Across many ancient indigenous traditions, breath has long been understood as inseparable from spirit and the divine. This wisdom appears in Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, the contemplative heart of yogic traditions, and also within Christianity and Judaism. Preserved through generations, it continues to be practiced today by shamans, mystics, yoga masters, healers, medicine people, and meditators — and it remains available to anyone willing to learn.

One of the inspirations for this program comes from a Sanskrit verse among the ancient yoga meditation teachings, believed to have first appeared in written form around AD 800:

Breathing is the flow of the divine,
Where the rhythms of life turn into each other –
The eternal exchange.
Pour one breath into the other,
Outbreath into the inbreath
Into the outbreath.
Awaken to calmness . . . to equanimity
At peace in the play of opposites.

Translation by Lorne Roche in The Radiance Sutras.

If you’re new to the Haven or to personal work: this weekend offers a gentle yet deeply meaningful introduction to the foundations of conscious breathing. It is designed to support embodied presence, expanded awareness, and greater alignment across your whole being.

If you’ve been to the Haven before: you already know that breath is central to initiating and integrating the physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual self. This weekend provides a refreshing opportunity to deepen and broaden your capacity.

If you have participated in Conscious Breathwork before: each offering includes new dimensions of conscious breathing. In this version, the exploration will include consciousness-expanding, soul-nourishing breathing techniques.

If you work in a helping profession: the program is designed to support your own wellbeing and vital self-care, while also offering grounding, regulating, liberating, and life-enhancing breathing practices that can benefit both you and the people you serve.

Whatever brings you here, you are warmly invited to share this body- and soul-nourishing weekend.

Format

Throughout the program, you will receive physiological information, guidance, coaching, and hands-on practice with a range of breathing methods. Come and reconnect with your remarkable, embodied self.

Investment

Earlybird tuition of $550 is available until one month before the program begins. Full tuition is $590. Full payment is due one month before the start date, regardless of tuition price.

Private and shared room options are available.

Program Schedule

Your program begins with dinner at 5:45pm and the first session at 7:00pm.

Breakfast 8:00 – 8:45am
Morning session 9:00am to 11:45am
Lunch noon to 1:00pm
Afternoon session 2:45-5:45pm
Dinner 5:45 – 6:30pm
Evening session 7:00 – 9:30pm

Afternoon and evening sessions may vary. The program concludes with lunch on the final day.

Transportation

If you are travelling to Gabriola as a foot passenger on the Gabriola Ferry, a shuttle to The Haven can be requested. Details will be included in your pre-arrival email.

Package Prices

Book now and receive CAD $40.00 off the regular price. The remaining balance must be paid on or before Jun 25, 2026 to qualify for the discount. This offer is valid until Jun 25, 2026. Package prices include room, regular tuition, and meals.

Dorm bed (upper) - Participant – CAD $850.00
Dorm bed (lower) - Participant – CAD $850.00
Basic Room - Shared - Participant – CAD $895.00
Basic Room - Private - Participant – CAD $1,040.00
Forestview - Shared - Participant – CAD $945.00
Forestview - Private - Participant – CAD $1,140.00
Staying off-premise - Participant – CAD $750.00

Location: The Haven
Address: 240 Davis Rd, Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X1, Canada

Leader

Linda Nicholls DipC is an elder who has served as a guide in transformational circle work for more than thirty-five years in North America and internationally. She is Senior Faculty with The Haven Institute on Gabriola Island, BC, Canada, and has worked closely with people of all ages and many cultures. Her programs have focused on body, breath and energy training; conscious breathwork; shadow exploration; communication skills; sexuality; grieving; defining boundaries; conscious alternatives to depression; renewing relationships; guiding teens and youth into adulthood, and more.

Breathwork retreats in Gabriola