
Zen on the River
Yoga & Meditation Retreat
A RIVERSIDE retreat with
Shawna Thibodeau & Abbey Morris
October 21-23rd, 2022
Lewiston, New York
Join me for a transformative Women's Yoga & Meditation retreat that nourishes the mind, body, spirit & soul!
This retreat is for any woman needing time to connect inwards, heal, rejuvenate and learn skills & practices that can help navigate life's challenges and stressors with greater ease & ability.
There have been specific practices that have deeply helped me on my own journey of healing and growth. My passion is to now teach these skills to other women so that they can experience the benefits and gifts of these healing modalities.
Throughout the retreat you'll be learning and exploring the most effective skills & practices I've found that help facilitate healing, growth and the development of greater self-love, inner peace, joy and empowerment within.
WHERE?
A beautiful, luxurious, riverfront home in Lewiston, New York - see pictures below!
WHEN?
Arrive anytime after 3pm on Friday October 21st (to relax and enjoy the views), and depart at noon on Sunday October 23rd.
Programming starts at 7PM Friday.
*Note - Dinner will not be served Friday night - welcome to bring a dinner (and put in fridge) or go out prior to retreat. Evening circle snack provided Friday night.
WHO?
This retreat is led by mental health nurse, women's coach & meditation + breathwork teacher, Shawna Thibodeau, and yoga teacher & yoga specialist, Abbey Morris. It will be a small group size for a more connected, intimate experience and so you can fully enjoy the beautiful home and property.
What it includes:
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2 Nourishing Riverview Breakfasts
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1 Riverview Lunch (cooked by our private in-house chef) - (Saturday)
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1 Riverview Dinner (cooked by our private in-house chef) - (Saturday)
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Waterfront Yoga Practices (no experience needed, beginners welcome)
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Guided Meditation Workshop + Daily Guided Meditation Circles
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Self-Love & Healing the Inner Child Workshop - Saturday morning - **a favourite of past retreat guests!**
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Working With Challenging Emotions + EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) Workshop (Saturday)
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Breathwork Workshop + 2 Breathwork Healing Ceremonies (Saturday afternoon & Sunday morning)
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Empowerment Workshop: Using Law-of-Attraction & Manifestation to Step Into a Life of Greater Empowerment (Sunday)
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Saturday Night Group Activity
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Sacred Fire Burning Ceremony - Sunday morning
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Daily Group Coaching Circles for inner reflection, journaling, connection & healing
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Nature Forest Walk
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Evening circle chats/hangouts beside the indoor fireplace
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Waterfront downtime for personal rest and relaxation
Where: Lewiston, New York (right on the river)
**A retreat that includes skills, practices & concepts that can continue to heal, empower & benefit you for the rest of your life**
A take-home PDF booklet of the skills & practices covered is provided to help equip you with review & resources for continued use at home.
The Setting
A luxurious colonial-style mansion located in Lewiston, New York. A riverfront property, immersed among the trees, this is your luxury escape into relaxation, healing & rejuvenation.









Pictures from Past Retreats
Registration - Lewiston, New York
Following travel policies of Ontario, below is registration for retreat services, programming & meals. Accommodation and transportation is not included in retreat pricing. Accommodation for the retreat is graciously donated (at no extra cost) and rooms are booked separately by contacting venue directly after retreat registration.
Cancellation/Refund policy: If using payment plan, the first payment/first instalment is non-refundable at any time of cancellation. If paying in full, 33% of payment is a non-refundable instalment at any time of cancellation. No exceptions to this policy. A 50% refund (on total amount) is available if cancelling 61-90 days from retreat start date. Then, due to limited retreat spots and costs to cover retreat, no refunds are available if cancelling 60 days or less prior to retreat. No transfer of dates available at any time. If one spot is cancelled in a shared room, the room becomes open for another random registration. Exchange for 5 Weeks of Manifestation or RMA DIY Digital online programs available if cancelling 60 days or less prior to retreat. If retreat is cancelled due to Covid-19 or any other reason, a full refund is provided. **Please note: Be Free follows government guidelines for Covid-19. Status/numbers of covid-19 may change by your retreat date - above policy remains in place including reasons related to covid-19.
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Past Retreat Reviews

































Got Questions?
"I'm thinking about coming alone...is this ok?"
Absolutely! YES YES YES! Going to a retreat alone can be extremely powerful and transformative. Common feedback we also receive is the welcoming, safe and connected vibe we create and the relationships you create on retreats sometimes turn in to lifelong friends. 50% of past attendees have come on their own.
"I'm not too experienced in yoga & meditation...is this ok?"
Another big YES! We welcome women of all levels and complete beginners too! Retreats are a great place to learn or to solidify established practices and routines.
"Is there a what-to-bring list?"
Yes, once you reserve your spot, a Retreat information email will be sent out immediately and again 2 weeks prior to the retreat.
"What if I have dietary restrictions?"
Most of the food and meals are gluten free with vegetarian and vegan options. Send an email to befree@shawnathibodeau.com if you have any dietary restrictions to ensure that weekend's menu will accommodate you.
Meet The Team

Shawna Thibodeau
MENTAL HEALTH NURSE, WOMEN'S COACH, MEDITATION, BREATHWORK & YOGA TEACHER
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Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – McMaster University
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Trent University
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Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Certification - Canadian Nurses Association; 8 years experience as a mental health nurse
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Certified Meditation Facilitator (2014) – Naturality, Hamilton (in association with Yoga Alliance, Canada)
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Certified Breathwork Facilitator (1:1 & Group) - Breathwork by Jon Paul Crimi, California
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200 hr Yoga Teacher Traning - YogaRenew
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Yoga.Psyche.Soul (2015) - 120hr Yoga Psychology Speciality Certificate on the Psychology of Yoga - Ashley Turner (MA,LMFT)
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Level 1 & 2 EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) Certification - AAMET International
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Level 1 & 2 Reiki + 35 hr Hands of Light Energy Healing Training - Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Fundamentals Program (2014) – University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
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Breathe to Heal - Max Strom
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Navigating Psychedelics for Clinicians and Therapists Certificate - Psychedelics Today

Abbey Morris
YOGA TEACHER & YOGA SPECIALIST
Abbey believes that yoga is a homecoming to her true self.
As a dedicated athlete for most of her life, she openly expresses the healing power she discovered in the path of yoga and meditation while struggling with her own mental health and disconnection between mind and body. Abbey strives to create this safe space for others to explore deepening their connection to themselves and their bodies as these practices have become foundational in her personal recovery from an eating disorder.
Upon entering Abbey’s class one will quickly notice her calm, friendly and compassionate domineer that causes students of all levels to not just feel welcomed but celebrated. She stands firmly in the belief that yoga is for everyBODY. She has obtained a 500hr Registered Yoga Teacher level of certification recognized by Yoga Alliance upon traveling to Costa Rica in 2019 to complete her 200hr certificate and in 2021 to Mexico where she completed her 300hr training. Abbey became a certified Meditation instructor in 2020 and is trained additionally in mindfulness as well as Yin yoga and Yoga for Eating Disorder Recovery. Her most recent credentials are as an Ayurvedic Yoga Specialist in which she obtained in 2021, in Costa Rica. Abbey offers the wisdom of Ayurveda through workshops and in one to one Ayurvedic yoga sessions for healing and balance.