Hornby Island - Silent Meditation Retreat

Hornby Island has a reputation as a spiritualA peaceful solitude exists here that is outside of
destination, especially in the winter. For the oddthe 'real world' of fast food franchises and big
person that can slow down enough, Hornby canbox retailers. The ferry stops running at 6pm
be like a silent meditation retreat. The island itselfevery night (except Friday when it runs till 10) and
has a certain energy to it that evokes wondereveryone who is here is here for the night. The
and mysticism from many who set foot here. Itnature of the island offers an opportunity to look
has an off-the-grid stillness feel to it. There is ainward with few distractions, the whole island can
high ratio of yoga instructors, meditation teachers,be a silent meditation retreat for those open to it.
and bodyworkers compared to most any placeThe beauty of Hornby Island invites one to see
else in North America. I was in Sedona, AZ earlierspirit expressed everywhere as nature. Bountiful
this year and Hornby reminds me of there withand beautiful, lush and abundant, the beauty of
the same feel of land charged with spirit.nature existing without any will invites one to
For me, the silent meditation retreat begins withfollow the change of the seasons with wonder.
the land and sea. From a geological perspective,Mushrooms poking up in the fall, nettles
Hornby Island isn't like the surrounding land forms.reappearing in the middle of winter, and eagles
It is soft sandstone when most all land around isconstantly overhead with their unique sing-song
granite. The ocean meets this yielding sandstonechirping always remind you it's an expression of
with relentless motion carving beautiful, smooththe divine.
rounded shapes wherever the rock is exposed.There is a special place on the island, deerheart
The weathered sandstone ends up on one of thesanctuary, which is dedicated to seeing the truth
many beaches ringing the island. The ocean isof spirit within. It is located in the valley and has a
never far away and the sea lions that visit everyYurt Temple that is held for meditation, yoga, and
winter can be heard far up the valley andother spiritual practice. The setting is unique on
mountain. I'm trying to put an explanation to whythe island with trails running beside the creek and
this particular piece of rock feels so special, butbeautiful big trees to enjoy. Deerheart sanctuary
everything I say doesn't capture it. Suffice to say,has regular silent meditation retreats as well as
most anyone you talk to who has been here willthe sacred space for personal retreat.
attest to the pervasive specialness of spirit livingSo come here for a week in the winter. . . make
through the island.it 10 days. No matter where you stay, you'll have
The summer brings a frenzy of activity andthe opportunity to do your first '10-day silent
visitors while the winter brings a marchingmeditation retreat'. Let nature be your dharma
succession of storms and calm with few visitors.teacher.