TRANSFORMING THE ORDINARY INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY 
RETREAT with ELESA COMMERSE & AURA GARVER

SALT SPRING ISLAND, VANCOUVER BC

About

We gathered in Vancouver, British Columbia, one of the greenest cities in the world, where vibrant color and natural beauty surrounded us at every turn. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in the richness of the landscape: lush greenery, expansive blue skies, and the fresh, invigorating air of the Pacific Northwest. Then we journeyed by ferry across the ocean to Salt Spring Island, the experience itself became part of the retreat - an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and arrive fully.

Salt Spring Island held a profound sense of presence and reverence. For Canada’s Indigenous First Nations peoples, this land was considered sacred ground, visited only for their most meaningful rituals. As we walked among the towering trees and quiet pathways, it became clear why - there was a palpable stillness, a depth that invited reflection and connection.

Throughout our time together, we explored the power of attention and how where and how we place it shapes our experience of the world. Inspired by the idea that “attention is the beginning of devotion,” we cultivated a sense of reverence for ourselves, for one another, and for the natural world around us. In this space, we softened, listened, and reconnected experiencing a deeper sense of presence, healing, and belonging.

Our days unfolded in a rhythm that allowed for both structure and spaciousness. We nourished ourselves with fresh, organic meals made from ingredients grown on the farm around us. We moved through two daily yoga practices with Aura, an energizing morning flow and a deeply restorative evening session, along with both silent and guided meditations with Elesa, often held outdoors in the beauty of the surroundings.

We immersed ourselves in the restorative practice of forest bathing, allowing the sights, sounds, and energy of the forest to calm the nervous system and awaken the senses. Long summer days stretched into evenings filled with soft light, blooming flowers, and quiet moments of awe.

There was ample time for rest, wandering, and personal reflection - whether receiving bodywork, exploring the island, or simply being still. Above all, what made the retreat so meaningful was the connection we shared, forming heartfelt bonds, authentic friendships, and a deep sense of community with kindred spirits.

By the end of our time together, we left feeling nourished, grounded, and reconnected to ourselves, to nature, and to what we hold as sacred.