July 10-12, 2026

A Midsummer Retreat Through Breath, Movement & Creativity

In July, the Guide to a Magic Life planner turns to the theme of Lead with the Heart. This retreat brings that teaching fully into the body.

This midsummer gathering is for women who lead, guide, teach, create, and hold space for others. It is for women who feel the call to stand in their clarity, sovereignty, and embodied truth while staying rooted in joy, creativity, and deep inner listening.

At the heart of this retreat we court Athena, goddess of wisdom, perspective and conscious leadership, alongside her owl; guide of intuition, vision, and the ability to see in all directions. Together, they invite us into clear seeing, wise action, and heart-led authority.

Over three nourishing days, we gather to meet our essence through an alchemical blend of breathwork, meditation, intuitive dance, satya-informed movement, creative ritual, and rest. These practices support nervous system regulation, emotional integration, and a felt sense of inner alignment. They open the doorway to sankalpa: the quiet, powerful wisdom of the heart’s deepest desires.

This retreat anchors leadership as a lived, embodied experience. We explore boundaries, containment, creativity, and truth as practices that move through the body rather than concepts held in the mind. We listen deeply, move honestly, create freely, and reconnect with the part of ourselves that leads from wholeness.

Throughout the weekend, you will:

  • Cultivate trust in your body’s innate wisdom

  • Awaken clarity, confidence, and inner authority

  • Move and create as pathways to integration and expression

  • Recalibrate your nervous system and restore vitality

  • Expand into your unique soul-led way of guiding and living

Held by the warmth and beauty of The August House, nourished by exquisite food and the landscapes of Nova Scotia, this retreat offers time to slow down, connect, and form meaningful bonds with kindred women walking resonant paths.

You will leave feeling rooted, alive, and illuminated from the inside! Ready to return home and continue walking, dancing, and leading in alignment with your dharma.

Retreat Schedule

Friday, July 10

3:00 pm: Check in: Arrival, Settle into August House

4:00 pm: WELCOME + Gifts

6:00 pm: Dinner

7:30 pm – 9:30 pm: Meeting Your Essence Introduction Workshop ACT 1

Saturday, July 11

Breakfast

10:00 am – 1:00 pm: Meeting Your Essence ACT 2

1 pm: Lunch

Afternoon at Leisure: Rest/Sauna/Walk

4:00pm – 6:00pm: Meeting Your Essence ACT 3

7:00pm: Dinner

Sunday, July 12

Breakfast

10:00 am-12:00 pm: Meeting Your Essence ACT 4

12:00 pm: Check out

The August House

The August House is a year-round, 11-room boutique inn and gathering space located in Windsor, Nova Scotia, at the intersection of the Avon and Annapolis Valleys.

Accommodations

The private rooms are either a King or Queen. The shared room are either a two twin or bunk beds. If you want to share a king room with someone please make note of it at registration.

Each room has:

  • A swoon-worthy ensuite baths, with big fluffy bath sheets, house made bath salts, in-floor heating (centrally controlled), hairdryers and bath tubs.

  • Free (and great!) Wifi

  • In-room temperature control – no old house heating systems here!

  • Luxe Brooklinen sheets

What’s Included

  • 2 Nights at the August House

  • Your Meals (2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners, 3 Snacks - plant based)

  • 4 Retreat Sessions

  • Access to the August House facilities (sauna, garden, common spaces and reading nooks)

“Estelle curated an empowering mind, body and soul experience for our group. Every “Act” allowed each individual to move, express and breathe at their own pace.

I’m so appreciative of connections that were made and although the time was short, the impact of this time spent together will last a lifetime.”

— Raquel Walsh-Savelle, Dartmouth Nova Scotia

I attended the MidSummer Retreat with Estelle Thomson in beautiful Nova Scotia. I wasn’t sure what to expect as I didn't really know Estelle. Firstly, I showed up at the retreat location, The August House in Windsor, a very tastefully decorated and delightful boutique in, not to mention the delicious food served to us all weekend long. The owners were very hospitable.

Next, as we all gathered for our special weekend together, Estelle was able to create a magical and respectful space for each and everyone of us. We embarked on a 45 hour journey of transformation through art ( water pain and drawing, dancing and singing) through movement (yoga, yin yoga), breathing, journaling and even sauna and cold baths. Estelle has a positive energy and is a great communicator. As we gathered together, working alone, side by side, we were able to connect and exchange our ideas in a safe space. I will cherish that weekend forever. Thank you Estelle for allowing this growth.

— Sylviane, Montreal, Quebec

The meeting your essence retreat at The August House with Estelle was nothing short of a soul-searching experience.

The retreat brought me back to my creative side with a slow-paced flow in a safe magical atmosphere. Estelle has a way of leading you to your internal essence and giving journal prompts that help you engage with your inner insecurities that emerge without judgement and leave you living a better life. I will definitely be back for 2026!

— Carissa Wilson, Dartmouth Nova Scotia

“I would like to say that my week-end with Estelle Thomson - Meeting Your Essence was truly magical .

Everything was meticulously organized with great attention to detail, love and kindness. All the special moments, transformations and experiences it brought me will always remain in my gratitude.”

— Danielle Dumas, Ste Anne de Bellevue, Quebec

Estelle has a special gift of creating spaces where women can come together and connect - with others and themselves - The Meeting Your Essence Retreat was no exception!

Dancing, journaling, creativity, breath, yoga- we did it all and after two days it felt like we had spent a week together. Grateful for Estelle and the flock of women from near and far who were vulnerable, trusting, and open to all that the weekend had to offer them. If you are considering a retreat of any of Estelle’s other offering- just say yes! Core memories were made.

— Aislinn Fulton - Lawrencetown,NS

Tickets are non-refundable. If you can’t make it you can coordinate someone to take your spot.