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DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260619T170000
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SUMMARY:Coming Home: Meditating in Nature
DESCRIPTION:Photo courtesy of Ava Maclean\nComing Home: Meditating In Nature\nWith Duncan Cryle and Karen McAllister \nAre you longing to reconnect with the natural world and discover a deeper sense of belonging? Do you sense that healing the separation between yourself and nature could transform your experience of life? \nJoin us for a weekend immersed in the mountains and meadows of Clear Sky\, where we’ll explore natural meditation practices that awaken us to our intimate connection with all of life. \n					\n									REGISTER NOW\n					 \nReconnecting with the Web of Life\nLiving in our modern world\, it’s easy to forget that we are part of an ecosystem that is incredibly old and spans a whole planet. This forgetting has become so deep that it shapes our culture and institutions. Yet the separation we feel – from nature\, from our bodies\, from each other – is not the truth of how things are. \nThis retreat offers a path home. \nThrough simple yet profound practices done outdoors in Clear Sky’s stunning mountain setting\, we’ll rediscover a natural connection with our breath\, the earth\, and the land around us. We’ll learn to see with fresh eyes\, as if we were explorers encountering life for the first time. \n																														 \nWho This Retreat Is For\nThis retreat welcomes anyone who: \n\nFeels disconnected from nature and longs to reconnect\nIs new to meditation and wants an accessible entry point\nHas meditation experience but wants to deepen their practice outdoors\nSeeks healing from the stress and isolation of modern life\nIs curious about Buddhist approaches to ecology and interconnection\n\nNo prior meditation experience is required. The practices we’ll explore are simple yet profound – suitable for beginners while offering depth for experienced practitioners. \n															\n					\n									REGISTER NOW\n					\n						You can read and try all sorts of things by yourself\, but doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave.\n					Erika RasmussenWriter and Film Maker\n																														 \nWhat You’ll Experience\nIntroduction To Breathing Meditation: Foundational accessible instructions in reconnecting to our breath\, and using the breath as a natural anchor to support presence.  \nBreathing With Nature: A beautiful meditation practice that reconnects us with the ancient dance of giving and receiving between humans and nature. This simple practice rapidly brings calm and wellbeing while revealing that we truly belong to something much larger than ourselves. \nNature Contemplation: Guided explorations in Clear Sky’s forests\, meadows\, and along its mountain trails. We’ll practice seeing the interconnectedness that reveals itself wherever we look – discovering\, as the early explorers did\, how encountering the natural world transforms our sense of who and what we are. \nEmbodied Presence: Practices that bring us home to our bodies as living expressions of nature itself. We’ll learn to savor the breath as rare nectar and discover how attention to our embodied experience reconnects us to the larger body of life. \n					\n									REGISTER NOW\n					\n															\n																														 \nAbout Your Guides\nDuncan Cryle has practiced meditation and Buddhist Dharma for over 35 years in the Namgyal lineage with Qapel and Catherine Sensei. He was a founding member of Clear Sky in 2004 and a resident since 2018. Duncan has been teaching for over 20 years—with Awaken in Toronto\, Despertando no Brasil (“Awakening in Brazil”)\, and through Clear Sky’s Integrating Mindfulness program. Through the intense work of living in intentional community—navigating conflict\, collaboration\, and collective decision-making—he’s learned firsthand what it takes to stay whole in fragmented times. He also spent many years in senior business roles pioneering workplace mindfulness\, and now consults with nonprofits and mission-driven organizations on building mindfulness\, resilience\, and trust. \nKaren McAllister has practiced meditation for over 20 years and is a senior teacher at Clear Sky. She is a contemplative leader and certified money coach who integrates embodiment\, relational practice\, and material life as a path of awakening. As Co-Executive Director of Clear Sky\, Karen brings a deep commitment to aligning spiritual practice\, community life\, and the ethical flow of resources in service of collective flourishing. \nCourse Details\n\nLocation: Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, Fort Steele\, BC\, V0B 1N0\nDate: Jun 19-21\, 2026\nTime: Arrive between 3-5 pm Friday\, retreat finishes 4 pm Sunday MT\nCost: Premium Private Cabin – $576\, Private Cabin – $546\,    Shared Room – $446\, Tenting – $326\n\n															\n						“Duncan and Karen are wonderful instructors who help everyone\, from beginners to people with more experience\, practice meditation and self-care. As I joined remotely\, I appreciated how the online participants were engaged through conversation and breakout rooms.”\n					Kristi\n					\n									REGISTER NOW\n					 \nFAQs\n												Do I need meditation experience to attend this retreat? \nNo prior experience is needed. This retreat is designed to be accessible to complete beginners while still offering depth for those with an existing practice. The practices are simple\, grounded\, and done mostly outdoors — no background in Buddhism or meditation is required. \n												What does meditating in nature actually involve? \nThe retreat includes guided breathing meditation\, outdoor nature contemplation walks through Clear Sky’s forests and mountain meadows\, and embodied presence practices. Everything takes place on Clear Sky’s 300-acre property in the BC Rockies — the land itself is very much part of the teaching. \n												When and where is this retreat held? \nThe retreat runs June 19–21\, 2026 (arriving Friday between 3-5pm to Sunday 4 pm MT) at Clear Sky Meditation Centre\, 3567 Cockell Road\, Fort Steele\, BC. Clear Sky is about 40 minutes from Cranbrook International Airport and a four-hour drive from Calgary. See our Getting Here page for directions. \n												What does the retreat cost and what accommodation options are available? \nPricing is based on your accommodation choice: Premium Private Cabin ($576)\, Private Cabin ($546)\, Shared Room ($446)\, or Tenting ($326). All options include three organic\, locally sourced meals per day prepared by our resident community. \n												Is this retreat suitable for people dealing with stress\, burnout\, or eco-anxiety? \nYes — this is one of the central intentions of the retreat. The practices are specifically designed to address the disconnection and overwhelm that come with modern life\, including eco-anxiety. Participants regularly report feeling calmer\, more grounded\, and more connected after spending a weekend in nature with these practices. \n												How is this different from a silent meditation retreat? \nUnlike a private silent retreat\, this is a guided group experience with a set schedule\, teacher-led sessions\, and community meals. It’s a warmer\, more supported entry point — ideal if you want structure and connection alongside your practice rather than extended solitude.
URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/coming-home-meditating-in-nature/
LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Group Retreats and Courses
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SUMMARY:Re-Generation Youth Program: Where Spirituality\, Ecology & Community Meet
DESCRIPTION:Re-Generation Youth Program: Where Spirituality\, Ecology & Community Meet\nNote: this is a special summer Youth Program – for our regular three month immersive program outside of the summer see here \nBelieve in Life Again\nWe think young people deserve better than what the world is currently offering. We’re willing to show up and see what we can do to generate wholesome impacts\, together. Learn about yourself\, the land and living in community together so that you are equipped to better make decisions and take action in life.  This program is designed to help you develop skills to co-create a world you want to live in. \nJoin us from June 29 – August 29\, 2026. \nQuestions? Please contact  michelle@clearskycenter.org or (250) 429-3929. FAQ’s can be found at the bottom of the page. \n\n										Photo credit: Ava Maclean\nSpend just two months in residence to remember that life can be meaningful\, that you can be part of the solution\, that connection is real\, and that you have what it takes.  \n																														 \nThat’s what we’re really offering. Not a fix. Not a cure. A remembering that we can believe in life again.  \nThis youth program is our way of saying: you’re not alone\, the world isn’t hopeless\, and there are people who care about your generation inheriting something worth having. Daily\, we practice meditation together so that we can embody what we teach – what we fondly refer to as “a life worth living”. We do this by leveraging our shared vision and values to live well in community. We align around our quadruple bottom line: spiritual\, environmental\, social and financial well-being. \nThis is for you if:\n\nYou’re 21-35 and feeling lost\nYou’re tired of superficiality and want real connection\nYou want to counter your eco-anxiety with wholesome action\nYou want to be of service in a world that needs us\, instead of feeling helpless\nYou want mentorship from elders who haven’t given up\n\n\n										Photo credit: Ava Maclean\n					\n									Inquire Here\n					 \nYou don’t need to:\n\nBe Buddhist (though we work in that tradition)\nHave meditation experience (we’ll teach you)\nHave your life figured out (literally no one does)\n\n\n										Photo credit: Ava Maclean\nReady To Get Real?\nThis is for you if you struggle to make commitments\, be in community and want to try. You’ll be away from your usual distractions\, working with your hands and real people. Living in a small community you’ll face yourself and it can be uncomfortable.  \nIf you want to believe in life again\, and you want to be part of the solution– instead of drowning in problems\, this might be exactly what you need. Space to remember who you are. \n\n										\nThis program is psychedelic and drug free\, but we know this world. If you’ve had experiences with psychedelics and are trying to integrate them\, we can support that work in a grounded\, contemplative context. \n					\n									Inquire Here\n					 \nWhat You’ll Learn\n\nHow to meditate and practices that work including\, relief from struggle (not bypassing it\, actually working with it) \nHow to lead\, follow\, and work as a team in community (leading with a heart for service\, not ego)\nHow to be a bodhisattva in the world (someone who acts\, not just talks about it)\nHow to live sustainably with people\, pressures and the planet\n\n																														 \nOur team includes Buddhist teachers and practitioners– our head teacher Catherine Sensei and long term students offer authentic spiritual teachings and practices in a modern day context\, plus: \n\nEntrepreneurs\, coaches and career mentors who’ve built meaningful lives \nTherapists who work with depression\, addiction and trauma\nLand lovers who know and care for the land intimately\nCreative professionals (writers\, filmmakers) who’ll help you tell your story\n\n\n										Photo credit: Ava Maclean\n																														 \n\n“As a Gen Z\, I felt like I was giving up on life\, and I wanted to find the peace and purpose that I felt was beyond my capacities. I found Clear Sky\, and the teachers\, teachings\, and community showed me what I had been looking for: a way to wake up\, and become the person I want to be—to learn how to listen to what life and the earth are speaking to me\, and to march forward in our communal pursuit of the common good. I am ready now from this community’s support to love and serve on this planet as I was meant to\, and I know that I am not alone. Full steam ahead!” \nERIKA R. \n\n					\n									Inquire Here\n					\n		\n																														 \nThe Nitty Gritty\nDates: June 29 – August 29\, 2026 \nHow much does it cost? We’re committed to making this accessible and decided to offer sliding scale pricing so that you can choose what is right for your situation. Additionally\, we do offer payment plans. \n\n$2000 CAD covers our costs for organic meals and accommodation.\n$2500-$3500 CAD covers our costs for organic meals and accommodation plus some tuition\n$3500 CAD and above allows us to cover our costs and pay some forward in scholarships\n\nAre Scholarships available?  Yes. We welcome all scholarship applications and prioritize those holding marginalized identities\, including Black\, Indigenous and other people of color\, immigrants\, and LGBTQIA+ people. We also recognize that those working in social justice\, climate\, public service\, and education are historically underpaid — if that’s you\, please apply here. \nApply early\, as funds are limited and cannot cover every application. \nHow many participants? This will be a small group of  3-4 participants. This means real connection\, individual attention and genuine community. \nWhat about screens/phones? For this summer program we’ll be outside a lot. We use WhatsApp groups for communication and occasional wholesome social media posting\, for the most part we encourage you to step back from your usual online life. We know this might seem difficult\, but you’ll probably thank us. You’ll still be accessible for emergencies and necessary communication. \nIs this program physically demanding? \nWe believe in taking action\, not just talking about what we can do for the planet. This program is intentionally designed to enhance our practice of embodiment\, eco-restoration and connection with the land. Expect to be active and engaged on the land daily. We balance activity with meditation\, learning in community and one day of rest per week to integrate our learnings. \nWhat if I don’t have outdoor skills? Perfect. You’ll learn them. That’s the whole point. Most of us grew up in cities or spent too much time inside. You’ll learn by doing\, with patient teachers who remember what it’s like to be new at this stuff.  \nWe’re still finalizing details and if you want to talk about whether this is right for you\, reach out to michelle@clearskycenter.org \nIn the meantime: \n\nExplore teachings on Planet Dharma\nCheck out our Clear Sky Website to get a feel for who we are\nIf you like more intensity\, learn more about our three month intensive\nFollow your gut. If something in you lit up reading this\, pay attention and listen to that : )\n\n															\n																														 \n\n										Photo credit: Ava Maclean\n\n										Photo credit: Ava Maclean\n					\n									Inquire Here\n					 \nMeet Our Head Teacher\n																														 \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei began her spiritual practices in earnest in her early 20s\, when she struggled to make sense of and overcome personal suffering and international environmental and social justice challenges. She became a student of metaphysics\, Western spiritual traditions\, and the ayahuasca sacraments in the 1990s. \nFor 26 years Catherine Sensei trained daily with Qapel Doug Duncan in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nWith Qapel she co-founded Clear Sky Retreat Center and Planet Dharma and is a lineage holder for these teachings. She supports the spiritual underpinnings of social entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurship for spiritual practitioners. She worked as an advocacy photojournalist and studied traditional Japanese arts (including koto\, shamisen\, kyogen) in Kyoto for 20 years\, culminating in her landmark work GionFestival.org. \nSince the early 2000s Sensei has provided dharma training and taught the path of awakening to hundreds of students\, together with Qapel and on her own. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Sensei also draws on generative living (a.k.a. sustainability) and the arts. \nAbout Clear Sky\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature.  \nFounded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. \nIn adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. \nEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n															\n															\n															\n															\n						“Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat. I am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. I always enjoy going there for more.”\n					Maya L.\n						 \nFAQs\n												What is the Re-Generation Youth Program? \nIt’s a two-month in-person immersion at Clear Sky Meditation Centre in BC\, designed for young adults aged 21–35. You’ll live in community\, practise daily meditation\, work on the land through eco-restoration\, and develop real-world life skills — all within a structured spiritual framework. It’s not a wellness retreat or a camp. It’s a meaningful alternative for those who want to believe in life again. \n												Do I need meditation or outdoor experience to apply? \nNeither. You’ll be taught meditation from the ground up\, and all land-based activities are guided by patient teachers who expect you to be new to this. What matters is an open heart and genuine willingness to engage — not what you already know. \n												How is this different from a regular summer program or gap year? \nMost gap year programs focus on travel or skill-building. This one focuses on inner transformation alongside outer action — combining Buddhist meditation\, ecological restoration\, community living\, and mentorship from experienced teachers. If you want something that actually changes how you see yourself and the world\, this goes much further than a typical summer program. \n												Who is this program for? \nYoung adults aged 21–35 who are feeling lost\, burnt out\, or disconnected — whether from nature\, community\, or themselves. You don’t need to be Buddhist\, spiritual\, or have your life figured out. If you’re tired of superficiality and want real connection and purpose\, this program was built for you. \n												How much does the program cost and is financial assistance available? \nPricing is on a sliding scale: $2\,000 CAD covers accommodation and all organic meals; $2\,500–$3\,500 CAD covers costs plus some tuition; $3\,500 CAD and above allows us to cover costs and contribute toward scholarships for others. If cost is still a barrier\, scholarship support is available — complete a Scholarship Application and we’ll do our best to make it work. \n												What is dāna and how much should I budget for it? \nDana: \nFor attendance of retreats and events that are in addition to the program we do charge registration fees to cover the materials needed to offer the retreat/event. The Teachings are freely given on the basis of dāna. \nYou may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart”. Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds but it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course.  \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us.  \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nLearn more about the practice of dāna here. \n												What does a typical day look like? \nDays are full and intentional. Morning group meditation is followed by eco-restoration activities on the land\, community meals\, afternoon contemplation\, and evening learning sessions. You’ll have one rest and integration day per week. Screens and social media are largely set aside — this is time to remember who you are without the usual noise. \n												What does the daily schedule look like? \nSpecific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n\n7:00- 7:45 AM: Group Meditation Practice and Contemplation led by Sangha\n7:45- 9:00 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n9:00 – 11:30 AM: Eco Activities led by Sangha\n12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n1:30 – 3:00 PM: Rest\n3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Contemplation led by Sangha\n4:00 – 5:30 PM: Elective Projects\n5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n7:15 – 8:30 PM: Community Learning and Practices \n8:30 – Beyond: Personal Care & bed\n\n												Where is the program held and how do I get there? \nClear Sky sits on 300 acres near Bull River in southeastern BC\, 40–60 minutes from Cranbrook/Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC). It’s a four-hour drive from Calgary and one hour from the US border (accessible from Spokane\, Sandpoint\, and Whitefish). Airport pickup is available — just notify us when registering. For full directions\, visit our Getting Here page. \n												How many participants are accepted and when should I apply? \nThis is intentionally a small group of 3–4 participants to ensure real connection and individual attention. Applications close June 15th\, 2026 for the summer intake (June 29–August 29). Apply as early as possible. If you’re drawn to a longer or year-round commitment\, explore our Three-Month Karma Yoga Intensive which runs multiple intakes throughout the year. \n		\n															\n					\n									Inquire Here
URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/re-generation-youth-program-where-spirituality-ecology-community-meet/
LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses
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ORGANIZER;CN="Clear Sky Center":MAILTO:contact@clearskycenter.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260710T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260712T170000
DTSTAMP:20260530T082656
CREATED:20251220T181131Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T134444Z
UID:26898-1783702800-1783875600@www.clearskycenter.org
SUMMARY:As the Spirit Moves (In-Person & Online)
DESCRIPTION:As the Spirit Moves\n“When the training is for the rest of your life — and all future lifetimes — that’s when it gets really fruitful.”  \n-Catherine Sensei \nExpect the unexpected! How will the Spirit move? This weekend is an offering of raw Dharma from the Teacher. You get to show up and experience epic Dharmic teachings\, without a particular predetermined subject. Be ready for anything and everything Dharma. Unforeseen\, undetermined\, unregulated. No seatbelts allowed. \nRetreat Dates: July 10 – 12\, 2026 \nRegistration Closes: July 3rd \n\nAttend In-Person\n\n\nAttend Online\n \nBuddhism\nfocus area\nGuru Yoga\npractice\nWeekend\nDuration\nAdvanced\nSkill Level\nIn-Person & Online\nformat\nAs the Spirit Moves\nIn the past\, people “showed up” for Dharma teachings\, regardless of topic. The teachings given were inspired by the energy of the people there. Qapel\, one of our founding teachers\, used to say that he would go to a class of his Teacher\, Namgyal Rinpoche\, even if he were just reading a phone book! The Spirit of Dharma… it moves! \nSo\, are you ready to join Catherine Pawasarat Sensei for an eclectic weekend of “old school” style Dharma teachings? Wisdom invites you to learn on the path of riding the dragon\, come what may. \nAs you are well aware\, life is a great big journey into the unknown\, a Dharmic odyssey. This weekend is the same! Come to soak in Dharmic teachings from Catherine Sensei\, have fun\, and learn more about how to be the kind of being you want to be. As Bodhisattvas\, we keep on diving into learning how to be of service and help alleviate the suffering of beings. It’s an amazing ride\, and every opportunity to dive into the depth of Dharma is a precious one. How do we know what we need to hear—and when we hear it\, will we listen? There’s only one way to find out. \nTake a leap of faith. Join the Teacher. Join the spirit of integral evolution. We dare you! \n\nAttend In-Person\n\n\nAttend Online\n\n\n\n\n“I feel like a whole new world of understanding has opened up for me to explore. The teachings were interesting\, vibrant\, and so very relevant to our lives. Qapel and Catherine Sensei have done a wonderful job at distilling these vast teachings without oversimplying concepts. The teachings were visual\, informative\, and interactive. It was a great and lots of fun!”\nJenai L.  \nCourse Details\nTime and Location\nAs the Spirit Moves will be led by Catherine Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. \nAn online option is also available to make participation possible from anywhere in the world. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nIn-Person Participants: \n\nDāna to the Teachers and\nAccomodation and meal costs for your stay Clear Sky Meditation Centre.\n\nOnline Participants: \n\nDāna to the Teacher\nOnline administration fee of $150.\n\n\n \nMeet the Teachers\n \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei began her spiritual practices in earnest in her early 20s\, when she struggled to make sense of and overcome personal suffering and international environmental and social justice challenges. She became a student of metaphysics\, Western spiritual traditions\, and the ayahuasca sacraments in the 1990s. \nFor 26 years Catherine Sensei trained daily with Qapel Doug Duncan in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Ven. Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nWith Qapel she co-founded Clear Sky Retreat Center and Planet Dharma and is a lineage holder for these teachings. She supports the spiritual underpinnings of social entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurship for spiritual practitioners. She worked as an advocacy photojournalist and studied traditional Japanese arts (including koto\, shamisen\, kyogen) in Kyoto for 20 years\, culminating in her landmark work GionFestival.org. \nSince the early 2000s Sensei has provided dharma training and taught the path of awakening to hundreds of students\, together with Qapel and on her own. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Sensei also draws on generative living (a.k.a. sustainability) and the arts. \nMore About Sensei | About the Lineage \nAbout Clear Sky\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. \nFounded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. \nIn adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. \nEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.\n\n\nAttend In-Person\n\n\nAttend Online\n\n\n\n\n“Clear Sky is my favourite place to retreat. I am so grateful to find such an amazing place to study various meditation practices\, walk in stunning nature and eat fresh food from the farm. I always enjoy going there for more.”\nMaya L.\n \nFAQs\nAbout Dāna \nDana: \nRegistration fees cover food\, accommodation and the technology needed to offer the retreat online. The Teachings are freely given on the basis of dāna. \nYou may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart”. Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds but it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nLearn more about the practice of dāna here. \nSample Daily Schedule \nSpecific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice\n7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice\n9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers\n10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk\n10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha\n11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice\n12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice\n3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha\n4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice\n5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice\n7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \nFood\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here \nClick here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \nNote: In the unlikely scenario that this retreat is cancelled\, we recommend purchasing refundable travel fares. \nScholarship Application \nWe aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible. \nAs a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. \nThe teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart). \nFor some\, this is still a barrier of entry. \nIf you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \nCannabis\, Psychedelics and Microdosing  \nWe recognize and respect plant medicine as an important part of some people’s spiritual paths. \nPlease note\, the meditation practice on this retreat is very powerful. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects. \nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances during this retreat and in the days immediately following it.
URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/as-the-spirit-moves-2026/
LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses,Online Courses
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.clearskycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/As-the-Spirit-Moves-Weekend-Course.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260918T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260920T150000
DTSTAMP:20260530T082656
CREATED:20251217T031637Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T134513Z
UID:26792-1789750800-1789916400@www.clearskycenter.org
SUMMARY:AstroDharma: The Nodes & Your Planetary Purpose (In-Person & Online)
DESCRIPTION:AstroDharma 2026: The Nodes & Your Planetary Purpose\nOnline or In-Person | September 18-20\, 2026 \n“Astrology allows us to identify our unique challenges and strengths as individuals in order to more fully embody and live our spiritual awakening… Dharma empowers us to transcend our challenges\, leverage our strengths and reduce the suffering within ourselves and those around us.” \n-Catherine Pawasarat Sensei \nWhat does the planet need from you? Who are you here to be? And how do you get there from here? These aren’t small questions. You sense there’s a unique contribution only you can make. A purpose that’s yours alone. But how do you find it? More importantly—how do you live it? \nJoin Catherine Sensei for a transformative weekend that helps you discover how to use your natural resources—your talents\, your experiences\, your unique energy—to be more generous in the world. This isn’t abstract spiritual philosophy. This is about finding your planetary purpose and learning how to actually embody it. \nIn-Person Registration Closes: September 4th \nOnline Registration Closes: September 11th \n\n\nIn-Person Registration\n\n\nOnline Registration\n \nThe nodes in your astrological chart hold the map. They show your path of spiritual progress in this lifetime. Your South Node reveals your karma—the familiar patterns you default to\, the conditioning that keeps you stuck. Your North Node points to your Dharma—the direction your soul is being called to grow\, the gifts you’re here to share with the world. \nYou Know That Feeling When…\n\nYou keep hitting the same walls\, running the same patterns\, and you know there’s a way through but you can’t quite see it\nYou sense you have gifts to offer the world\, but you’re not sure what they are or how to share them\nYour relationships keep triggering the same dynamics\, and you wonder if there’s a deeper pattern at play\nYou’re ready to get unstuck from old conditioning and step into who you’re truly meant to be\nYou’re part of a spiritual community and you want to understand the energy dynamics that create harmony (or friction) between people\nYou feel called to something bigger but you’re not sure how to bridge the gap between where you are and where you need to beIf any of these resonate\, this course is for you.\n\n\n \n This course for you if:\n\nYou want to study an astrological Dharmic framework with a wisdom teacher in the Namgyal lineage.\nYou’re ready to learn how to get unstuck from your conditioning and discover where you want to acquire experience\, knowledge\, and skills to develop your unique Dharmic path\nYou’re seeking greater clues into finding your planetary purpose—who you’re here to be in this lifetime\nYou’re part of a Sangha and want to better understand one another’s patterns so you can transform interpersonal conflict into mutual support (this course is really good for Sanghas)\nYou want practical tools for recognizing energy dynamics in your relationships and shifting them in more wholesome ways\nYou’re ready to discover how to share your gifts with the world in a way that actually serves\n\nWhy the Nodes Matter\nThe nodes describe how we can use our natural resources\, our talents\, to be more generous in the world. They show us where we get stuck and how to get unstuck. They reveal where we have gifts and where there’s potential for further growth. \nThe nodes were one of the parts of AstroDharma that our late teacher Qapel had the most interest in\, and a key area Catherine Sensei focuses on in her AstroDharma teachings. \nThis course is especially powerful for developing community. Understanding one another’s AstroDharmic patterns—your natal horoscopes—can really help us take interpersonal conflict and look at the energy dynamics that are involved. Instead of the usual patterns of either engaging in interpersonal conflict or avoiding it altogether\, you’ll learn how to understand these dynamics and shift them in more wholesome ways so you can really support one another. \nThe course links beautifully to the Emotional Intelligence course—the nodes work reveals the deeper patterns at play\, while emotional intelligence gives you the skills to navigate them skillfully. We strongly recommend taking them together for a complete approach to working with yourself and others. \n\n\n“I greatly appreciate the depth of knowledge and level of expertise that is shared by Sensei. Her teachings are always well prepared and transformative in my spiritual growth.”\nMichele C.Astrologer \nWhat You’ll Learn:\n\nIn this course\, we’ll explore the nodes from multiple angles—what they portray astronomically and astrologically\, how they show up in our lives\, and specifically how they show up for you. \nYou’ll learn: \n\nHow the nodes reveal your path of spiritual progress in this lifetime\nWhere your conditioning keeps you stuck—and how to get unstuck\nWhere you want to acquire experience\, knowledge\, and skills to develop your unique Dharmic path\nHow to use your natural resources (talents) to be more generous in the world\nTools for understanding interpersonal dynamics and energy patterns within communities\nHow to bridge the gap from where you are to who you’re meant to beFor in-person participants: You’ll experience somatic AstroDharma mandalas (somatic constellations) to explore the nodes through your body. These are visceral\, compelling experiences that bring the teachings alive in a whole new way. Lucky us!\n\n\nWhy AstroDharma\n\nFor spiritual seekers looking to grow\, Catherine Sensei’s unique combination of Buddhism and Transpersonal Astrology speeds us up on our spiritual path. \nMany of us in the West are raised to celebrate the individual self—to find our unique path and explore why we’re here on this planet. Yet Buddhist Dharma leaps over personalization by teaching that there is no inherent self\, and that we must realize this to find spiritual awakening. \nFor many of us\, that’s a big leap. \nOn the way\, we may miss valuable lessons about how to compassionately show up in the world as unique individuals. AstroDharma bridges these two systems. Transpersonal Western astrology reveals individual patterns and influences—we get a window into the energies\, the pushes and pulls of the psyche. Dharma expands the view beyond self\, into a path of service to community\, for the benefit of all beings. \nOver time\, with growing confidence and awareness\, we can transcend our natal charts and awaken. But first\, we work with what we’ve got. \nWe initially pursued AstroDharma because Namgyal Rinpoche also taught astrology. We’ve found it to be an effective tool for helping us explore our patterns. It’s unique for each person\, and AstroDharma helps us unpack that uniqueness so you can use it better for yourself and for others. \n\n\n \nMeet the Teacher – Catherine Sensei\n \nCatherine Pawasarat \nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei is a contemporary Dharma teacher and co-founder of Clear Sky Retreat Center. She has developed AstroDharma as a tool for transformation\, synthesizing Buddhist teachings on spiritual awakening with transpersonal Western astrology based on the teachings of Carl Jung. \nShe trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan from 1998 until his passing in 2024 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West\, and received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. \nSince the early 2000s\, Catherine has provided dharma training and taught the path of awakening to hundreds of students. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, she draws on generative living\, transpersonal astrology\, and Japanese arts. Catherine comes from a lineage of spiritual awakening that values the best of Eastern and Western philosophy—an ideal training for Westerners and an evolution of traditional teachings for the modern seeker. \n \nCourse Details\nTime and Location\nLed by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei at Clear Sky Meditation Center in Eastern BC. Available in-person or online. \nRetreating at Clear Sky means you can participate in the in-person somatic AstroDharma constellation work—always a more grounded\, supportive\, communal experience. \nSchedule / Class Times:\nAll listed in Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)\, and will be 60-90 minutes in duration. Please clear your schedule for the entire weekend to focus on this work. The following class times are approximate: \nFriday\, September 18 — 7pm (arrive on-site at 3pm)\nSaturday\, September 19 — 9am\, 2pm\, plus in-person somatic work at 7pm\nSunday\, September 20 — 9am\, 2pm\, plus in-person somatic work at 4pm \nOnline participants are expected to attend classes live. We have arranged class times to be comfortable for most time zones. However we understand that some class times might occur after midnight in some regions; if this is the case for you\, please let us know when you register. We can provide a recording so you can catch up on that particular class if it occurs in the middle of the night for you.\nWhat you’ll need: Your astrology chart with the Nodes\, Chiron\, and Eris\, using Placidus house system. Detailed instructions provided upon registration. \nWhat Does the Course Cost?\nIn-Person Participants: \n\nDāna to the Teacher\nAccomodation and meal costs for your stay Clear Sky Meditation Centre.\n\nOnline Participants: \n\nDāna to the Teacher\nOnline administration fee of $170 CAD.\n\nKeen practitioner pricing: 5% savings on program fees available until February 14\, 2025. \nImportant: The last day to register is one week prior to the retreat start date. Please register early. \nQuestions?\nIf you have questions about the retreat\, please contact the Clear Sky Retreat Manager at 250-429-3929  (phone) or at bookings@clearskycenter.org (email). \n\n\n\nIn-Person Registration\n\n\nOnline Registration\n \nAbout Clear Sky\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. \nFounded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. \nIn adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. \nEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n\n \nLocally-grown organic food \n \nSupportive meditation guidance \n \nStunning bedroom views \n\nIn-Person Registration\n\n\nOnline Registration\n\n“This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It’s a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property.”\nLinda H. \n \nFAQs\nAbout Dana \nYou may have come across this elsewhere in the form of “pay from the heart”. Dāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”. With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nThe dharma has been built on generosity. No-one is excluded for lack of funds but it is also extremely beneficial to give as much as you are able \nTypically people give in a range of $120-$500 USD for a course. \nAs we’re committed to ensuring everyone has access to the Dharma\, please feel comfortable to give less if you are not financially secure.  Another form of giving dāna is to offer service\, and if you are interested in providing support in a non-financial way\, we invite you to contact us. \nConversely\, if you are financially secure\, we invite you to generate merit by providing more financial support to the Triple Gem. Contributions like these make the difference in supporting our teachers\, teachings\, and center. \nLearn more about the practice of dāna here. \nAbout the Admin Fee \nIn a traditional model of in-person teachings\, a retreat center or urban meditation center invites teachers to visit. In these cases the centers have infrastructure and organization costs to cover\, which might be covered by an admin fee. For the teaching itself\, dāna to the teachers is offered in a bowl. This honors both the sustainability of the teachers\, and of the supporting center. \nWe’ve tried to recreate this approach online. The teachers’ time and the teaching themselves are offered on the basis of dāna\, separate to the admin fee. With our dāna offering we are making a direct gift of generosity to the teachers to support their teachings and livelihood. \nThe admin fee* goes to support the infrastructure and organization necessary to support them to teach. As anyone with an online business will know\, it can be surprising the costs of setting up a good infrastructure to support effective teaching and connection online. The admin fee changes based on date of registration. \n*We also do not wish to exclude anyone from the Teachings\, so if you are not currently in a financial position to afford the admin fee\, please contact the course Registrar via registrar@planetdharma.com so we can support you to attend. \n— \nBelow are a few of the work and benefits that your admin fee payment is supporting: \n\nhigh speed internet (to allow interviews and classes on-line)\nonline class systems (Zoom)\nregistration / admin systems (Eventbrite\, Basecamp)\ncommunication systems to keep everyone informed\, share connection details\, teachings and other resources (Mailchimp)\nonline storage (for example\, Dropbox\, to allow us to let students watch recordings\, and to store and share selected teachings in other forms such as podcasts and video later\, and Amazon cloud)\nquality sound\, video and editing equipment (both for live teachings and to provide good enough quality for later sharing as podcasts and video). We are regularly updating our equipment to improve your user experience.\nonline calendar booking system to allow students to book interviews\nwebsite hosting and maintenance for sharing upcoming courses\, teachings\, blogs and other resources.\n\nWe welcome any questions. May all our efforts be sustainable\, abundant and for the benefit of all beings! \nDaily Schedule  \nSpecific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice\n7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice\n9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers\n10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk\n10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha\n11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice\n12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice\n3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha\n4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice\n5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice\n7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \nFood\, Weather\, Accommodation and How to Get Here \nClick here for details on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \nPSYCHEDELICS/MICRODOSING \nWe recognize and respect plant medicine as an important part of some people’s spiritual paths. \nPlease note\, the meditation practice on this retreat is very powerful. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects. \nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances during this retreat and in the days immediately following it. \nSCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION \nWe aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible. \nAs a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. We do not have paid staff. \nThe teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart). \nFor some\, this is still a barrier of entry. \nIf you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \n\n\n\nIn-Person Registration\n\n\nOnline Registration
URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/astrodharma-nodes-planetary-purpose-online-course/
LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses,Online Courses
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261009T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261025T170000
DTSTAMP:20260530T082656
CREATED:20260220T020424Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T134652Z
UID:27028-1791558000-1792947600@www.clearskycenter.org
SUMMARY:Tantra Practice Retreat
DESCRIPTION:“Perhaps it is a more difficult path since we tend to get caught up in our desires that end up in attachment that is the source of suffering. But it is also a richer and more integrated path as we can use our full human potential and capabilities to rediscover wonderment without the clinging that causes suffering.” \nQapel (Acharya Doug Duncan) \nLife as Tantra: Weaving Desire into Liberation – Blog \nDeepen your relationship with the inner deity in this two-week tantra retreat. Whether it be a dance\, an embrace\, making love\, or merely establishing an initial rapport\, the deep archetypes of the mind beckon you to enter in communion. Led by Catherine Sensei\, this retreat is an opportunity to dive deep into the tantric teachings and practices of a thousand-year-old lineage. \nOctober 9 – 25\, 2006 \nIn-Person \n\nApply Here\n\n \nTantra \nfocus area\nMeditation Retreat \npractice\nTwo Weeks \nDuration\nAdvanced \nSkill Level\nIn-Person \nformat\nTantra Practice Retreat\nA Practice Transmission\nJoin us for seventeen days of tantric meditation as we draw on classical texts and lineage wisdom. \nYou’ll journey through the four classes of Tantra\, engaging deeply with creation stage (visualization of enlightened form) and completion stage (direct realization of ultimate reality) practices. This is training in how to enter\, progress on\, and complete the Vajrayana journey through all four classes of tantra\, following the classical Kagyu and Gelug presentations. \nYou’ll establish or deepen the four preliminary practices essential to this path: contemplating impermanence and precious human birth\, understanding karma\, developing bodhicitta\, and cultivating devotion to the lineage and guru. From this stable ground\, we progress through systematic training in generation stage yoga—learning to visualize ourselves in enlightened form—and completion stage yoga\, where we realize the ultimate nature of reality directly. \nThroughout\, we return to fundamental questions: \n\nWhat truly brings happiness?\nWhat is our actual motivation?\nHow much can our rational minds grasp\, and where must we surrender to direct experience?\n\nThis is an advanced retreat and is offered upon approved application and requires an established meditation practice and completion of a significant portion of your foundation practices. If foundational practices are not complete\, the applicant must be actively progressing in their foundation work. \nWhile we believe any undertaking can be a vehicle for awakening\, there’s no substitute for the power of profound direct experience gained through meditation. This is why meditation is one of the four foundational practices of our teaching. \n\nApply Here\n\n\n\n\n“Qapel and Sensei teach in a light\, but profound way – taking us on a brilliant journey of understanding with guile and humour.\nTheir male and female perspectives help balance with differing approaches to explaining a complex but genius system that holds all life understanding from religion\, science\, psychotherapy and wisdom traditions.”\nJonathan C. Shiatsu\, Qigong & Meditation Teacher\n \nWhat’s Expected of Me if I Come to This Retreat?\n\nA strong foundation of parami and a willingness to see other dimensions and cultivate your mind\, drug free.\nThe more extensive meditation experience you’ve had the better.\nYou are responsible for your own wellbeing.\nTo maximize your depth of practice\, we ask that you refrain from reading\, using the internet\, phone or listening to music during the course.\n\n \nSchedule\nArrival: October 9th at 3pm\, MT \nSample brief daily schedule: \n9am Class with Teacher \n11am Group Meditation led by a Senior Student \n12:30pm Lunch \n3pm Group Meditation led by a Senior Student \n6pm Dinner \n7:30 pm Meditation and Q&A with Sensei \nDeparture: October 25th \n*Daily schedule is subject to changes closer to the course date.  Questions about the retreat? Phone 250-429-3929\, or contact michelle@clearskycenter.org \nIn order to give enough time to rest from travel before the retreat starts\, we recommend that domestic travellers arrive one day early\, and long distance international travellers arrive two days early. After the retreat we also suggest staying for at least another day for integration\, however you are also welcome to stay longer for one of  our hybrid stay options. \nBooking a flight? Airport pickups can be booked when you register for the retreat. On the rare chance that this retreat is cancelled or if unforseen global circumstances cause travel interruptions\, we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance and modifiable tickets. \n\n\n \nMeet the Teacher\nCatherine Pawasarat Sensei\n \nCatherine Pawasarat trained daily with Acariya Doug Duncan since 1998 in an intensive spiritual apprenticeship that is rare in the modern West. She received lay ordination from Namgyal Rinpoche in 2003. In addition to Buddhist philosophy and its applications to daily life\, Catherine also draws on generative living and the arts. With Qapel Doug Duncan she co-founded of Clear Sky Retreat Center in the BC Rockies. \n\nApply Here\n \nAbout Clear Sky\nLocated in the BC rocky mountains\, we offer over 300-acres to deepen your practice and reconnect with nature. \nFounded by Qapel Doug Duncan and Catherine Pawasarat Sensei\, we are home to students from around the globe who are dedicated to co-creating a supportive and innovative space for awakening in our modern world. \nIn adherence with our quadruple bottom line\, we source our food as local and organic as possible. \nEVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW on how to get here\, what to bring and what to expect.  \n\n\n\n\n“This retreat centre is the REAL THING. It’s a modern monastery with people grounded in the present and practicing old and new methods of living in a spiritual community. This group walks the talk. I have made the trek from Ontario all the way to this remote corner of BC every year for the last 16 years to study with these teachers\, interact with these fellow seekers\, and bask in the beauty of this gorgeous property.”\nLinda H.Dharma Teacher & Author\n \nFAQs\nWhat is Tantra practice in this retreat?\nThis retreat teaches Vajrayana Tantra as a path of transformation\, using desire\, perception\, and human experience itself as means for awakening rather than sources of attachment and suffering. \nDetailed Daily Schedule (Long retreats)\nSpecific times may change – this is a rough guide (MST) \n6:30 – 7:30 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice\n7:30 – 8:15 AM: Breakfast: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n8:15 – 8:45 AM: Walk &/or Personal Practice\n9:00 – 10:00 AM: Class with Teachers\n10:00 – 10:30 AM: Walk\n10:30 – 11:30 AM: Group Practice led by Sangha\n11:30 – 12:30 PM: Personal Practice\n12:30 – 1:30 PM: Lunch: Prepare\, eat\, clean up\n1:30 – 3:00 PM: Personal Practice\n3:00 – 4:00 PM: Group Practice led by Sangha\n4:00 – 5:30 PM: Personal Practice\n5:30 – 7:00 PM: Dinner: prepare\, eat\, clean up\n7:00 – 7:30 PM: Walk &/or Personal Practice\n7:30 – 8:30 PM: Group Practice and Q & A with Teachers\n8:30 – Beyond: Personal Practice & bed \nDana and Pricing\nDana: \nThis retreat is offered on the basis of dāna (generosity). \nDāna is a Sanskrit term meaning “generosity”\, and is the traditional way in which Buddhist teachings are offered.  With dāna\, we give as a mutual exchange of generosity. You may have come across this in the form of “pay from the heart”. It’s our joy to offer this course\, and we trust you’ll match our time\, energy\, and passion by giving an amount of money that feels good and healthy to both you and us. \nYou will be sent a link to offer “dana” to the teachers after registration. \nFor more information on dāna click here. \nPricing: \nIn addition to Dana to the Teacher\, Clear Sky Meditation Centre provides an incredible space for your retreat.  Situated on a beautiful 310-acre property in the Rocky Mountains\, the center and its karma yogis provide you nourishing daily meals and comfortable accomodation. Read more: Staying with us (Clear Sky Meditation Centre) \nPlease go to the retreat registration page for this retreat for details of the all inclusive fee for the retreat. \nScholarship Application\nWe aim to make our retreats as accessible as possible. \nAs a centre run entirely by Karma Yoga (selfless service)\, retreat fees only cover food\, accommodation and the equipment required to offer them online. \nThe teachings themselves are offered on the basis of Dāna (pay-from-the-heart). \nFor some\, this is still a barrier of entry. \nIf you are seeking financial assistance to attend a retreat\, please complete a Scholarship Application form. \nWhat will participants learn during the Tantra Practice Retreat?\nParticipants train through the four classes of Tantra\, including creation stage visualization practices and completion stage meditation\, progressing toward direct realization of ultimate reality. \nIs prior meditation experience required?\nYes. This is an advanced retreat requiring an established meditation practice and active progress in Ngöndro foundational practices. \nWhat makes Tantra a unique spiritual path?\nTantra is considered a richer and more integrated path because it works with full human potential—including desire and experience—transforming them into liberation instead of rejecting them. \nWhat are the foundational practices emphasized in this retreat?\nThe retreat strengthens four key foundations: \n\nReflection on impermanence and precious human birth\nUnderstanding karma\nCultivating bodhicitta (awakening motivation)\nDeveloping devotion to teacher and lineage\n\nWhat is expected from participants during the retreat?\nParticipants commit to disciplined practice\, personal responsibility for wellbeing\, maintaining a drug-free environment\, and minimizing distractions such as phones\, internet\, reading\, or music to deepen meditation experience. \nMicrodosing/Psychedelics\nWe recognize and respect plant medicine as an important part of some people’s spiritual paths. \nPlease note\, the meditation practice on this retreat is very powerful. Consuming mind-altering substances will detract from your experience and could cause negative side-effects. \nWe ask that you refrain from microdosing or consuming mind-altering substances during this retreat and in the days immediately following it. \n What are states vs stages of consciousness?\nStates of consciousness are temporary meditation experiences such as clarity or bliss\, while stages of consciousness represent stable developmental shifts achieved through sustained practice that transform perception and understanding permanently. \n\n\n\nApply Here
URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/tantra-practice-retreat/
LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Featured Courses,Group Retreats and Courses
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261028T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20261118T120000
DTSTAMP:20260530T082656
CREATED:20260404T232527Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T134841Z
UID:28705-1793181600-1795003200@www.clearskycenter.org
SUMMARY:Integrating Mindfulness Fall 2026: Tools for Holistic Living (In-Person or Online)
DESCRIPTION:You’re Not Alone in This \nYou meditate. You work on yourself. Yet you still feel overwhelmed by everything you need to address—the habits draining your energy\, the relationship dynamics you can’t quite navigate\, the spaces that don’t support you\, the routines that keep slipping away. \nMaybe you’re working on all of this in isolation\, not sure if others struggle the same way. Or you’ve “scratched the surface” of integration but haven’t found a way to bring it all together. \nWhat if there was a container that could hold all of it? \nThis 4-week course offers that container—a sanctuary where you can pause\, reflect\, and reconnect with what truly matters. With heart-centered guides and a community of like-minded individuals\, you’ll discover how to integrate mindfulness into every facet of your life: your spaces\, routines\, communication\, relationships\, and the big areas that hold you back. \nWe see you\, and we walk this path with you. \nAccessible sliding scale pay-from-the-heart from $200-500 CAD according to your financial means.\n\nAttend Online (Register Here)\n \nfocus area\nMeditation \n& Daily Life \npractice\nInteractive \nWorkshop \nDuration\nFour \nWeeks \nDay/Time\nWednesdays\, October 28\, November 4\, 11 & 18\, 2026 \n10am-12pm MT\, \nNoon-2 pm EST \nformat\nIn-Person \nor \nOnline by Zoom \nWhy integrating mindfulness?\nBecause having the pieces isn’t the same as knowing how they fit together. \nYou might have meditation apps\, self-help books\, therapy insights\, and good intentions. But when it comes to actually applying these tools to your messy real life—your difficult conversations\, your cluttered spaces\, your draining routines\, your money stress—it all feels scattered and overwhelming. \nThis course gives you a framework that makes everything fit together. \nUsing Clear Sky’s Five Principles\, you’ll discover how to create a supportive container—not just for your meditation practice\, but for your entire life. A container that can hold the overwhelm\, the growth\, the vulnerability\, and the breakthroughs. With heart-centered guides and a small community of people who genuinely understand\, you’ll move from working on this alone to being supported every step of the way. \nA holistic approach\nIntegrating Mindfulness addresses the fullness of life—not just your meditation cushion\, but your habits\, relationships\, environment\, communication patterns\, and the big areas you’ve been avoiding (yes\, including money). \nHere’s what makes this different: \nMost mindfulness courses focus only on the practice itself. This course teaches you how to build a complete supportive container using Clear Sky’s Five Principles—so your practice can actually land at a deeper level and transform your daily life. \nThrough this course\, you will: \n\nGet clarity on what truly matters – and let go of what’s draining your energy\nCreate physical and energetic spaces that actually support your well-being\nBuild sustainable routines and structure – even during life transitions\nLearn to communicate honestly – expressing your needs and listening deeply\, even in difficult conversations\nAddress the “big areas” holding you back – relationships\, money\, career\, habits\nExperience the power of community – discovering you’re not alone in these struggles\n\nThe real transformation happens when these pieces work together. One participant described it as “an expansive embrace” that provides “a container that can hold all of it.” Another found it gave them “a solid anchor” during a major life transition. \nWe work with heart-centered guides and a small\, intimate group of like-minded individuals\, fostering genuine connection and belonging. \nWhat Previous Students are Saying\nThere are big areas of my life I needed to look at… that I didn’t know I needed to. I am more aware of them now\, and have perspective on how to bring daily mindfulness to them. Now I have a technique to structure my life and prioritize the things I actually want to do\, and a dialogue technique that is helping in my relationships. Integrating Mindfulness allows you to think about issues in a different way (such as money!). Insightful and nourishing.\nDaniel\nParticipating in the Integrating Mindfulness course has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It has helped me cultivate greater awareness and compassion and provided me with practical tools for managing stress and anxiety. I am deeply grateful for the Clear Sky community and support provided by the course.\nArtin\n“I’m so stressed out… I cannot see an end to it”—says everybody. I’m always considering options\, and I had doubts around the authenticity of the Integrating Mindfulness programme\, but I’m glad to report those doubts were completely unfounded. With this course\, you learn to stop and breathe\, and the teachers will show you that it is indeed possible—necessary\, even—to put mindfulness at the very centre of your life. At first it might not seem there have been any changes\, but on reflection the changes have been huge.\nPat\nI wanted more clarity on which direction to go. In Integrating Mindfulness\, I found fluidity and a variety of approaches to things I need\, like scheduling\, conversation\, clearer speech\, and language. In it\, I also discovered a definite need for clearing and dissolution. The question of work and overall change remains\, but I have moved forward on that journey.\nZoe\n\nAttend Online (Register Here)\n \nWhat’s inside the course?\nOur four-week journey is rooted in Clear Sky Retreat Center’s Five Principles\, offering a framework to create a mindful container for growth. These principles are: \nWeek 1 – Honor Your Space\nTransform your physical and energetic surroundings into a supportive sanctuary. Learn how your environment directly impacts your meditation practice and emotional well-being. \nWeek 2 – Structure and Routine\nDevelop sustainable daily rhythms and rituals that ground you through life’s ebbs and flows. Discover how to prioritize what truly matters and let go of what drains you. \nWeek 3 – Communication\nDeepen your connections through authentic\, compassionate dialogue. Learn to express your needs clearly and listen with an open heart—even in difficult conversations. \nWeek 4 – Cleaning Up Big Areas & Community\nAddress the unresolved challenges that hold you back (money\, relationships\, career). Discover how transformation accelerates when supported by conscious community. \nThis course is a unique synthesis of practical tools and profound awareness practices\, designed to address the whole of your life. \n\nFREE PDF – Five Principles of a Mindful Container\n \nWho is this course for?\nThis course is for those ready to step into their wholeness: \n\nTo learn skillful communication and healthy boundaries\nTo learn how to reduce distractions and bad habits that hold you back\nTo navigate life’s challenges with grace and ease.\nTo feel profoundly connected to themselves and others.\nTo embrace awareness as a catalyst for sustainable\, heart-centered change.\n\nWhether you join online or in person\, this course meets you where you are and provides flexibility and tools to support and ignite your personal path and journey. \nNot sure if this is right for you? Attend our free webinar From Resentment to an Open Heart first to experience our teaching style and get a feel for the Five Principles. \nHow much does it cost?\nTo make this course as accessible as possible\, we offer a sliding scale pay-from-the-heart approach to let you pay according to your financial means. \nSuggested range $200-500 CAD \nCourse details\nWhen: October 28\, November 4\, 11 & 18\, 2026\nTime: 10am-12pm MT; Noon-2pm EST\nFormat: Interactive workshops via Zoom\, or join us in-person at Clear Sky\nWhat you’ll need: A quiet space\, journal\, and willingness to engage \nBetween sessions\, you’ll have: \n\nSimple daily practices to integrate what you’re learning\nAccess to our online community for questions and support\nOptional office hours with Karen and Duncan\n\nAll sessions are recorded for online participants who need to miss a session. \n\n\n\n\n\nAttend Online (Register Here)\n \nExperience Our Teaching Before You Register\nNot sure if this course is right for you? Watch our recent webinar “From Resentment to an Open Heart” where we introduce one of Clear Sky’s Five Principles: honest communication. \nThis 90-minute session gives you a real sense of: \n\nOur teaching style and approach\nThe depth and practicality of the tools\nHow we create space for interactive learning\nWhether this work resonates with you\n\nThe webinar focused on communication. The 4-week course takes you through all Five Principles with the same depth – plus time for personal integration and practice. \n \nMeet The Teachers\n \nKaren McAllister\nKaren McAllister brings a wealth of wisdom as Clear Sky’s Chair of the Board and Director of Business Development. She founded The Mindful Money Coach and has helped hundreds of people better integrate and align their spiritual path and relationship with money. Her passion lies in nurturing spaces\, structure\, and communication to support awakening in everyday life. With her decades of spiritual leadership\, Karen gently guides participants to uncover their innate wisdom and clarity. \nDuncan Cryle\nDuncan Cryle is a co-founding member of Clear Sky Center\, Dharma teacher\, and certified mindfulness instructor. He blends years of co-creating Clear Sky’s conscious community and dynamic team\, with an international executive career. He has created and run mindfulness programs at major companies\, including one of the creators of the IBM mindfulness community.  Duncan’s compassionate and holistic approach invites participants to weave spiritual growth seamlessly into their lives\, making profound insights accessible and transformative.\n \nWhat Previous Students are Saying\nBefore Integrating Mindfulness\, I had been struggling with consistent practice\, conflicts within marriage about my practice\, and finances. Now I have a dedicated space for my practice\, am solidifying my need for sangha\, and am reassessing myself and my blocks and shadows. I would encourage someone interested in this to be open to change\, and know that change is always occurring—it doesn’t need to be a negative.\nLeslie \nMindfulness is so much more than just truly enjoying my cup of tea! I was struggling to find balance with all the big life issues that are changing in my life; finding Integrating Mindfulness was serendipity. It is what I need in my spiritual toolbox to help me stay open and connected. I am more aware now when I am losing myself in grief\, when I am handling difficult conversations\, and in seeing how human differences are to be enjoyed\, as I enjoy different flowers. There is so much more to discover about life. Integrating Mindfulness is about interactions with fellow travellers! If you want to take mindfulness deeper\, you need this course.\nKirsty\nI am doing a lot of other courses. They are all good—this one is special. Integrating Mindfulness provides a good foundation to support any other studies. People who express feeling unhappy\, overwhelmed\, lacking connection\, would find an ideal fit here. Now\, I am committed to being aware of my boundaries\, and doing what it takes to maintain them\, including clear communication to others. I’m going to continue working on my spiritual container and structure. I plan to come to Clear Sky for more!\nKim\nBefore Integrating Mindfulness\, I was exploring many directions\, and this was sapping my energy and making me ungrounded. I have been intending to discover a “middle way.” Through this course\, I have been getting clearer on my core\, non-negotiable values. I have gained confidence in asserting and communicating my boundaries and initiating conversations\, whereas in the past I avoided conflict. My sense of self-worth is deepening and I am valuing my time and energy more. I am discovering solutions for meeting my basic needs\, not subscribing to short-term gratification impulses\, and being in communion with conscious community\, all simultaneously.\nAila\nSince Integrating Mindfulness\, I’m beginning to see how mindfulness is a part of everything\, and how much of my life I have let slip out of my hands by not being mindful. I’m seeing how much power I will regain as I learn to be aware of myself more constantly and expand my ability to actually choose what I want to choose in each moment. Talk about life-changing!\nIntegrating Mindfulness will give you the opportunity to peel back some of the daily veils put up around painful and confusing areas of your life. Doing it with a group\, and with Karen and Duncan as wonderful teachers who really know what they are doing\, will set you up to get closer to the direction and peace that you so deeply crave.\nErika \nready to transform?\nMindfulness is not just a practice; it’s a way of being that illuminates the path to wholeness and connection. This course offers a nurturing container where you can pause\, reflect\, and embrace the beauty of your journey. \nThis course stands apart because it combines mindfulness with real-world integration\, creating a path for sustainable transformation. \nJoin us for Integrating Mindfulness\, and together\, we will uncover the power of awareness to create a life filled with intention\, compassion\, and deep fulfillment. \n\nAttend Online (Register Here)\n \nLEARN more about clear sky’s five principles\nBased on Clear Sky’s Five Principles\, Integrating Mindfulness helps you build a sustainable meditation practice that permeates your body\, career\, relationships and all other areas of your life. \nYou can learn more about our Five Principles here and get our free pdf overview by clicking the link below. \n\nFREE PDF – Five Principles of a Mindful Container\n\n \nFAQs\nWhat transformation can I expect from this course? \nThe course has been described as one of the most transformative experiences of many people’s lives. It helps cultivate greater awareness and compassion while providing practical tools for real-world integration of mindfulness into life and work\, creating lasting transformation. \nWhat will I learn and experience during the four weeks? \nEach week invites you to develop embodied awareness and presence\, cultivate heart-centered communication and compassionate listening\, balance inner work with outer action\, and live authentically aligned with your values. You’ll work with heart-centered guides and a community of like-minded individuals. \nWho is this course designed for? \nThe course is for those ready to step into their wholeness\, seeking deeper meaning\, a fuller embrace of life\, and a practice that nourishes both their inner world and connections to community. It’s ideal if you feel disconnected or struggle to bridge the gap between your intentions and daily challenges. \nWhat makes this mindfulness course different from other programs? \nThis course uses a threefold approach that cultivates mindfulness\, crafts a supportive container\, and powerfully integrates mindfulness into all aspects of life and work. It addresses the fullness of life including habits\, relationships\, environments\, and deepest aspirations\, ensuring participants experience profound\, tangible transformation. \nWhat are the Five Principles the course is based on? \nThe course is rooted in Clear Sky Retreat Center’s Five Principles: Awareness\, Communication\, Balance\, Authenticity\, and Mindfulness/Meditation. These principles provide a framework to create a mindful container for growth\, with each week building on the last.
URL:https://www.clearskycenter.org/event/integrating-mindfulness-fall-2026-tools-for-holistic-living-in-person-or-online/
LOCATION:Clear Sky Meditation Center\, 3567 Cockell Road\, PO BOX 19\, Fort Steele\, British Columbia\, V0B 1NO\, Canada
CATEGORIES:Integrating Mindfulness,Online Courses,Special Events
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