How we came to be…
About Namaste in the North
We love the North. We both grew up in Thunder Bay, and through our roles in education and health care, have had the opportunity to travel to and fall in love with so many of the communities across Northwestern Ontario.
Over the years, we’ve seen people leaving our communities to attend wellness retreats in exotic places. Even when they are closer to home, they are often so expensive that it can be unattainable. We began dreaming of creating our own retreats; ones in which participants are close to home, and not breaking the bank.
“Namaste in the North” is a play on words, get it?
Nama STAY in the North: You don’t need to go anywhere else. Come to the North, Stay in the North.
Joy Kolic
I have worked in the health care field for almost 20 years with a focus on mental health. I fully appreciate and embrace the importance of self-care and taking time to fill my cup.
After attending my first retreat many years ago, I began to dream of ways of offering retreat experiences that would leave people feeling rejuvenated and connected. I strive to embody mindfulness, practice gratitude, and incorporate wellness each day. I love sharing what I’ve learned and continue to learn. After years of various trainings, I still believe I’m scratching the surface and have much left to learn. It’s practice, not perfection. I started meditating and studying holistic health and nutrition for fun, attaining my yoga teacher certification, and now I teach and am a student at MODO YOGA in Thunder Bay. I feel that retreat experiences are therapeutic and have the potential to ignite curiosity and balance within. My favourite teacher right now is my nephew, who at his very young age intuitively refocuses my vision daily. I feel blessed that I have such supportive and positive people in my life who remind me that “life happens for us, not to us”.
Shannon Jessiman
I am an educator with over 20 years of experience in schools, leading teambuilding, leadership and visualization exercises; most recently including meditation teaching into my practice (both at school, and in the yoga studio).
As a school principal and busy mom, I am learning the value of taking time for myself and striving for a healthier balance in life (and also modeling this for my kids!). My creativity shines through in my writing. I have experienced healing through writing, intention setting, yoga and meditation, which is a journey I am honoured to share. With a background in outdoor education, I am also passionate about outdoor learning experiences and I know the value of spending time being in nature with those you love. I look forward to sharing all of these things and more, as we get to know one another, heal and learn together.
Long Form Client Testimonial
Embarking on the journey of self-discovery through their yoga retreat has been one of the most profound experiences in my life, and I owe it all to the extraordinary sanctuary that is Namaste in the North.
Nestled close to home, with gentle whispers of nature, this retreat is not just a place; it's a haven for the soul.
My first retreat filled me with an overwhelming sense of peace and self discovery. The tranquil location and the sound of rustling leaves, set the stage for the start of my emotional transformation.
But what truly sets Namaste in the North apart is its unparalleled sense of community and camaraderie. Here, strangers become friends, and friends become family, bound together by the shared pursuit of inner harmony. Whether it was practicing yoga in the sunshine, meditating for my soul, or simply sharing stories over wholesome meals, every moment was infused with warmth and genuine connection.
The yoga sessions themselves were nothing short of transformative, guided by Joy, an instructor who not only nurtured our physical practice but also gently encouraged us to explore the depths of our being. Through breathwork, mindfulness, and the gentle flow of movement, I found a profound sense of balance and alignment that resonated deep within my soul.
But perhaps the most invaluable aspect of my time at Namaste in the North was the opportunity to delve into the recesses of my own being, free from the distractions of everyday life. In the stillness of the guided meditation practice with Shannon I found the introspection of self-reflection, I unearthed layers of myself I never knew existed, gaining clarity, insight, and a newfound sense of purpose along the way.
As I left that weekend behind, I carried with me not only cherished memories but also a renewed sense of self-awareness and a connection with kindred spirits who have touched my heart in ways I'll forever cherish. For anyone seeking solace, rejuvenation, and the transformative power of community, I wholeheartedly recommend Namaste in the North as the ultimate sanctuary for the soul.