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Training with Fear: What Horses Taught Me About the Mind

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At Clear Sky Retreat Center, I didn’t expect to learn so much from horses—but stepping into Natural Horsemanship training became a powerful mirror for my inner world. I came in with fear and uncertainty. “I’ve never understood horses,” I admitted, “and honestly, I’m afraid of them.” What surprised me was how simply sharing that fear—without judgment or fixing—was the beginning of transformation. Horses are incredibly intuitive. They respond to what’s beneath the surface—our body language, our energy, our mindset. Under the guidance of trainer Yvonne and spiritual teachers like Catherine Sensei and Qapel, I began to see that working with horses was really about training my own mind . When I changed my inner state, the horses responded differently. They were mirroring me. Fear didn’t disappear overnight. But I learned how to be present with it—how to let it be felt, witnessed, and moved through. As I softened and grew more confident, my fear lost control over my actions. What replace...
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21st Century Tantra: Sacred Sexuality and Vajrayana Wisdom for Modern Practitioners

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What does Tantra mean in today’s world? Far from its pop-culture image, Tantra is a powerful spiritual path rooted in energy awareness, sacred sexuality, and the integration of masculine and feminine within. In this four-week online course , starting November 9, 2025, you’ll explore how Tantra can support real spiritual growth in daily life—with or without a partner. Led by Catherine Pawasarat Sensei , an experienced teacher in the Vajrayana Buddhist lineage , 21st Century Tantra dives into authentic Tantra with a fresh, inclusive, and grounded approach. Key Topics: What is Tantra in the context of Vajrayana Buddhism ? How does sacred sexuality support spiritual awakening? Integrating divine feminine and masculine energies—beyond gender Healing shadow around sex, money, and power Navigating non-binary identity in traditionally gendered teachings Whether you’re a long-time practitioner or new to Tantra, this course will help you understa...
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Money and Spirituality: Transform Your Relationship with Abundance

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For many people on a spiritual path, money is a complicated subject. We value inner peace, service, and simplicity—yet feel discomfort, guilt, or even shame when it comes to finances. The Money and Spirituality course with Karen McAllister at Clear Sky Retreat Center invites us to transform this split by bringing conscious awareness to one of the most misunderstood areas of modern spiritual life. This course helps participants move beyond scarcity, resistance, and confusion, and into a place of clarity, empowerment, and alignment—where both material well-being and spiritual growth are honored. Why Address the Money-Spirituality Divide? Many of us were raised with the idea that money and spiritual values don’t mix. We may distrust wealth, feel guilty about earning, or undervalue our work in the name of “humility.” But these unconscious patterns often lead to burnout, under-earning, and resentment. They also affect our ability to be generous—with ourselves, our teachers, and our ...
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Karma Yoga Retreat: A 3-Month Spiritual Awakening Program in Canada

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Looking for a transformational spiritual retreat that integrates meditation , service , and daily life ? The Three Month Intensive Karma Yoga Program at Clear Sky Center offers a unique path to spiritual awakening through meditation in action . Running from October 7, 2025, to January 7, 2026 , this fully immersive, residential karma yoga retreat in the Canadian Rockies combines Buddhist teachings , mindfulness training , and community living to help you reconnect with purpose, clarity, and inner strength. What is Karma Yoga? Karma Yoga is the practice of conscious service —turning everyday activities into deep spiritual work. Whether you’re gardening, cooking, building, or creating media, this retreat helps you develop presence, discipline, and compassion in every action. Program Highlights Daily meditation practice and dharma teachings Embodied Karma Yoga : nature work, cooking, cleaning, and building Applied Karma Yoga : creative and digital p...
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Integrating Mindfulness: Tools for Holistic Living and Lasting Change

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In a world filled with distractions, uncertainty, and pressure, many of us seek a deeper sense of connection—within ourselves, in our relationships, and in how we live each day. The Integrating Mindfulness course at Clear Sky offers exactly that: a path to mindful, holistic living rooted in real-world transformation. This course has been described as one of the most transformative mindfulness programs people have experienced. It goes beyond traditional meditation or self-help approaches by addressing not just the inner world, but also your habits, environment, and relationships. Through a unique threefold approach —cultivating mindfulness, creating a supportive container, and integrating mindfulness into daily life—you’ll gain tools to: Deepen your mindfulness or meditation practice Build meaningful, supportive connections Create sustainable habits and environments that nurture growth Transform areas of life that drain your energy or block your pote...
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No Fear: Embracing the Journey of Horse and Mind Training

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 At Clear Sky Retreat Center, surrounded by grassland forests and nature’s stillness, I began an unexpected journey—not just with horses, but with my own mind. I wasn’t drawn to horses as a child, and when I joined the Natural Horsemanship sessions led by Yvonne, I admitted, “I’m afraid of them.” At Clear Sky, I’ve learned that naming fear is a strength. Instead of being comforted or dismissed, my vulnerability was simply witnessed—and that in itself was powerful. My fear wasn’t really about horses. It came from a belief I carried since childhood: that life happens to me. Under the guidance of Catherine Sensei, I began to see that fear, like the mind, can be trained. She teaches that suffering doesn’t need to define our experience. Fear can exist without controlling us. A pivotal teaching from Qapel, another founding teacher, shifted my view further: “You must be willing to die, no matter what.” It wasn’t about danger—it was about freedom. Living fully means not letting fear ...
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Healing My Relationship with Money: Embracing Generosity and Freedom

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I always had enough money. Growing up middle class and working in finance, I thought I had money all figured out. Yet inside, I felt tight and anxious—constantly worried about losing what I had and always wanting more. I believed this was smart financial planning, but it never brought peace or freedom. That changed when I started Money Coaching with Karen McAllister. Through this process, I uncovered how much fear, control, and cultural expectations shaped my money story. I realized I was trying to accumulate wealth quickly to escape work, thinking work couldn’t be fulfilling. Karen showed me a new way—through generosity . Giving money, attention, and kindness helped me soften my grip and invite more flow into my life. This transformation inspired me to shift my career and follow my true calling. I decided to study Traditional Chinese Medicine , a path aligned with my values and desire to help others. Money coaching helped me break free from old patterns and build a healthier, mo...
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