Upcoming Events

New to soap making and ready to take your skills to the next level?

We are offering a Soap-Making 201 class – open to those who have taken our basic class or have previous experience with soap making.  Previous experience IS required.

Together we’ll explore using natural colourants (using clays and infusions), the technique of making swirls and layers, ways to incorporate natural good-for-your-skin ingredients like carrots, cocoa butter and shea butter; and we will experiment with blends of essential oils for clean and balanced scents.

Each participant will take home 4 different beautiful soaps, 2 bars of each, plus the skill and confidence to try experiments at home with different combinations of colour and scent too.

Thanks to generous funding from the Federal Government we are pleased to be able to launch this cost-free program at FireLoch four times this year, once for every season! Seniors 55+ are welcome to join one or each of our 4-week programs for Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. In each series, we will explore gentle movement, yogassage,  breathwork, art and mindfulness practices for your mind, body and spirit. Find joy and meaning not only through social connections but also through guided art activities. Enjoy FireLoch’s beautiful private walking trails to get the blood flowing, socialize and take a big gulp of fresh air! This program is designed to awaken your spirit to fully engage in each new season.

Spring is a time for renewal and fresh starts.  Join Yvonne Landry, RMT and Art therapist Shelley Long for our program in Spring 2024 with a holistic and therapeutic approach to self-care and self-reflection while learning new ways to grow into your “own-ness”. We will meet on May 9, 16, 23 and 30th from 10-12 at FireLoch (1442 Hwy 7 in Lochaber – free transportation available!) Each session will involve gentle yogassage, nourishing food and time in community combined with an art practice based on the theme of the day.

• What is Yogassage?: Yogassage is a marriage between restorative yoga poses and massage. You will be in 5-8 gentle postures supported by cushions and bolsters (while lying on the floor) and while in these poses you will be given a massage or passive stretch to whatever body part we are activating during that particular pose. We will integrate some breathing techniques as well as a guided meditation at the end. Pure bliss and no experience with yoga is required.
• What is Art Therapy? Art Therapy is a process-based form of art making where the emphasis is placed on creative expression vs. skill level.  No previous art experience is necessary, just an openness and willingness to get creative! 

Cost: Thanks to generous funding from the federal government, this program is FREE for adults 55+ ( approx. $375.00 value per person!)

At checkout please use the code “FreeforSeniors” for a full (100%) discount

Transportation can be arranged to assist with accessing this venue – after you enrol you will be asked to fill in a form where you can indicate your need for transportation. Any other questions? We’d love to hear from you! Email our facilitators directly at: seasonalwellness2024@gmail.com

Did you know the land surrounding us is filled with deeply nourishing plants and fungi?

Men’s Collective Retreat: Finding time to connect with a community of peers in a safe, fun, healing gathering

Escape the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in a unique weekend at FireLoch’s Men’s Collective Retreat. Set amidst the forested trails at FireLoch, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with yourself and find a brotherhood of peers. Axe throwing and fireside meals will be on the agenda alongside yoga, meditation, and men’s talking & sharing circles. Great for folks who have never participated in a gathering of this nature or for friends looking to deepen their practice together.

**Why Should You Come?**

With all the demands in our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected. This retreat provides a sanctuary where we will pause together to reflect on what it will take to feel greater balance. We will share our experiences with work, family relationships, and finding time for ourselves in the day. Throughout the retreat we will work together to share, heal and connect.

Our Facilitation Leaders:

This Retreat is hosted by Scott DeCoste, owner of FireLoch, a social enterprise in Lochaber, Antigonish. Scott has built FireLoch to be an inclusive and affirming gathering place intentionally hosting space for building joy and connection.

Jon Colins will act as primary facilitator and Jon is a 500 hr Certified yoga teacher and trauma informed yoga instructor (TIYTIN) /Men circle facilitator.

What to Expect:

• The weekend is composed of a blend of activities &  practices focused on men connecting with other men, themselves and self study.
• Co-create and Co-own a Men’s Circle (talking & sharing), and foster a safe container of transformation, creation and healing.
• Open & topic driven discussions
• Practices to connect to feeling, not just emotions but the ability to sense your own body and environment. ie Embodiment
• Practice expressing care for others and listening with compassion. Lead from a conscious mind and open heart.
• Learn the key nutrients for our nervous systems so we can learn to find a comfortable way of withdrawing, of nourishing and renewing ourselves.
• Learn about the importance as a masculine to find our purpose, and showing up with integrity in all our relationships.

Elements of the Retreat:

1. **Nature Immersion:** Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature as you explore scenic trails, practice yoga in the pine trees, and meditate by the gentle flow of a nearby stream.

2. **Yoga for Mind and Body:** Delve into daily yoga sessions tailored to men’s unique needs, led by experienced instructors who will guide you through postures, movements, and breath work to promote strength, flexibility, and inner balance.

3. **Meditation and Mindfulness:** Cultivate a sense of calm and presence through guided meditation sessions. Learn practical techniques to quiet the mind, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

4. **Breath Work for Stress Relief:** Discover the transformative power of breath work as a tool for stress relief and emotional well-being. Explore various breathing techniques to release tension and increase energy.

5. **Community and Connection:** Connect with like-minded men in a supportive and inclusive environment. Share experiences, insights, and laughter as you forge meaningful connections and cultivate a sense of camaraderie.

**Join Us:**

Date: June 7-9th

Location: 144 Hwy 7, North Lochaber (Antigonish County), Nova Scotia

Price: $445+tx (includes food for the weekend and lodging in shared space but participants are required to bring cots/pads and bedding, or they can bring tents or trailer).

Contact scott@fireloch.com to discuss PWYC pricing to make this experience possible for you.

Limited spots available, reserve your spot today!

 We look forward to welcoming you to our Men’s Collective Retreat!

We are delighted to host Sara Dismukes, a visiting artist from Alabama with expertise in bookmaking, leatherwork, drawing/painting/printmaking, illustration, and digital media. Sara is strongly connected with heritage craft processes and has taught community workshops at American folkschools since 2012.

In her workshop at FireLoch, Sara will demonstrate traditional bookmaking techniques in the construction of a journal or sketchbook. All participants will engage in a hands on experience, using traditional non-adhesive bindings to make an Italian Longstitch Journal. Participants will leave with their own hand-bound book, along with the skill to adapt the technique in their own studio/ at home.

The true cost of this workshop is $45/pp as we will be supplying all the materials required. We have enabled a pay-what-you-can rate so several tickets are available at $25/pp to reduce the financial barrier to participate for those who need this support. You are welcome to access tickets for $25/pp by taking a full price ticket then using the coupon code “reducedrate” at checkout. If you can spare extra to help provide supplies for others you are invited to bring an extra $5 to the class to donate to Sara to assist with supplies. Thanks for helping us make these workshops accessible!