Clear Sky Retreat Centre

Program Reviews

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Erika
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unlocking Your Potential

The 3-month Karma Yoga program at Clear Sky was an incredibly life-altering experience for me—it helped me to see what was going on in my life and mind more clearly.

The teachers, whole community, and experience helped to ground me. It was very supportive. I was experiencing intense fear and confusion about life and where I was headed when I arrived, and I learned how to have a different relationship with those thoughts and feelings. I learned how to contact the place of stillness and peace inside of me.

And I learned that I am much much more than I could've previously imagined, and discovered more of the insight that my potential in certain terms is limitless. I now have a much better understanding of the fact that my obstacles are really in my own mind.

It's a huge gift to grow in working with others through karma yoga, as you have the opportunity to see your patterns in relationship and communicating with the other. There is no replacement for this. You cannot gain the insight into yourself that this program offers from sitting on a meditation cushion, believe me. Plus, it's an opportunity to grow in a variety of different skills, including what you are already good at, and what you aren't. The experience of letting go into the flow of daily practice and commitment to living in a real, integrated community is unbeatable. There is nothing like this.

You must be very committed to your own true growth and stepping outside of your current way of seeing things. If you're truly and deeply ready to leave behind the old patterns of life that aren't serving you or anybody else, consider taking up the challenge of this program and really facing yourself and the changes you need to make.

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June
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Powerful, transformative experience

When I completed the karma yoga program last year, it was the most important, life changing experience that I'd had up until then and I'm in my mid 30s. The teachers and residents are patient, kind and supportive, yet dedicated to your spiritual growth and sharp when encouraging more wholesome habits. Participating in an intensive meditation program in a conscious community is an experience that I highly recommend trying - not only will you deepen your meditation practice, you can also walk away with other important life skills - cooking for 15+ people, mudding a straw bale cabin, marketing and web design, composting and gardening to name a few. There are guaranteed to be challenging moments when you run into your own ego, but with that comes the biggest breakthroughs. Thank you Clear Sky!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you are at all interested in the program, don't wait to contact the team to figure out whether it's right for you :).
Pros
  • Clearer mind and state
  • Meet a great community dedicated to spiritual unfoldment
  • New skills useful for my own business
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Aurora
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Karma Yoga Program

Clear Sky is a one of a kind place that is dedicated to personal and spiritual development. The teachers and community uphold a high degree of integrity with a focused approach and application of spiritual principals and ethics in daily life. I would recommend Clear Sky and the Karma Yoga program to anyone who is looking to deepen their connection with themselves, other people, and life as a whole. It provides an excellent container and opportunity to develop a consistent meditation practice and learn about different spiritual practices and traditions. Clear Sky is a place where ones willingness to show up for challenge is met equally with the support to overcome it, and to become more fully awake and alive in our everyday experiences.

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Ignacio
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

ClearSky is the place to unfold!

I did the 3 month intensive program in 2020. It was a challenge but the group, the space, the meditations, the work, the support and care was all there to help me unfold personally and spiritually! Everyone is super supportive at the centre and if community is new to you, as it was to me, I coudn't recommend it more. Try it. I learned so much about myself and confidence level has never been higher after going through the experience. Everything I learned ClearSky was so easily translatable to my everyday life in the city. ClearSky gave me the tools needed to show up in life with clarity, compassion and wisdom. Sure, it was tough but it was totally worth it and I couldn't be more grateful

Pros
  • Food is unreal
  • The teachers and community are beyond supportive, compassionate and caring
  • So much clean air
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Brad
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Challenge Yourself

Clear Sky is a brilliant place to find your edge and extend yourself further.
The people are warm and friendly. The food is healthy and delicious. The landscape is
breathtaking. The routine is fairly rigorous combining meditation and educational programs that stimulate the mind with manual work that strengthens the body. The centre is run in a holistic and sustainable way that promotes well being for people and the planet. The meditation sessions are interesting and effective and they even have a fun night once a week that may comprise of a movie or a game of pool. The Teachings are useful and are delivered in an entertaining way offering great solutions to stay grounded and find more peace, clarity and wisdom. I look forward to returning to Clear Sky in the near future.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Stick with the routine when the going gets tough. The uncomfortable feelings will shift and the inevitable resolution is joyous.
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Maryline
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Karma Yoga Program Review

Hi,
If you are thinking to stay at Clear Sky, congrats! This will be a real, down to earth transformative experience. If you are a spiritual seeker that want to understand yourself better to have bigger sense of fulfilment and happiness in your life, this could be the experience that your depth is seeking. The power of this place is all the transformations that people there have made and the commitment of the community to keep high standards of communication, commitment, trust and honesty. People there have made so much work on themselves and can really help you to see clearer and transcend your own unwholesome patterns and they are committed to your growth. That made my experience at Clear Sky the most transformational of all my explorative experiences. There are a bunch of people over there that are ready to shine the light where the darkness crept in. It is not the easiest and relax exploration, I must say, but if you really want to become what you are meant to be, looking at the limiting views of yourself and others is essential and Clear Sky is providing the container for you to see, understand, acknowledge, and heal the parts of you that contribute to suffering. A life time opportunity.
The natural setting is absolutely wonderful and the food is of high quality. You will be involved in a wide range of activities and will have the opportunity to understand better what are your strengths and areas of development. I personally found what I wanted to do for my career through my process at Clear Sky.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
I did not think that meditation was so awesome. I discovered that this practice is essential to sustainable living and good mental health. Today, I can see how I am such in a better state and less victim of the ups and downs of life because of my meditation practice.
Read my full story
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Brendan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Mindfulness and beyond!

There were many programs that I was looking at before attending the "Mindfulness and Beyond" program at Clear Sky, but what I resonated most with were the words "a challenge" and that this was NOT the program to do if I wanted a vacation or lots of free time. It really was like a modern day monastery and I LOVED it! We all helped cooked the meals during the week and I really felt like I was a part of the center while I was there. We not only studied Buddhism and various mindfulness techniques, we learned how to work better with others, which has greatly improved my career and relationships. I liked how we checked in everyday as a team, studied new things and reflected throughout the day. I really miss walking on the beautiful trails at the center, listening to the bird songs and I often saw elk, deer and the onsite horse. The food was local, organic and yummy! The onsite teachers ate with us almost every day and they and the team were so kind and answered any questions I had. I was impressed by their experience and sharing. I learned so much and it really did go beyond what I expected. It was "a challenge" as mentioned, but I really grew in just 3 months. Picking and eating fresh fruit in the food forest is a must! Thank you Clear Sky!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Walk the beautiful hiking trails when you have time! There are so many animals you will see like deer, elk, chipmunks and badgers. I loved the quiet as the bird songs resonate. There are sitting platforms all over the 310 acre property with amazing views. Also, make sure to walk up the mountain and check out Peter Creek.
Felix-Antoine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Diving deeper

This is so much more than farming and caring for a food forest. It is about learning to live in a mindful community and bringing buddhist meditation into everyday life.
Let's be clear though, there is some farming and at least half of each day was spent outdoors pruning, mowing, fixing irrigation, harvesting and keeping records of it all. There is also a decent size vegetable garden close to the main building.
The scenery at Clear Sky is absolutely breathtaking. It is ranch country with massive mountains all around with deer and elk often seen in large numbers.
The food is delicious and diverse. The residents are very helpful to help transition into what we could call the buddha mind set (buddhist teachings and daily meditation practice). If you are not seriously interested in questioning your asumptions, taking a closer look at your ego and changing your habits, then Clear Sky might not be your best bet. If you are though, I cannot think of a better container to go diving deeper.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be ready to meditate and do other daily chores (cooking, cleaning etc)
Marianne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience

I travelled to Canada without a plan, and spending time at Clear Sky was an adventure in so many ways. I feel the impact of the Karma Yoga to this day, and the people I was able to spend time with are still so close to my heart. It sounds corny, but I really can't recommend the opportunity highly enough. If you know what you are looking for, go. If you are not sure what you are looking for, go. Transform your life and learn in a most beautiful place with beautiful people.
More specifically, I was at Clear Sky as a Karma Yogi during the building work on Sky Roots. One of the things that was so brilliant for me, which I think is true for all Karma Yoga tasks, was that I was supported in confronting my patterns of behaviour and thoughts through the "obvious" moments, like reflecting on meditation experiences, and also in the "less obvious" ones, such as preparing meals together and eating in the community. Being outside of my comfort zone and in a community of learners was so important for me. The people I met there were and are so strong in supporting each other in their personal growth, and have a lot of fun along the way.

What was your funniest moment?
Dancing without a care in the world. (I was terrified of dancing and being present in that way.) It was so freeing.
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