Groups, walks, events, and more
One-on-one sessions (In-person and online)
One-on-one sessions are typically one hour long. You may wish to meet with your spiritual director once per month, or you may opt to book more often. This is care for you, as you need it.
We work out of Cochrane, Alberta, Canada. We will provide you an address at the time of booking.
If we are meeting up with you online, we will send you your session link in the hours just before we get together.
We do not wish for this to feel transactional in any way. We welcome you to pay as you are able. As a guideline, spiritual direction fees usually land between $85.00 – $120.00 per hour, but we understand that this amount may not accessible for everyone. Don’t let cost be a deterrent! Let’s talk about it.
Mindfulness Walks -- Thursday mornings until the end of October, 2023
A mindfulness walk is helpful for
- finding peace or a sense of retreat in a busy week
- finding clarity when making difficult decisions
- finding grounding when faced with big life events
Inviting silence, pause, and nature into your practice of healing, discernment, or wellbeing will bring Quiet Heart and Quiet Mind.
Please meet at the corner of Sunterra Road and Centre Avenue in Cochrane, Alberta (this is right at the corner of the Cochrane Cemetery).
If you are coming from Calgary, this is also the very West end of Retreat Road.
Apologies as there is no washroom at this location.
Thursday mornings, 10:00 – 11:00 am
Please text 403.613.5241 if you wish to be sure that there has not been a cancellation due to weather or conditions.
Michelle Copithorne and Sandra McDonald, certified Spiritual Directors with Still Lake Listening
There is no cost for this mindfulness care.
This is a drop-in offering, but if you wish to be sure that there has not been a cancellation due to weather, just text 403.613.5241.
Unstuck: Big Emotions (In Person) -- Tuesday Mornings Starting October 10, 2023
Anyone who is longing for peace, equanimity, and support from a small circle of individuals in becoming unstuck from big emotions such as grief, sorrow, anger, loneliness, longing, fear…
Groups provide support. Hearing from others in a similar situation helps us see that we are not alone and may help us to become unstuck.
3 – 5 people
The group will meet in Cochrane, Alberta. Location info will be provided upon registration.
Starting Tuesday, October 10, 2023, 10:00 am – 12:00pm MST
We will plan to meet for 4 consecutive Saturdays. Each session is 2 hours in length.
This particular gathering is in person, however this group is also being offered virtually via Zoom starting October 14, 2023 at 10:00am. If you’d rather do this virtually, please contact Still Lake Listening at still.lake.listening@gmail.com (403.613.5241) and a link will be sent after registration and before the first session begins.
Michelle Copithorne and Sandra McDonald, certified Spiritual Directors with Still Lake Listening.
$200.00 for the full 4 sessions.
We do not wish payment to be a deterrent for anyone. If costs are a concern, please reach out. Payment is due upon registration via e-transfer to still.lake.listening@gmail.com.
Participants may cancel anytime up to 7 days prior for a full refund, less a $10 administrative fee.
Limited to a maximum of 5 participants per offering. To register click the button below, or call/text 403.613.5241. We look forward to hearing from you!
Unstuck: Big Emotions (Virtual) -- Saturday Mornings Starting October 14, 2023
Anyone who is longing for peace, equanimity, and support from a small circle of individuals in becoming unstuck from big emotions such as grief, sorrow, anger, loneliness, longing, fear…
Groups provide support. Hearing from others in a similar situation helps us see that we are not alone and may help us to become unstuck.
3 – 5 people
The group will meet virtually via Zoom. A link will be sent prior to the first session.
Starting Saturday, October 14, 2023 Saturday, 10:00 am – 12:00pm MST
We will plan to meet for 4 consecutive Saturdays. Each session is 2 hours in length.
Yes! This group will be offered via Zoom. A link will be sent after registration and before the first session begins.
Michelle Copithorne and Sandra McDonald, certified Spiritual Directors with Still Lake Listening.
$200.00 for the full 4 sessions.
We do not wish payment to be a deterrent for anyone. If costs are a concern, please reach out. Payment is due upon registration via e-transfer to still.lake.listening@gmail.com.
Participants may cancel anytime up to 7 days prior for a full refund, less a $10 administrative fee.
Limited to a maximum of 5 participants per offering. To register click the button below, or call/text 403.613.5241. We look forward to hearing from you!
Unstuck: Big Emotions (In Person) -- Saturday Afternoons Starting October 14, 2023
Anyone who is longing for peace, equanimity, and support from a small circle of individuals in becoming unstuck from big emotions such as grief, sorrow, anger, loneliness, longing, fear…
Groups provide support. Hearing from others in a similar situation helps us see that we are not alone and may help us to become unstuck.
3 – 5 people
The group will meet in Cochrane, Alberta. Location info will be provided upon registration.
Starting Saturday, October 14, 2023 Saturday, 1:00 pm – 3:00pm MST
We will plan to meet for 4 consecutive Saturdays. Each session is 2 hours in length.
This particular gathering is in person, however this group is also being offered virtually via Zoom starting October 14, 2023 at 10:00am. If you’d rather do this virtually, please contact Still Lake Listening at still.lake.listening@gmail.com (403.613.5241) and a link will be sent after registration and before the first session begins.
Michelle Copithorne and Sandra McDonald, certified Spiritual Directors with Still Lake Listening.
$200.00 for the full 4 sessions.
We do not wish payment to be a deterrent for anyone. If costs are a concern, please reach out. Payment is due upon registration via e-transfer to still.lake.listening@gmail.com.
Participants may cancel anytime up to 7 days prior for a full refund, less a $10 administrative fee.
Limited to a maximum of 5 participants per offering. To register click the button below, or call/text 403.613.5241. We look forward to hearing from you!
Unique Offerings: Wintering Women (Virtual) - Next Offering Oct/Nov, 2023
“When winter comes to a woman’s soul, she withdraws into her inner self, her deepest spaces. She refuses all connection, refutes all arguments that she should engage in the world. She may say she is resting, but she is more than resting: She is creating a new universe within herself, examining and breaking old patterns, destroying what should not be revived, feeding in secret what needs to thrive. Winter women are those who bring into the next cycle what should be saved. They are the deep conservators of knowledge and power.” ~ Patricia Monaghan
Wintering Women is for anyone who has noticed a deep desire to withdraw from the dictates and expectations of the world around her. It is for anyone who is longing for both affirmation (Could it be that you are exactly where you are meant to be? As you are meant to be?) and challenge (In what ways is your life inviting you to wake up, grow, deepen, rest?).
A small, supportive circle of women can be a place to nurture the parts of our Self that feel like they’ve fallen (or perhaps have needed to fall?) into a long winter sleep. We will companion you as you explore awakening to a way of being that is in line with who you are as your Truest Self.
Groups provide support. Hearing from others in a similar situation helps us see that we are not alone and may help us to deepen or even become unstuck.
3 – 5 people
This is an online group.
October/November 2023 – Days/Time TBD
There are 4 sessions; each session is 2 hours in length.
Yes!
However, if you’d rather do this in person, please contact Still Lake Listening at still.lake.listening@gmail.com (403.613.5241).
Michelle Copithorne and Sandra McDonald, certified Spiritual Directors with Still Lake Listening
$200.00 for the full 4 sessions.
We do not wish payment to be a deterrent for anyone. If costs are a concern, please reach out. Payment is due upon registration via e-transfer to still.lake.listening@gmail.com.
Participants may cancel anytime up to 7 days prior for a full refund, less a $10 administrative fee.
Limited to a maximum of 5 participants per offering. To register click the button below, or call/text 403.613.5241. We look forward to hearing from you!
Group Spiritual Direction -- Ask for more information about this!
This is a small group gathered to explore identity, spirituality, and contemplative practice. Groups are never more than 5 people at a time.
It is for individuals who are curious about the process of spiritual direction, but who may not wish to participate one-on-one.
The facilitated conversation offered here ensures ample space and time for each participant to be heard, and to bear witness.
Groups provide support. Hearing from others in a similar situation helps us see that we are not alone and may help us to deepen in our spiritual practice and Self knowing.
3 – 5 people
The group will meet online, or in Cochrane, Alberta. Location info will be provided upon registration.
Ask about our next offering!
Yes! If this is your preference, please contact Still Lake Listening at still.lake.listening@gmail.com (403.613.5241).
Michelle Copithorne and Sandra McDonald, certified Spiritual Directors with Still Lake Listening
Group spiritual direction is typically offered at $25.00 per session.
We do not wish payment to be a deterrent for anyone. If costs are a concern, please reach out for more on how we manage this sensitive subject.
Limited to a maximum of 5 participants per offering. To register, click the button below, or call/text 403.613.5241. We look forward to hearing from you!
Unstuck: Separation & Divorce -- Ask for more info about this!
This is a group conversation exploring process, shifting identity, and contemplative practice throughout the crisis of separation and divorce.
It is for women who are struggling with the effects of big emotions like grief, anger, loneliness, fear, and sadness related to their process of separation and divorce.
Groups provide support. Hearing from others in a similar situation helps us see that we are not alone and may help us to become unstuck.
This session offering will be unique in its exploration of how we might move through crisis using contemplative practices.
3 – 5 people
The group will meet online, or in Cochrane, Alberta. Location info will be provided upon registration.
Ask about our next offering!
Yes! If this is your preference, please contact Still Lake Listening at still.lake.listening@gmail.com (403.613.5241).
Michelle Copithorne and Sandra McDonald, certified Spiritual Directors with Still Lake Listening
Cost will be determined once offering is in place.
We do not wish payment to be a deterrent for anyone. If costs are a concern, please reach out. Payment is due upon registration via e-transfer to still.lake.listening@gmail.com.
This includes a complimentary one-on-one session that can be booked at any time after the first group session. A Complementary copy of In The Absence of Experience is included with your registration.
Participants may cancel anytime up to 7 days prior for a full refund, less a $10 administrative fee.
Limited to a maximum of 5 participants per offering. To register, click the button below, or call/text 403.613.5241. We look forward to hearing from you!
Finding All of Me: An exploration of identity, purpose, and what it means to be a woman today
Are you feeling ready to engage with a deeper understanding of Self and identity? This ongoing conversation will explore the subtle — and sometimes not so subtle — experiences of subjugation, silence, oppression, abuse, manipulation, power, and control.
This is a group conversation exploring those effects on our daily lives — at home, in the workplace and in medical treatment, in our faith communities, and beyond. What would it be like to delve into your current lived experience, trusting your inner wisdom as you face into the wounds of oppressive and coercive systems?
Together, we will get curious about:
- how systems of control have affected me (home, work, religion, healthcare, etc.)
- Self as Woman and Woman as Self — embracing all of who I am as a woman
- standing firmly on the uneven ground of a patriarchal society
- living from a place of grounded peace
Groups provide support. Hearing from others in a similar situation helps us see that we are not alone and may help us to become unstuck.
3 – 8 people
The group will meet in Cochrane, Alberta. Location info will be provided upon registration.
To be determined – stay tuned!
Accommodations will be made for calendar disruptions as needed.
Absolutely. If this is your preference, please contact Still Lake Listening at still.lake.listening@gmail.com (403.613.5241).
Pearl Nieuwenhuis, Michelle Copithorne, and Sandra McDonald, certified Spiritual Directors with SoulStream and Still Lake Listening.
About Pearl…
I live in Calgary but come from the north and from a long line of women who came from the north. They were women who lived close to the land; who always cooked a little extra so others would be welcome and fed; who had an eye for the least, the last and the lonely; and who knew the time for a hearty laugh but also bore the emotional weight of a religious doctrine focused on human depravity.
After years of teaching middle school students, I reoriented my work life towards being with people in quieter, one-on-one ways. In that same time I woke up to a more expansive and lovingly present God, hence my spiritual life reoriented towards a wider embrace of people. I now offer spiritual direction from my home and to students, staff and faculty through the Faith and Spirituality Centre at the University of Calgary. I also co-facilitate retreats and workshop as well as a training course in Spiritual Direction.
I am married to a very good man and we are parents to 2 beloved, open-hearted adult daughters, and a beloved son-in-law. I love the soil, mucking about in small gardens, reading, and riding my motorcycle.
$250.00 for the full 6 sessions.
We do not wish payment to be a deterrent for anyone. If costs are a concern, please reach out. Payment is due upon registration via e-transfer to still.lake.listening@gmail.com.
Participants may cancel anytime up to 7 days prior for a full refund, less a $10 administrative fee.
Limited to a maximum of 8 participants per offering. To register, click the button below, or call/text 403.613.5241. We look forward to hearing from you!
Coffee Conversations (In-person and online)
Join a small group of curious fellow wanderers in facilitated, rich conversation. Bring a question you’ve been processing, ideas you’ve been exploring, or just a topic you’d like to deepen into. Michelle or Sandra will offer some polite boundary-holding to ensure that all have space to share, and to allow for safety and care for all who gather.
Where & When: Click below to request a link to our next online meet-up, or to find out when we’ll be at a Cochrane, Alberta, Canada coffee shop next!