Participant Feedback

Excerpts from Participant Evaluations at past retreats for those living with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses.

From the morning, afternoon and evening sessions, which sessions did you benefit from the most and why?

The morning group session:
- I enjoyed all of the sessions very much. I thought there was a good balance.
- The morning sessions. They put pressure on me to open up (which is hard for me) and talk about fears, loss etc.
- Morning discussion session and of course the massage, counselling, healing touch, qigong etc.
- I found the morning sessions more beneficial because we explored so many of the issues around illness that most people don’t want to explore in depth. It felt good to talk freely about whatever came up.
- I enjoyed the morning session. I found the atmosphere very relaxing and inviting, enabling me to feel very comfortable in participating fully in the sessions. I appreciated that they did not have to end at a special time if we had not yet completed our discussion.
The afternoon individual/group sessions:
- I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoons of walking, healing touch, massage and meditation.
- The afternoons for me were great - massage, healing touch and counselling were all beneficial.
- Very nice. I enjoyed all the options and the fact that everyone was willing to “go with the flow” when we did the group healing touch.
The evening gatherings:
- I enjoyed the informal evenings when participants could discuss, visit, read, relax etc. It was great having "chill-out" time with the team as well.
- It was nice having all the caregivers and participants together. Dinner and lunch were a nice opportunity to get to know everyone a little better.

A sense of peacefulness and relaxation and a renewed sense of hope that I can face any new challenges that come my way. The realization that I have the ability to use my own energy to help myself heal was very powerful and something I will never forget.
Better understanding of spirituality and what it means to me. An appreciation of the life I’m living today – never mind the one I might not be living tomorrow.
Relaxation, a sense of wellbeing and an opportunity to get to know some wonderful people. As well, an opportunity to discuss issues (that are too difficult for most friends/family) with knowledgeable professionals that really care about people.
I would like to mention that each person at the retreat to help us was special. They are all so kind and caring and full of love for complete strangers. It was an amazing experience that will stay with me forever. I’ve never felt so cared for in my life as I have these past several days.
I found visual meditations very rewarding. I found that I am spiritual in my own way. Healing touch was something new for me and I like it. I realize I need to enjoy the moment and not worry about what I think I should be doing.

The accommodations were excellent in your beautiful home.
Wonderful! Mara Station is beautiful as is the setting.
More than satisfactory.
Mara Station and surroundings were very warm and inviting. The swans made it magical, and the view towards the river was breathtaking.