From Participant to Facilitator: Embracing Holistic Healing Retreats
by Annie Anderson

Having experienced the profound impact of attending retreats as a participant, I’ve come to recognize the immense value they offer in fostering personal growth and transformation. However, it wasn’t until I delved into the realm of holistic healing retreats that I truly understood the depth of their potential. Today, I stand not only as a participant, but also as a facilitator, eager to share the transformative power of these retreats with others.

My journey towards becoming a facilitator began with a desire to deepen my understanding of holistic wellness practices, such as Reiki, EFT, Emotion Code, Qi Gong, BioResonance, Hypnotherapy, among many others. I experienced firsthand the profound benefits of integrating ancient wisdom with modern techniques. Each opportunity to learn something new served as a steppingstone, guiding me towards a deeper connection with myself, and a greater sense of inner peace.

As I immersed myself further into the world of holistic healing, I realized that my passion for personal growth and wellness could be channelled into something greater—facilitating transformative experiences for others. Armed with a wealth of knowledge and a heart full of compassion, I joined Dale and Jeanne Hoag of “Divine Guidance Empowering You” from Medicine Hat, Alberta, to co-facilitate their 4th retreat in Cypress Hills, Saskatchewan in the spring of 2021.

What sets these retreats apart from others I had attended, was their holistic approach to wellness, addressing not only the physical but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of our being. As a facilitator, I have the privilege of guiding participants on a journey of self-discovery and healing, helping them uncover and release limiting beliefs and patterns that no longer serve them.

But my role as a facilitator goes beyond simply leading sessions—it is about creating a safe and nurturing space for growth and transformation where participants feel seen, heard, and valued. Witnessing the profound transformations that occur during these retreats reaffirms my belief in the power of holistic wellness to heal and uplift not only individuals but entire communities.

Dale and Jeanne, along with myself, as co-facilitators bring together other gifted and experienced practitioners who, like me have found the perfect place for sharing their particular holistic method of healing. Joining us are practitioners Jamie Hammel (Reiki and Hypnotherapy), Angela Guest (Emotion Code, Body Code and Belief Code), Cari Matis (musician, vocalist, sound bath and cacao ceremony) and Herb Norden (Shamanic drum ceremony), creating a community of like-minds.

This very special 10th anniversary of the Transformational Retreat in Cypress Hills, SK, on April 26–28, also includes guest presenter, Paul Elder. Paul was born and raised in Saskatchewan. He was a news reporter and announcer before going into politics and eventually, becoming the mayor of Swift Current, SK. What is special about Paul is that he is a survivor of three near-death experiences: a drowning at the age of 12, a car accident at the age of 17, and a heart attack at the age of 41. Along with the trauma, and subsequent beauty of death, came a series of spontaneous spiritual events that would rock his world, turning his belief system upside down, leaving him with some profound insights as to our true nature and purpose in the universe. He went on to write his experience in the book, Eyes of an Angel. His story beautifully interweaves our theme “Ignite Your Spirit ~ A Journey to Empowerment.” We are thrilled to have Paul join us!

Annie Anderston operates The Energy Medicine Clinic in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She has completed the training, education, and certification in the following areas: Bachelor of Health Science—Paramedicine Degree; Reiki Levels 1, 2 & Master and Master-Teacher; Certificate in Positive Psychology; Levels 1, 2 & Advanced EFT Certification; Meridian Stress Analysis as a BioResonance Technician; Death Doula; Terahertz Technology for Quantum Frequency Healing; and Heart Math for Trauma. Currently, she is also enrolled at Quantum University in Honolulu, Hawaii, working towards a PhD in Natural Medicine and Holistic Health. She has also started her training in Shamanic Healing. For more information, see the display ad on inside back cover (of the 29.6 March/April issue of the WHOLifE Journal) and/or email theenergymedicineclinic@gmail.com, call (403) 866-5020, or email Jeanne@divineguidance.ca, call (403) 504-9690.