism harmonizes your life with the natural order to connect you fully with you, others, the universe and your inner wisdom. While Tao can be practiced anywhere, spending a weekend at the sacred Stonewoods Sanctuary with Cindy and Terry will bring you closer than ever to achieving your own personal Tao.
I Am Convinced! Tell Me More!
Did you know that Canada as well as the USA are facing a mental health crisis? It’s true, more about that in a bit.
First don’t hesitate in securing your spot of this truly amazing experience, I’m giving you fair notice now, there are only so many people we can accommodate on this retreat.
Now about mental health…
Mental health decline
Canada has declared a mental health emergency. A recent study discovered that every week at least 500,000 workers miss work due to a mental illness. In 2023 Toronto, ON, was declared one of the loneliest cities in the world. Mood and anxiety disorders have been increasing substantially over the past 10 years. Though much of these findings may be influenced by the effects of Covid on Canadians, most of these trends were observed long before 2020. From Statistics Canada Infographics.
In the USA due to stress and lifestyle, 40 million adults suffer from anxiety. 10% of the population report at least one major depressive episode in the last year. Over 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s. And over 1 million are suffering from Parkinson’s disease.
Modern neurobiology proves that change is absolutely possible given the right new experiences.
The statistics about our society’s mental health are truly alarming. What steps can I take to make a positive impact?!
- Engage in relaxation techniques: Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Guided Imagery or visualization will help sooth your nervous system.
- Practice Qigong: This will help deepen your relaxation and guided energy visualization. It will also help to harmonize the Yin and Yang energies within the body, fostering a sense of balance and peace.
- Embrace Mindfulness & Meditation: These are powerful tools for reducing stress and anxiety by promoting mental clarity, emotional regulation, and physical relaxation.
- Immerse Yourself in Forest Bathing: Foster a deeper connection with nature’s abundant and healthy energy. We have an innate connection to nature, and engaging with natural environments can fulfill this intrinsic need, promoting mental well-being. Experiencing the beauty and majesty of forests can evoke feelings of awe and wonder, which have been linked to reduced stress and greater life satisfaction. Science has proven that trees emit valuable turpines for immunity and mental health.
- Surround Yourself with the Right People. Spending time with positive, well-balanced people can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress and anxiety by providing emotional support and a positive social environment. Their optimistic outlook and healthy coping mechanisms can influence your own mindset, helping you to adopt similar attitudes and behaviours. Additionally, engaging in meaningful conversations and activities with them can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation, which are crucial for mental well-being. This social connection can act as a buffer against stress and promote overall happiness.
- Participate in Wellness Retreats: The great news is that the Ying Yang – Discover Harmony Within Retreat, you will experience all the above powerful processes that promote excellent health for your mind, body and spirit. All you need to do is what Lao tzu said, ‘take the first step’ and we will help you with the rest!
- Engage in relaxation techniques: Progressive Muscle Relaxation and Guided Imagery or visualization will help sooth your nervous system.
- Practice Qigong: This will help deepen your relaxation and guided energy visualization. It will also help to harmonize the Yin and Yang energies within the body, fostering a sense of balance and peace.
- Embrace Mindfulness & Meditation: These are powerful tools for reducing stress and anxiety by promoting mental clarity, emotional regulation, and physical relaxation.
- Immerse Yourself in Forest Bathing: This will foster a deeper connection with nature’s abundant and healthy energy. Have an innate connection to nature, and engaging with natural environments can fulfill this intrinsic need, promoting mental well-being. Experiencing the beauty and majesty of forests can evoke feelings of awe and wonder, which have been linked to reduced stress and greater life satisfaction. Science has proven that trees emit valuable turpines for immunity and mental health.
- Surround Yourself with the Right People. Spending time with positive, well-balanced people can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress and anxiety by providing emotional support and a positive social environment. Their optimistic outlook and healthy coping mechanisms can influence your own mindset, helping you to adopt similar attitudes and behaviours. Additionally, engaging in meaningful conversations and activities with them can foster a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation, which are crucial for mental well-being.
- Participate in Wellness Retreats: The great news is that the Ying Yang – Discover Harmony Within Retreat, you will experience all the above powerful processes that promote excellent health for your mind, body and spirit. All you need to do is what Lao tzu said, ‘take the first step’ and we will help you with the rest!
I’m so ready for this! When do we show up!?
Your weekend has been meticulously planned to allow you to focus entirely on your inner journey and discover the best parts of yourself. Nutrient-rich meals will be prepared to support you on this deeply enriching experience. From the moment you arrive at Stonewoods Retreat until your departure, you will be embraced in a nurturing, kind, and loving environment. You can breathe.
Cindy and Terry are dedicated to making your time with them one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
The Details —
Location: Stonewoods Sanctuary, Grafton, Ontario (1.5 hours from Toronto)
Weekend Outline:
Friday, September 20th – Arrive between 6:00pm and 7:00pm and enjoy a light dinner.
Introductions/Opening Ceremony and guided meditation begin at 7:30pm until 9:00pm
Enjoy some relaxation time out on the pool deck before commencing sleeping meditation.
Saturday, September 21st – Wake up and greet the day with some light stretches and mindful breathing exercises. Now enjoy a healthy breakfast. After, we will take a forest walk bathing in nature’s rhythmic embrace. Practicing Qigong among the guardian trees will stimulate your energy, producing ample reserves for the rest of the day.
For the remainder of the day enjoy mindful practices, meditation and quiet time for reflection and contemplation. The day’s focus will not be on doing MORE but doing less and RECEIVING MORE.
There will be time for you to enjoy swimming, hot tub or sauna meditation, if you wish, or have some quiet reflection time.
Breakfast lunch and dinner prepared for you so you can spend your time engaging in the planned activities of the day.
To top the evening off there will be a clearing ceremony around the bond fire with shared stories and life experiences with a few exercises for light-hearted fun.
Sunday, September 22nd – Wake up and greet the day with some light stretches and mindful breathing exercises.
Enjoy a healthy breakfast.
Forest activities
Practice a few simple mindful exercises you can use anywhere, anytime that will help you remain centred, weathering any stormy days while enhancing your level of appreciation joy for the simplest things life has to offer you every day.
Delicious lunch
Closing Ceremonies and hugs 2pm – 3pm
Your investment for all of this is $525.00 and will pay you dividends for the rest of your life.
Secure Your Spot: Reserve your place with a $100 deposit, refundable until September 1, 2024. Make your accommodation selection soon (see below) Email [email protected] and get your spot reserved now! Leave your name and phone number if you would like a call back to answer any questions.
Special Offer: The first 10 people to sign up will receive a copy of Terry’s “Sunrise Energize Guided Audio Meditation” and Cindy’s audio “Mystical Celestial Attunement.”
Accommodations:
- There are limited on-site sleeping accommodations, so if you want to be on-site be sure to select soon. (BnB’s available close by)
- 2 guest bedrooms available in the farmhouse on the 2nd floor. Both have queen size beds.
- $50.00 per person per night (note if single person booking then 100.00 per night)
- Rustic Glamping tent accommodates 4 single beds for 2 nights
- 4 singles beds at $30.00 per night per person
- Rustic Bunkie – ground floor 2 single beds and loft has 2 single beds
- $25 per night per night per person
- Camping on site with own tent $10.00 per night. There is a campsite for tents and RV’s 5 minutes away ( Cobourg Campground)
- There are many off-site BnB’s closeby. We are happy to provide a list. Most run around $150.00 per night.
- PLEASE contact us for any special requests and we will see what we can do.
- Contact Cindy: [email protected]
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Keep in Mind:
Every day will be a magical experience for all of us, so keep your heart and mind open to the experience life brings us.
On this spiritual journey our intent is to create sacred space where we can learn and share in group for the purpose of deepening our spiritual connections. The power of these teachings and ceremonies emerges from our combined group energy.
Level of Difficulty:
Easy Level – You don’t need to be athletic to participate in this retreat.
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner of Meditation or QiGong you will discover techniques to begin a practice or to deepen an established practice.
What’s Included:
** Two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners and snacks.
** Access to the salt-water pool, hot tub and 2 person sauna sacred Stonewoods forest and meditation pavilion.
** All teachings, ceremonies, rituals, trainings and meditations.
**All amazing feelings you will receive from this amazing weekend retreat!
- Special Offer: The first 10 people to sign up will receive a copy of Terry’s “Sunrise Energize Guided Audio Meditation” and Cindy’s audio “Mystical Celestial Attunement.”
What’s Not Included:
** Transportation to and from the retreat location
** Accommodations, see accommodation options
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I Want This Weekend! How Do I Sign Up?
To reserve your spot ASAP simply email Cindy Stone: [email protected] let her know you want to sign up, leave your phone number and she will contact you ASAP.
You can call Terry at 416-732-0429 anytime or email [email protected], but deposits and payments will be processed by emailing Cindy: [email protected]
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About the Leaders
CINDY STONE – M.A., Reg. Psychotherapist, C.Hyp., Akashic Record Reading, Intuitive.
Blending Ancient Wisdom practices with modern neurobiology and inter-relational psychotherapy. Cindy has studied Daoist Internal Martial Arts with some of the world’s finest Masters and GrandMasters. She is a published author, speaker, workshop, conference and retreat leader for over 40 years. Awaken your inner wisdom and connect with your whole true self. [email protected] or [email protected]
Terry J. Hodgkinson – Master Educator in Martial Arts and Meditation, Owner of Positive Changes Coaching Centre, and International Retreat Leader
Terry J. Hodgkinson is a distinguished master educator in martial arts and meditation. Following the publication of his book, Memoirs of a Wandering Ninja – Walking the Path of Enlightenment, and the release of 50 guided audio meditations, he has been invited to lead seminars, training sessions, and retreats internationally.
Having embarked on 18 sabbaticals to the Far East, studying at over 100 ashrams, temples, and schools, Terry has gained a profound understanding of Eastern wisdom, which he skillfully integrates with Western practices.
With over 40 years of formal training and experience, Terry has developed a rich toolkit and resources to profoundly impact the personal evolution and spiritual journeys of others.
