It’s time to Gather.
Gather the Women.
The Art of Wintering
February 28- March 3rd, 2025
Private Villa
Ladysmith, Vancouver Island
What is The Art of Wintering?
The Art of Wintering is an intentional time to practice embracing the stillness, rest, and introspection that winter naturally offers.
It’s about aligning with the slower rhythms of nature, letting go of the relentless push toward productivity, and honoring the quieter energies within ourselves.
In a culture that often glorifies hustle and output, Wintering is a radical act of self-care and renewal—a reminder that rest is not only a necessity but also a sacred, transformative process.
The Philosophy Behind “The Art of Wintering”
At its core, this retreat is about rewriting the narrative around rest.
Rest isn’t indulgent—it’s essential.
It’s a time to reconnect with our essence, heal deeply, and prepare for the growth and expansion that will inevitably follow. Through learning how to Winter, we will not only learn to embrace rest but also uncover its transformative power in our lives, leaving us rejuvenated and ready to bloom when the time is right.
Core Concepts
Embracing the wisdom of rest and stillness.
Nurturing the body and mind with practices that promote balance and renewal.
Preparing for the renewal of spring through intentional self-care and reflection.
How We Will Practice “The Art of Wintering” on the Women’s Retreat ?
The retreat will weave together:
restorative practices of yoga, meditation and Yoga Nidra
seasonal rituals
meaningful community experiences
Women’s Circles
Creativity workshops
Herbal crafting
Water therapies of Hot tub and cold plunge
Nourishing vegetarian food
Retreat Highlights
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Yoga
Restorative Yoga & Gentle Movement
Movement will honor the slow pace of winter, focusing on deep relaxation and grounding. Practices like restorative yoga and Yoga Nidra will help calm the nervous system, guiding us into profound states of rest and renewal. Gentle flows will emphasize stability and connection to the Earth, embodying the grounded energy of the season.
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Guided Meditation
Meditation and Journaling
Meditations inspired by winter’s symbolism, we’ll explore themes of stillness, letting go, and planting seeds for future growth. Guided visualizations and journaling will deepen this introspection, inviting us to consider:
- What does true rest look like for me?
- What am I ready to release to fully embrace stillness?
- What dreams are stirring within me, waiting for spring?
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Ritual and Ceremony
Seasonal Rituals
We will practice rituals designed to mirror winter’s wisdom, such as crafting, ceremonies, and learning self-care practices with nourishing herbs and adaptogens. These seasonal workshops will tap into the dormant yet fertile energy of the season, helping us channel inspiration through art and rituals.
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Karl Holland
Nourishment & Hibernation Kits
Each guest will create a curated hibernation kit with items like a journal, herbal teas and homemade soap encouraging a continued practice of wintering beyond the retreat.
Nourishment isn’t just physical; it’s also emotional and energetic. These touches help create a sense of comfort and care, aligning with winter’s invitation to slow down and nurture ourselves deeply.
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Women's Circles
Women’s Circle
Even as we embrace solitude, the retreat will include opportunities for connection. In women’s circles, we’ll share stories, insights, and experiences of wintering, creating a supportive community that celebrates the power of rest and renewal.
Wintering is often solitary, but sharing the experience fosters a sense of belonging and reminds us that we’re not alone in the journey.
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Self Care Practices
Balancing Yin with Subtle Yang Practices
While the focus will be on yin energies—rest, stillness, and introspection—we’ll also integrate practices to keep our inner fire alive. Gentle movement, dry brushing, or warming teas will help maintain circulation and prevent stagnation.
Yin and yang energies are interconnected, and balancing them ensures we remain vibrant and engaged while honoring the season’s slower pace.
.Sample Daily Schedule
Morning:
Silent and meditation.
Gentle yoga to honor the slower pace of winter.
Nourishing brunch.
Midday:
Workshop or creative session (vision boards, journaling, or self-care rituals).
Restorative yoga or hibernation-themed practice.
Late Afternoon:
Quiet time for solitude, journaling, or nature walks.
Light, warming dinner and herbal teas.
Group circle or storytelling session.
Evening:
Restorative or candlelit yoga practice.
Closing reflection, tea ceremony, or guided meditation.
Themes for Each Day
Settling into Stillness: Creating space for rest and reflection.
Nourishment: Caring for the body, mind, and spirit with intention and gentleness.
Listening to Winter’s Wisdom: Reflecting on what winter teaches us about rest and renewal.
Awakening Dreams: Beginning to stir the seeds of renewal as the days begin to lengthen.
Special Touches
Cozy Retreat Space: A warm, inviting space with blankets, cushions, candles, and soft lighting to foster relaxation and comfort.
Nature Connection: Guided outdoor experiences to deepen the connection with the natural world and honor the quiet beauty of winter.
This retreat is designed to provide women with the opportunity to slow down, restore, and cultivate a deeper sense of self-care in the cozy embrace of winter.
The Venue:
A Private Villa in Ladysmith
What Makes This Special
The Venue
Set on 110’ of your own majestic oceanfront with incredible views of Thetis Island, Valdes Island, and Salt Spring Island. The magnificent daily wildlife sightings such as bald eagles, blue herons, orcas, seals and otters will remind you of all the beauty that surrounds us.
The Rooms
Perched above the ocean stands this beautiful, one-of-a-kind, 4 bedroom home with all bedrooms having their own en-suite bathroom. There are two decks and 3 patio areas to chose from with a hot tub on the top deck overlooking the ocean. There is a personal walkway that will take you down to the resident-only, private beach. The 13-foot ceilings with full floor-to-ceiling windows will take your breath away. The gym consists of few machines and an infra-red sauna. We promise you will be dazzled.
Our Spaces
Yoga Space, wrap around balcony overlooking the ocean, walkway to private beach (perfect for cold plunges) a ping pong table, library, hot tub overlooking the ocean, fireplaces and lots of space for private time.
Food
Nourishing vegetarian food that honours the season. Home cooked meals for your soul. The retreat will provide 2 meals daily to the guests. Dinner upon arrival day, brunch and dinner daily and brunch on the departure day.
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Accommodation
A deposit of $350 will hold your choice of accommodation or pay in full on the links below.
Shared Twin
en-suite bathroom
room shared by 2 people
Investment:
$900 per person
Simple Private Room
Private room
Shared bathroom
Investment:
$1050
Superior Private Room
Private room
En-suite bathroom
Investment:
$1150
Shared Triple Room
Triple room for 3 people
Ocean view
En-suite bathroom
1 double bed and 1set of double bunk beds
Investment:
$750
Schedule
Friday Arrival: 4:00pm
Circles and food and swimming and ceremony and rest and yoga and all the things.
Monday Departure: 11:00 am
What’s Included:
Daily Yoga Practices
Creativity Workshop
Accommodation, shared or private rooms
Women’s Circle
Swimming and nature walks
All meals
FAQs
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Yes!
The movement practices will be for all levels. If you have never been to a Women’s circle and don’t know what to expect, rest easy. Women have been sitting around, talking about our lives for eons. You are more than welcome. Everyone shares exactly what they feel comfortable in sharing.
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Yes.
Please reach out to me at jonnilynfriel@gmail.com and we can work something out.
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Yes, I always send out an email asking people if they have a space in their car for people who would like to share the expenses and the ride.
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A $350 deposit must be made to hold your spot, and it must be paid in full by February 10th. A full refund is possible, minus a 15% processing fee, if requested by February 1st.
About me
I’m glad you are here. This retreat contains most of my passions and the things I hold dear in this world. I have been teaching Yoga since 2006 and it is truly a joy to be able to teach what I love so much. I am also shyly passionate about herbs and all the healing and care that they provide to the world. It’s a new field for me, but I have been studying herbalism for a few years now and just love to share what I know.
Then there are the Women’s Circles. It’s hard to describe what happens in circles.
In a way, I don’t want to. Because every circle is different, according to the Women who have gathered together.
But I do know this. When Women Gather together in Circle, there is magic. There is healing and there’s a deep listening that happens.
So listen to your heart for a minute.
Is it calling you to gather with us?
Come.
Your sisters are waiting to meet you.
