Five Elements Living retreat in nature

    August 17 – 23, 2027 • Near Gravenhurst, Muskoka, ON

    Five Elements Living

    A 7-Day Immersion in Daoist Philosophy & Earth Connection

    Join us for Camping in Nature

    with Era Birfer, Sonja den Elzen R.Ac, & Leslie Brennan

    Return to the Rhythm of the Living Earth

    Come home to the pulse of nature and the quiet intelligence that lives within all things. For seven days and nights, we'll live immersed in the teachings of the Five Elements, bringing them out of concept, and into a way of being.

    Rooted in Daoist philosophy, foraging, natural craft, and embodied practice, this journey invites you to re~member your place in the great web of life.

    Together, we'll cultivate presence, creativity, and connection~aligning body, mind, and spirit to the seasonal rhythm of late summer, the Earth phase, a time of nourishment, harvest, and harmony.

    "Empty yourself of everything. Let the mind become still. The ten thousand things rise and fall while the Self watches their return. They grow and flourish and then return to the source. Returning to the source is stillness, which is the way of nature."

    ~ Lao Tzu (老子)

    The Experience

    Seven days of elemental living, and seven nights under the stars

    Our riverside forest camp, twenty minutes from Gravenhurst, rests beside two waterfalls, a clear running river, and forest trails alive with birdsong.

    Your immersion includes

    ✦7 nights of camping on private riverside land

    ✦7 days of nourishing seasonal meals; whole, wild, and lovingly prepared

    ✦Daily workshops in Daoist philosophy, Shiatsu, foraging, plant dyeing & cooking

    ✦Daily cultivation practices: qi gong, yoga, breath cultivation, and meditation

    ✦Evening fire ceremonies & vibrational sound journeys

    ✦One personalized Shiatsu treatment from one of the guides

    Daily workshops in:

    Daoist Five Element philosophyShiatsu & body-based energeticsForaging & plant-medicine walksNatural plant dyeing & land artWhole-food and wild-food cooking

    Option to add an additional Shiatsu treatment for $150

    Your Guides

    Sonja den Elzen R.Ac

    Founder of Cedar Healing Arts, Sonja is a Registered Acupuncturist, Shiatsu Therapist, Daoist Practitioner, and Transformation Guide.

    Her work bridges ancient Chinese medicine, sound healing, and embodied spirituality~guiding others to remember their innate harmony with nature and the cycles of life.

    Era Birfer

    Wisdom elder, land steward, and foraging guide. Era has spent decades living in attunement with the elements through macrobiotic cooking, seasonal living, shiatsu, and earth artistry.

    She brings teachings of nourishment, reciprocity, and the subtle dialogue between human and land.

    Leslie Brennan

    Thai massage therapist, altar builder, and space holder who infuses every action with care and devotion.

    Leslie will be one of the guides in seasonal food creation, altar building, and somatic connection to the elemental world.

    What You'll Receive

    Embodied Daoist Wisdom

    Learn to live the Five Elements through daily practice, movement, and mindful living.

    Ceremony & Transformation

    Firelight, sound, and community open pathways for release, insight, and renewal.

    Nourishment for Body & Spirit

    Every meal prepared from wild, local, and seasonal ingredients aligned with late-summer energy.

    Rewilding & Earth Connection

    Forage, dye, and create directly with nature's palette.

    Healing Touch

    One included Shiatsu treatment to harmonize your energy and deepen integration.

    Investment

    $2,000 CAD per person

    Includes 7 nights of camping, 7 days of meals, all workshops and ceremonies, and one Shiatsu treatment.

    Early-bird pricing: $1,800

    If registered with deposit by May 1st, 2027

    Optional add-on: One additional Shiatsu treatment ~ $150

    Flexible Payment Plans

    We're happy to make your journey possible through accessible, heart-centered payment options.

    After your $500 deposit, choose one of the following:

    Full Investment Plan

    4 monthly payments of $375

    (starting after deposit)

    Early-Bird Plan

    4 monthly payments of $325

    (for registrations before May 1st, 2027)

    ✦ A $500 non-refundable deposit holds your space.

    ✦ Spaces are limited to maintain intimacy with the land and group field.

    Partial Scholarships: Three work-trade positions available for aligned participants skilled in cooking, photography, or land care.

    Who This Is For

    This immersion is for those who feel the call to:

    ✦

    Reconnect with the pulse of nature and your own inner rhythm.

    ✦

    Deepen your understanding of Daoist philosophy through lived experience.

    ✦

    Ground spiritual growth in the body through movement and breath.

    ✦

    Learn directly from the land; through foraging, craft, and culinary alchemy.

    ✦

    Reweave your relationship with the elements, ancestors, and all of life.

    No previous experience in qi gong, yoga, or foraging is required ~ only curiosity, openness, and a reverent heart.

    Join Us

    Step into a circle of earth keepers, artists, and seekers.

    Let the forest, river, and fire teach you what it means to live in harmony.

    Rewild your senses. Restore your spirit.

    Remember yourself as part of the living web.

    Reserve your place

    → info@cedarhealingarts.com