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The Heart of Relationship Retreat

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Up to 25 in group
Date
Sep 12 - 15, 2025

Retreat Highlights

  • Sacred Council
  • Ceremony and teachings of embodied Sovereignty
  • Teachings and practices of Planetary healing rituals of the Andes
  • Elemental cleansing and blessing rituals
  • Guided shamanic journey work to uncover the hidden wisdom of the Mystery Schools that lay sleeping within our DNA
  • Organic local delicious food
  • Sacred songs
  • Restorative movement, dance, and Shamanic energy practices
  • Skilled, experienced, and kind facilitators.
  • Optional body and energy work and floral baths

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

The Heart of Relationship is a soulful, immersive retreat for anyone longing to bring more loving kindness, compassion,  joy, and balance to both intimate and all interpersonal relationships
 

The insights and practices that will be shared in this retreat come from a combined experience of Karuna & Paul's 60 year partnership and Darcy & Robin's 20 year love adventure.

A sum total of 160 years of committed relating to one another- through the greatest joy and deepest challenges; the daily tending to life and living unique authentic spiritual paths;

and how through all of this we keep turning toward one another in love.

In the Heart of Relationship, we will explore, remember, and experience the unity

that underlies all seeming dualities -

the place of loving awareness the mystics call the Sacred Marriage.

Whether you’re in an ongoing relationship presently, in a thriving chapter or

navigating tender terrain, or curious about exploring what fundamental qualities are important in relationship,

this an invitation to deepen your connection and return to love as a living,

evolving practice in all your relationships.

In this retreat we will explore the foundational qualities of relationship that support and sustain us through the inevitable challenges and pain and open us to the deep joy of connection.

When our close relationships are strong and healthy, we are resourced to bring more of the inherent qualities of our heart forward. Our interpersonal

connections become a source of deep nourishment, strength, courage and

prosperity. But when they are strained or unwell, they can also become some of the most painful and disorienting parts of our lives.

This retreat isn’t about fixing what’s broken.

It’s about remembering who and what we most deeply are.

It’s about finding and keeping flowing the goodness that draws us to relationship-

--the spark of love, the soul resonance, and the magic that connects us.

What If Your Relationship Wasn’t Just Surviving, But Truly Thriving?
This retreat is rooted in the lived experience of two couples who have spent decades walking the path of sacred partnership:

Karuna and Paul Erickson, together for 60 years
Robin and Darcy Kopas, partners for nearly 20 years

Together, they will guide you into the deep waters of what it truly takes to grow, sustain, and thrive in a conscious, loving relationship. This is not philosophy but the practical wisdom born of direct experience. 
During our time together, we will explore:

 What makes love last—and how to keep it vibrant and nourishing through the seasons of change
Tools for navigating the hard times—from conflict to miscommunication to long periods of disconnection
How to make your relationship a true sanctuary—a space where both hearts feel safe, seen, and inspired
What it practically takes to thrive in joyful partnership and marriage over the inevitable challenges and pain of relationship  -how to individually navigate beginning with one’s self and bringing those insights to relationship
How to keep the good flowing—whether you’re currently in an intimate relationship or calling it in



This retreat is for anyone in a partnership, or anyone who is preparing their heart for sacred relationship. No matter where you are on the journey, you are welcome here.
A Multi-Lineage, Heart-Led Journey
This retreat is deeply inspired by the perennial wisdom traditions of:

Mystical Yogic Wisdom
Embodied Buddhist teachings and practices
Andean & Cross Cultural Earth honoring ceremonial practice



Each lineage we work with offers a unique path to the Universal Heart—the timeless wisdom that lives within each one of us. This is not a philosophy, but a lived experience that awakens, heals, and evolves all that we truly are.

 

Together, we will explore and embody the great truth at the core of every mystical path:

Love is what unites us.
Loving awareness transcends all illusion of separateness.
Our unity is not a dream. It is reality. It is who we are.
Through movement, breath, ritual, honest dialogue, and sacred ceremony, we will co-create a field where love can be remembered, reclaimed, and renewed.


As Hafiz once asked,
“How did the rose ever open its heart and give to this world all its beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light against its being…”


Let us be that light for each other.
What Awaits You in This Sacred Gathering​

Enter the Great Mysteries through the profound teachings of Yoga, Buddhism, Earth Honouring Shamanism, Breathwork, and Somatic Integration.​


Experience deep healing through a Heart Medicine Ceremony focused on bringing Love to all relationships.​


Engage in powerful shamanic journey work to uncover the hidden wisdom stored within our DNA.​​


Focused support for your life, relationship, and path of awakened Heart.
​Sacred Council: Share in deep, heart-centered dialogue with a circle of kindred spirits.
Restorative Movement & Embodiment: Experience breath work, yoga, dance, and shamanic energy practices to ground your transformation.


Radical Cooperation & Open-Source Innovation: Together, we will birth new systems of mutual support for ourselves, our families, and our communities during this Great Turning.


Self-Care & Renewal:There will be opportunities for body work, medicine baths, and long walks in the many hiking trails on Crystal Mountain.


Post-Retreat Integration: Receive support through a follow-up Zoom integration call to weave your experiences into daily life.​

Retreat Schedule
Friday, September 12

9:00–9:30 am · Arrival & Welcome
10:00–12:00 pm · Opening Circle
12:00–1:00 pm · Nourishing Lunch
1:00–6:00 pm · Heart Yoga & Meditation with Karuna & Paul
6:00 pm · Dinner

Evening · Rest & Relaxation
Saturday, September 13
Heart Medicine Ceremony
A sacred day of Earth-honoring ceremony facilitated by Darcy & Robin

All day · Immersion in Kamasqa Ceremony
Mid-Evening · Dinner

Sunday, September 14
Integration, Embodiment & Nourishment

8:30–9:30 am · Smoothies & Tea
9:30–11:30 am · Heart Yoga & Meditation
11:30 am · Brunch
12:30–5 pm · Ceremony Integration Circle closing circle (Guests who need to return home can or you are welcome to stay one more night for deeper rest and integration) 
5-8pm Bodywork
6 pm · Dinner (optional) 

Optional: Stay for an extra night of rest and integration onsite (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR PERSONAL INTEGRATION) 

 Monday, September 15

Completion & Blessing

8:00–9:00 am · Breakfast & Tea

9:00–10:30 am · Optional Karma Yoga Practice

What is included in this retreat:​

Three Days of Earth-Honoring Ceremonial Work, Yoga, and Meditation
 Heart Medicine Ceremony
Guided Shamanic Journey Work 
Nourishing Organic, Vegetarian Meals
Cozy lodging
Highly Skilled, Experienced Facilitators
Optional Flower Baths & Bodywork Sessions
A Powerfully Held Container for Deep Transformation
This retreat will be held at Star River Sanctuary 

Sacred Reciprocity: $999-$1,888.00 includes tuition, food and lodging

 
This is your invitation to step into the HEART OF RELATIONSHIP.
To return home to the LOVE that lives within you.
​​​​
Sacred Reciprocity:
$999-$1,888.00
 

Learn More About Our Pricing Structure 
Lodging Options at Star River Sanctuary
Shared Glamping Bell Tents | 2 x Twin beds per tent

Queen Bed Cabin Rooms for Couples or Close Friends 

Bring your own Tent Sites

Star River Nourishment

Our Star Team Cooks craft organic, delicious meals featuring homegrown goodness from our 7 Generations Garden Project. This retreat includes a tour and an Ayni Karma Yoga experience in this sacred garden project.

Meals Include:

Hand prepared meals featuring local, organic, plant-based ingredients
Gluten-free and vegan options available to meet unique dietary needs
Handcrafted raw, gluten-free, and vegan desserts
Locally sourced beverages from Star River Gardens, Virtue Tea and Oso Negro Coffee

Join Us in This Sacred Gathering
This Heart Medicine Ceremonial Weekend is an invitation to remember the boundless power of Love as the greatest healing force on Earth.

💖 The wisdom of the Heart is calling you. This is a safe, sacred space to release, restore, and realign with your deepest truth, your inner healer, and your divine connection to all life.

If you feel the sincere call, come join us for this profound and heart-opening journey—an initiation into the healing power of Boundless Love.

 

Schedule

Itinerary is based on the event type you choose to join.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Location icon Star River Sanctuary

Directions

Castlegar Airport
Practicar Rentals

Accommodation

Accommodations options are as follows: Cozy Indoor Shared Main House Lodging- $70-75 a night (5 spaces available)- Shared Cozy Cabin Rooms- $70 (4 spaces available) Forest Bell Tent Shared Lodging- $65 night (8 spaces available) Camping- $30 night per person (4-5 tent spaces available includes camper vans) Seasonal Sweet Camper with private kitchen & bath- $70 a night per person (good for a couple)

Cabin Room 2 | 2 Twin Beds

Accommodation
This is a sweet cozy cabin room in the forest retreat area of Star River. Each cabin room has 2 Twin beds, electric heat, and protection from the elements. These rooms are quiet, peaceful, and perfect for more mellow personal space.

Cabin Room 1 | Queen Bed

Accommodation
This is a sweet cozy cabin room in the forest retreat area of Star River. Each cabin room has 1 Queen bed, electric heat, and protection from the elements. These rooms are quiet, peaceful, and perfect for more mellow personal space.

Forest Glamping Bell Tents - 2 Twin beds

Accommodation
Our Forest Glamping Bell Tents have 2 Twin beds in all 6 tents nestled in the Upper Retreat area at Star River Sanctuary. Enjoy the rustic and cozy shared space during your stay with us.

Camping | Bring your own tent

Accommodation
Bring your own tent and find a grassy spot in the upper Retreat area at Star River.

Venue & Amenities

Venue & Amenities
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Our new teaching temple is a 36 foot Geodesic dome overlooking the beautiful mountains of Kootenay Lake. This S.T.A.R. Temple (Service to all Relations) is one of the highest structures on Kootenay Lake and backed by hundreds of miles of nature park. Extraordinary refined nature energy.

Meals

Menu
Menu

Menu Types

What's Included

  • Sacred Council
  • Ceremony and teachings of embodied Sovereignty
  • Teachings and practices of Planetary healing rituals of the Andes
  • Elemental cleansing and blessing rituals
  • Guided shamanic journey work to uncover the hidden wisdom of the Mystery Schools that lay sleeping within our DNA
  • Organic local delicious food
  • Sacred songs
  • Restorative movement, dance, and Shamanic energy practices
  • Skilled, experienced, and kind facilitators.
  • Optional body and energy work and floral baths

What's Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Transportation to Nelson BC

Customer Reviews

4.97 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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Incredible place, incredible ceremony
Every time I come to Star River Sanctuary, I leave transformed. It's such a beautiful place, run by incredible, heart-centered people who are so deeply committed to the vision of personal and planetary healing. The grounds - the gardens, forest, temple spaces - all of it is so inspiring and heart-opening. I don't hesitate to refer others to this incredible place of healing and remembering in all the ways.

5.0
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Star River sanctuary
Another excellent experience and retreat at STS! The retreat itself went beyond any expectation that I had,, the food is delicious, the accommodations are beautiful, comfortable and welcoming. Robin and Darcy are exemplary people who meet you with graciousness and respect. I highly recommend their retreats and classes. You will depart well nourished and restored.

5.0
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Amazing Sanctuary
Thank you for an incredibly healing, and transformative time at Star River.
The gardens are stunning in the spring/summer, the food was teuly deliscious and nutritious, the fasciltation and teachings will inspire for a lifetime.

5.0
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Held by the forest
A very special location - totally immersed in nature tucked on the side of a gorgeous mountain. In the springtime there is crystal clear water flowing form springs, all down and around the property. It feels so alive. Great food, beautiful gardens and cosy cabins. I left feeling totally rejuvenated and recalibrated. I was blessed to attend a retreat and spent time in both domes that held me perfectly for the inner exploration that was possible. Highly recommend.

5.0
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Absolutely Incredible 💗🌸🪽✨
The way Robin and Darcy hold space is beyond words. They hold such a safe and beautiful container that really allows you to soften and meet what’s present within self. They both carry a wealth of knowledge, experience and deep embodiment of Ancient Peruvian practices from a very sacred lineage. You will leave Expanded in ways you didn’t know you needed. Sacred Heart Medicine.

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