The retreats are devoted to restoring people's physical and mental wellbeing. (Facebook/ Wakaw Lake Retreats)

By Rachel May

Surfing the waves

New retreat helps restore people’s energy and sense of calm during the pandemic

Jan 13, 2022 | 10:00 AM

A northeast business is providing a getaway weekend for those who need to revitalize and reconnect with themselves.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some people may be struggling with mental health, but Wakaw Lake Retreats offers a safe space to explore their feelings.

Owners Ed and Mary Ellen Brockman are focusing on helping people reconnect their minds and bodies.

Mary Ellen said before starting the retreats she was a physical therapist at Rosthern hospital.

“I took training in acupuncture and through that process, I began practising acupressure. I found that it very much helped my clients but made me sick.”

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She then started training in energy medicine which is the practice of understanding how energy flows through the body to protect oneself from others energy.

Before the retreat, Ed was a school principal, and he practised mindfulness with the students.

The couple decided to take their talents and translate them into helping people with calming stress and boosting their energy.

Ed said the first step in making in healing ones mental health is understanding where stress comes from.

“Stress build-up comes from when there is a fear of danger. The response comes from things that have happened in the past and what things are happening in the future.”

The practice of mindfulness encourages one to look inward and focus on what is happening in the present time.

“Even as little as 10 minutes a day of bringing our mind to the present can have huge effects on your stress.”

With the pandemic leaving many people feeling isolated, the retreat offers options for interaction. If guests want to socialize, the couple is available for chatting, but if they want some time away, there is a hot tub and ski trails.

Ed added that a quote from his daughter nicely summarized the significance of stress management.

“There are waves around you, you can’t calm them but you can learn to surf them.”

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM