Sieze the Day!

I am literally surrounded by nature. I’m gazing at my laurel tree that we transplanted a few years ago – check out this hilarious YouTube post! The trees are making a soft sound in the breeze. My handmade wood chime is also singing softly. The wild hollyhocks are just starting to bloom; my rose is in full flower; all around me are medicinal herbs feeding the honey bees and waiting for me to harvest them, or not.

I sleep so well here! Okay, I can sleep well sitting on a chair in a crowded waiting room! Nevertheless, sleep comes easily and is filled with pleasant and sometimes profound dreams.
The other night, we watched the full moon rise and we realized Mars was visible just below it. We set up the telescope and wow! There it was, a beautiful orange planet.

The trails here surround our house, which is high in the hills at 875 metres above sea level. We are safe here: if you go for a run or a leisurely walk you probably won’t see anyone unless it is the old lady from down the road looking for mushrooms. You will see abandoned stone houses, set deep in the chestnut groves, deer running on the trails ahead of you, birds everywhere.

I am inviting you to join me here this summer. Retreat 2018 runs from July 24-31. I have a group arriving on the 23rd and I have space for two more women. Send me an email at mbcdoulaschoolatgmaildotcom for more details.

Come and find peace! Seize the day!

Coming up in 2018!

2018 has started and is moving along quite nicely. I can't believe it's been a year since I went to Greece to work with the families there who were fleeing war and destruction in Syria and elsewhere. That was a life-changing experience for me ... more on that in another post!

But for now, I am motivated and excited to present some very interesting activities coming up over the next few months. At the Peace Cafe, 1002 Van Horne, Montreal, we host all sorts of events, and listed below are most of our doula-related activities, led by leaders in their fields from our Montreal birth community:

On the third Sunday of every month, doulas and anyone who's interested can meet at the Caffe della Pace, 1002 Van Horne, from 6pm until 7:30pm, to catch up, share birth stories and support. The next one will be on January 21, at six pm. 

Sunday, January 21, 9:30am-5:30pm, Yoga for Doulas One (Prenatal)

Wednesday, February 7, 6-9 pm, Postpartum Herbs

Saturday, Sunday, February 24, 25 9 am-5 pm, Supporting the Breastfeeding Newborn

Sunday, March 18, 2018, 9:30am-5:30pm, Yoga for Doulas Two (Labour and Postpartum). 

I am also hosting two very exciting events!

On February 6, 2018, my Radical Doula Study group will commence. This will be an eight week course for those wishing an introduction to doula care. It will also be a chance for more experienced and knowledgeable students (and myself) to come together and learn more about the craft, and also in the process to teach the incoming students. This is a different way of looking at knowledge, learning, and how we process: February 6, 2018 - March 27, 2018. 5:30-9pm, Radical Doula Study Group. Cost $400 for new students; $100 per month for advanced participants (ongoing).

AND for the first time, we are hosting a Summer Doula Retreat up in our mountain hideaway!!

Mountain Hideaway

It is so important to recognize when you need to take a break! If you are working with people and their bodies, you may find yourself tired, fatigued, "burnt-out", distressed, or even physically ill. If you're working with people on the edges of our affluent society, you may feel that you do not deserve a break, but you do! I propose a week in the fresh air, away from everything (limited internet access, be warned!). We will take walks and learn about the herbs that live around us; meditate; think and talk; be silent. We'll eat good vegetarian food, and strengthen our bodies and our spirits for the year ahead. We'll laugh and probably shed a tear or two.

Come away with me!

https://www.mbcdoulaschool.ca/summerbirthretreat.html