Spring Rising” - Give yourself permission to pause, to rest and come alive!

Learning from the deep wisdom of the Spring season, the 2024 SoulWay Retreat will guide you in slowing down and waking up to your life while appreciating the wonder and glory of this spectacular season.

This in-person retreat will be held at Crieff Hills Retreat Centre - Guelph, Ontario. Overnight & commuter options are available.

Each year that pass is unique.

Individually, and collectively, we all go through the 365 days of the year bravely, never knowing what tomorrow holds.

Your own individual path has held profound moments since the turn of the calendar year many months ago - moments that have shaped your present and will shape the year to come.

It’s no wonder that so many of us have an impulse to reflect on the events of our year, how they’ve shaped us, the lessons we’ve learned, and taking time to intentionally imagine the year to come.

In this DIY online experience, Christa , over the course of 4, short videos, will thoughtfully guide you through soul-centered reflection and experiential exercises that will give you the tools to process your year, know yourself better, and take your next right step for the year to come.

You’ll walk away with calm-clarity and centered-hope for the days ahead.

This simple & refresheing online experience is designed to help you:

• REVIEW: Identify your own key soul-shaping moments from the previous year

• REFLECT: Take time to discover what truly moved you and its impact on you

• REFRAME: Address this year’s disappointments, challenges, and pain with gentleness & ground yourself in what is most true

• RECLAIM: Make a realistic ‘plan’ to re-align and find resilient ways of living well in the year to come

What if this Advent & Christmas season could feel a bit different this year? What if there was a bit more slow. A bit more quiet.

What if there was a bit more depth to your experience of the peace, hope, joy, and love that is highlighted all month long.

Could this Advent season really be about experiencing some comfort & joy? What if tuning into all of your senses, and surrendering to the Reality of your life leads you to an awakened connection and appreciation for yourself, others, God, and the natural world.

Whether you’re brand new to the season of Advent, or this season has been a meaningful part of your year for a long time, you’re invited to take some reflective time this month to reset, refresh, and restore.

You’re invited to participate in these do-at-your-own pace reflections designed to keep you centered and not overwhelmed. They are simple, and will help you:

• slow down, listen deeply, and be present to the season

• ground yourself in Love so you’re giving from the heart this season

• draw closer to the loving heart of God through thoughtfully curated Advent prayers

• learn of the history and meaning of this beautiful Christian season of hope

• help you process, pray, and appreciate the closing to another year

• find renewed meaning in the season of Advent as a beautiful preparation for Christmas

• discover new ways to experience this month with hope, peace and joy

• learn some spiritual practices to help you centre yourself during the hectic pace of December

…and you can take as much or as little of the resources each week you’d like. You’ll have access to these resources year over year.

Four Consecutive Mondays in November - 6, 13, 20, 27 from 7:30pm - 9pm EST.

These four workshops will be appropriate for those who are brand new to the Enneagram, and for those who are more seasoned and knowledgeable.

1. Solid Ground: Learning the foundations of the Enneagram and how transformation unfolds in us

2. Diving Deeper: Exploring the nine types without drowning

3. Pathways: Learning our emotional & mental habits and uncovering new patterns for personal growth

4. Practical Presence: Discovering tangible practices for your type that leads to your flourishing

• We’ll explore the important core principles that often get lost in our “ennea-meme” culture and lay a strong foundation for why we should even use the Enneagram as a tool for self-development.

• Address where the Enneagram comes from, and how it differs from other typology and personality assessments

• We’ll dig into the Basic Fears of each type and do some concrete work and practicing how these fears grip and limit us

• Perhaps one of the greatest assets the Enneagram map gives us is how it shows our habits of emotional and mental attention. We’ll pull apart some our own habitual patterns in order to lean in and learn more about what gives us our super-powers, and what’s getting in our way of our flourishing

• Learn about the “laws of behaviour” and a transformational model that you can use as you feel triggered in certain situations.

• Digging into tangible spiritual practices for each enneagram type

The goal of this one month experience is to gain valuable tools for self-reflection and awareness building, a deeper understanding of the Enneagram, and how to use it well in your own life for your personal transformation.

Coaching “Tune-In + Tune-up!” Package

The turn of the season, as well as the calendar year is often a time to take stock, reestablish some routine, set some goals, and dive into exploring the invitation Life has for you. Having a companion, like a coach to come alongside you, whether it’s related to personal or professional development, can help you tune-in to your deeper wisdom, and tune-up parts of your life that are needing some attention.

• Work with Christa to identify your specific coaching goals to be addressed in 3 sessions. This can include using the Enneagram tool or not.

• $480 (includes all taxes) for three, 50-60 minute sessions to be used anytime between September 5 & December 15, 2023 or January 15 - April 30, 2024.

• This package is a special discount of $30 off, offered for NEW clients only.

The Elora-Cataract Trail is a 50km trail located in one of the prettiest areas of southwestern Ontario. The trail rolls through forest and farmland and is a perfect place to slow down so you can wake up to what your soul is saying to you. The terrain is flat and perfect for most pilgrims.

Group size is 6-8 people. This trip is perfect for singles, couples, or a weekend getaway with friends. We will be walking some of the time together, and some of the time on our own. And, we’ll walk rain or shine!

This is a safe, socially distanced, outdoor activity.

The entire pilgrimage will be supported by Christa as she offers helpful tools to reflect on your life and gain insight into what your soul is wanting to say to you.

Summer “Soul-o”

DIY Mini- Retreats to Refresh all Summer Long

If you’re looking for a summer of soul-full abundance, these 6 self-guided mini-retreats will lead you toward more health, happiness, and vitality.

Think of it like a spa for your soul all summer long!

We will explore six themes (see below) that mirror the movements of the summer season so that when September arrives you will have a new perspective and gratitude that you long for.

You can use one, two, or all six of these retreats. The choice is yours!

Each of the 6 mini retreats will include:

• a short video by Christa exploring the theme

• a guide to offer unique practices that help bring more play to your soul!

• poetry, music, podcasts, and videos to support your experience

• plus, there will be 3 optional Zoom gatherings with Christa and other participants

This will be a unique experience that is designed to restore you, and not overwhelm you.

Mind Clear | Heart Light | Body Loved | Soul Strong

Your adventure to greater awareness, love and personal transformation is about to begin.

While you may want to frame this experience as “a course”, or “a learning cohort”, it may be best to describe this as a “community of belonging & practice”. This will be an experience that supports participants with practical steps to live with vitality, compassion, presence, and hope - to live Wide Alive, even when it’s difficult.

This is not a self-help program, but a “self-hope” experience. It isn’t a course to fix yourself, but to find yourself, and live with aliveness in whatever circumstance you find yourself in. Christa will serve not simply as a guide, but as a fellow pilgrim too.

We can’t wait to be back in person!

Creiff Hills Retreat Centre in Guelph, Ontario.

Are you looking for a unique way to deepen your connection to your soul, tune into Spirit, ground in God, develop discernment, and discover new ways to pray? Whether you have been a person of faith for a long time, are in a season of doubt and disorientation, or coming into a brand new awareness of the Divine in your life, regardless of tradition or creed, spiritual direction can be valuable support on a person’s spiritual path.

• 6 Tuesdays, beginning Tuesday, October 4, 2022

• 7:30pm EST - 9:00pm EST

Imagine a weekend away, hiking on one of the most spectacular sections of the Bruce Trail.

The BRUCE TRAIL is a 900km trail located through the heart of southwestern Ontario. It is Canada’s oldest and longest footpath, and the section of the trail we’ll be hiking together is one of the best - The Beaver Valley. We’ll be hiking in and through Old Baldy, Eugenia Falls, Hoggs, Falls, and enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of this incredible escarpment valley.

Group size is maxed at 8 people + 2 guides. This trip is perfect for singles, couples, or a weekend getaway with friends. Christa Hesselink will be guiding the trip and taking every step with you. While we will be walking as a group, you should feel comfortable slipping into your own pace. We’ll also be taking time to walk in silence. And, we’ll walk rain or shine!

The entire weekend will be supported by Christa as she offers helpful tools to reflect on your life and gain insight into what your soul is wanting to say to you.

The Elora-Cataract Trail is a 50km trail located in one of the prettiest areas of southwestern Ontario. The trail rolls through forest and farmland and is a perfect place to slow down so you can wake up to what your soul is saying to you. The terrain is flat and perfect for most pilgrims.

Group size is 6-8 people. This trip is perfect for singles, couples, or a weekend getaway with friends. We will be walking some of the time together, and some of the time on our own. And, we’ll walk rain or shine!

This is a safe, socially distanced, outdoor activity.

The entire pilgrimage will be supported by Christa as she offers helpful tools to reflect on your life and gain insight into what your soul is wanting to say to you.

Perhaps there has never been a more appropriate time to read this gorgeous book that will renew hope and gratitude for your life and the world around you.

Many of us feel as though we are chaffing, fighting, and struggling against the challenges of this unique season in history. And while fighting can be appropriate, this book will remind us how much hope and gratitude there is for what’s right in front of you.

This book club is unique. There are two ways you can participate.

1) Join a group of people as we read the book together during the 2022 season of Lent. We’ll begin on March 1, and follow a suggested reading guide through until Easter in April. Over the course of these weeks, we’ll gather 3 times (over Zoom) with some special guests.

*You will receive an email every other week with reading guide, chapter questions, and contemplative practices and resources of support to amplify your reading.

2) Read at own pace, anytime and enjoy the chapter guide, contemplative resources, poems and playlists that accompany this stunning book. And, get the recordings of the three sessions to view them at your convenience.

In these curious times, our racing minds, anxious thoughts, wearied and worried hearts can get the best of us.

There has never been a more important time to learn about, and join others in contemplative practice.

This pandemic is reminding us just how much “allowing and letting go” we need. Life's meaning, purpose, and perspective comes into clarity as we slow down and pay attention. And, we need practices to support this effort.

“Contemplation is anything that pierces your illusions and helps you touch Reality.” (Parker Palmer)

Christianity has a rich heritage of contemplative practice that support people’s connection to God. And, while much of these have been “lost” over the centuries, there is a growing interest and recognition of their profound support for our spiritual journey.

In three consecutive Sunday evening classes, participants will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the roots of Christian contemplative practice and an experience that will support your connection to God.

Are you looking for a unique way to deepen your connection to your soul, tune into Spirit, ground in God, develop discernment, and discover new ways to pray? Whether you have been a person of faith for a long time, are in a season of doubt and disorientation, or coming into a brand new awareness of God in your life, regardless of tradition or creed, spiritual direction can be valuable support on a person’s spiritual path.

• 6 Tuesdays, beginning Tuesday, February 1, 2022

• 7:30pm EST - 9:00pm EST

Are you looking for a unique way to deepen your connection to your soul, tune into Spirit, ground in God, develop discernment, and discover new ways to pray? Whether you have been a person of faith for a long time, are in a season of doubt and disorientation, or coming into a brand new awareness of God in your life, regardless of tradition or creed, spiritual direction can be valuable support on a person’s spiritual path.

• 6 Consecutive Tuesdays, beginning Tuesday, October 19

• 7:30pm EST - 9:00pm EST

The Elora-Cataract Trail is a 50km trail located in one of the prettiest areas of southwestern Ontario. The trail rolls through forest and farmland, and is a perfect place to slow down so you can wake up to what your soul is saying to you. The terrain is flat and perfect for most pilgrims.

Group size is 7 people. This trip is perfect for singles, couples, or a weekend get-away with friends. We will be walking some of the time together, and some of the time on our own. And, we’ll walk rain or shine!

This is a safe, socially distanced, outdoor activity.

The entire pilgrimage will be supported by Christa as she offers helpful tools to reflect on your life and gain insight into what your soul is wanting to say to you.