It鈥檚 been a long, gradual process, but the Four Pillars of Mindfulness has found its new home, and has started offering programs.
The business 鈥� which draws its name from the concept of four pillars being creativity, beauty, service and truth 鈥� has purchased the land that used to be home to the Metochos Ministries Lutheran Bible Camp. The sale was completed just before Christmas 鈥� the perfect Christmas gift for founder Emily Gillies.
When Gillies first discussed the possibility of launching the Four Pillars, she expressed her belief that Metochos would be the perfect location, thanks to the main building that was constructed less than a decade ago, and the south-facing view that the building offers of Rafferty Dam.
Since that time, there has been the work associated with starting a new business, including raising enough money to purchase the land.
A couple of events have already been held at the former Metochos site, including weekend retreats in January and February.
鈥淭he focus of the retreat was to take some quiet and personal time for yourself, to slow down from the busy pace of life, and to connect to your own true voice, be in conversation and community with other people, as we explored our own stories,鈥� said Gillies. 鈥淭here was space to talk about the problems and the concerns in your own life.鈥�
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The retreat in January allowed participants to look into their own lives at the start of the new year, while the one in February was about connecting with a true voice, and they are at in their own lives.
鈥淭o do this, we just have a place where we can share our real stories, and really be honest with each other, and it鈥檚 always beautiful when people come together to do that,鈥� said Gillies.
Everyone has issues that create stress and anxiety, she said, and taking time to examine those things in a compassionate and loving environment will make people better.
鈥淭he ways that we do that is thinking about the body and mind and spirit,鈥� said Gillies. 鈥淪o we get in touch with our body in yoga practice and this can be for any level of yoga practitioner.鈥�
Some of the people present had never tried yoga before.
Meals for the retreat were prepared on site, and they had a different spin.
鈥淲e have silent meals as a way to learn about mindfulness, which people find difficult at first, and then really enjoy it,鈥� said Gillies.
Twelve people attended the first retreat, and 10 more were at the second.
Gillies said people are very receptive to the concepts offered at the retreats. They have opened up to a sense of happiness within themselves that wasn鈥檛 there when they arrived, and the Four Pillars also receives feedback forms to get people鈥檚 thoughts on the accommodations, the food and programming, as well as thoughts for the future.听
The next retreat will be March 30 and 31.
Private groups can use the space for their own purposes as well. A private group is renting the area in March, with Gillies helping to facilitate while joining the group.
It鈥檚 an international group that is attracting people from across Canada, as well as one from the U.S. and another from the U.K.
There will also be a week of daily drop-in yoga classes this month.
Gillies has plans to further expand the site. She wants to renovate the basement for private treatment rooms and holistic health practitioners.
A labyrinth will be installed in the spring, because she believes the labyrinth concept also helps with what she is trying the accomplish.
鈥淚t can be a very good reflective tool to become mindful, to be out in nature and to be present with yourself,鈥� said Gillies.
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Gillies believes the closest labyrinth is located at a centre in Lumsden.
She also wants to see a building constructed to provide accommodations, which would complement the eight bunkhouses that still dot the land. People would have the option of staying in the hotel-style structure, or in those bunkhouses, which would add to the concept of a community sleeping arrangement.听
A lot of people have been supportive from the outset, she said. They have helped her to see and create her vision, whether it be through financial support or through words of encouragement.听
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