FULL

Please contact us at [email protected] to be placed on the wait list.

Sandhi

The Abundant Void Where Two Forests Meet

September 9–13, 2025 • Gunn Lake Lodge, Minaki

About the Retreat

To have five uninterrupted days together in a landscape as powerful as Minaki is a rare gift—and a profound opportunity for our collective sādhana. Here, where the ancient stone of the Canadian Shield supports the convergence of two distinct forest systems, we find a perfect physical manifestation of sandhi—the sacred transition zone.

In our practice, we often focus on the final shape of an asana, yet B.K.S. Iyengar taught us that true intelligence lives in the precision of the action, the investigation, and the reflection between states. Over these five days, we will step away from the noise of our daily obligations to study those margins.

Through invigorating morning asana and reflective afternoon pranayama, we will map the subtle boundaries of our body, breath and mind. Together, we will learn to inhabit the 'abundant void'—that quiet, luminous pause at the end of the breath where all potential waits, effort dissolves, ego releases, and our true nature reveals itself.

I look so forward to sharing this time together in this primeval landscape, exploring the worlds within and without and experiencing the rich intersection where the two meet.

What to Expect

15.5 Hours of Iyengar Yoga

Comprehensive instruction in the Iyengar tradition with personalized attention.

Delicious, Nourishing Meals

Vegan and vegetarian cuisine prepared by our private chef, Judith.

Invigorating Morning Asana & Balancing Afternoon Pranayama

A balanced practice that energizes and grounds your body and mind.

Small Group Instruction

Limited to 10 participants for personalized attention and intimacy.

Detailed Participant Guide & Journal

Take home resources to deepen your practice and reflection.

Time to Rest, Hike & Be

Space to read, explore the forest, gather, dream, breathe, and simply be.

Gunn Lake Lodge

We will enjoy exclusive access to this beautiful, locally owned lodge overlooking Gun Lake. A private dock and decks offer stunning views of the lake, and nearby trails allow for hiking and just being in the alive quiet of the forest. A rare, secluded gem, Gunn Lake Lodge welcomes you with its warmth.

Located in Minaki, Ontario • 2.75 hours from Winnipeg

Your Teacher

Lisa Towson has been studying Iyengar yoga for over 30 years, teaching for almost 25 and holds Level 3 certification. She connects most to the joy of practicing and the day to day benefits of yoga, and teaches to inspire and support others in developing or deepening their own practice.

Lisa was deeply shaped through growing up at her family's cabin just west of Minaki, spending hours in and on the lake, exploring forests and rock cliffs and communing with all things wild. This is the part of the world that feels most like home to Lisa and she is thrilled to welcome you here.

Private Chef

Judith Graile is a certified Nutrition and Health Coach, author, and advocate for healthy, delicious food. A former professional skydiver, she has spent decades exploring nutrition, performance, and energy. She also operated a guest ranch for 14 years, welcoming international guests and gaining broad experience with food and culture.

Over time, she discovered that lasting wellness comes not from restrictive diets, but from nourishing, satisfying whole foods. In 2022, she published her first recipe and health book, and in 2023 she became a certified Nutrition and Health Coach.

Her philosophy is simple: healthy eating should be enjoyable, not restrictive.

Itinerary

Wednesday, September 9th

3:30 pm — Arrival

4:00 pm — Meet and Greet

5–6:30 pm — Restorative Practice

6:30 pm — Light Dinner

7:30 pm — New Moon Intention Setting

Thursday, September 10th – Saturday, September 12th

6:45 am — Cold Dip in Gun Lake

7–7:30 am — Light Snacks

8–10 am — Asana Practice

11 am — Lunch

Afternoon — Guided Adventure or Free Time

3–5 pm — Restorative Practice

5:30 pm — Dinner

6:30 pm — Forest Walk

Sunday, September 13th

6:45 am — Cold Dip in Gun Lake

7–7:30 am — Light Snacks

8–10 am — Restorative Practice

10 am — Farewell Brunch

Noon — Departure

* All activities are optional

What's Included & What's Not

Included

  • 4 nights and 5 days at Gunn Lake Lodge

  • All meals (vegan and vegetarian)

  • 15.5 hours of Iyengar yoga instruction

  • All activities and guided experiences

Not Included


Travel to Gunn Lake Lodge (2.75 hour drive from Winnipeg; details provided closer to retreat)

Pricing

Early Bird

$1,625 CAD

Deposit: $400 on or before June 30th

Final Payment: $1,225 on or before August 9th

Full Fee

$1,825 CAD

Deposit: $400 on or before July 31st

Final Payment: $1,425 on or before August 20th

Non-refundable deposit of $400 ensures registration. Space is limited to 10 participants.

Note: All rooms have a full bathroom, shared between two rooms.

Get in Touch

Have questions about the retreat? We'd love to hear from you.

Please reach out to Lisa with any inquiries.

© 2025 Sandhi Retreat. All rights reserved.

Minaki, Ontario • September 9–13, 2025