Virtual Programs
While we’ve had to cancel our in person programs this year (learn more about our COVID-19 response here), we won’t stop shining our light! We are scheduling more online offerings every week, to support your connection with yourself and community, as we traverse these unprecedented times together.
Catalogue | Want to view all our offerings in one place? Download our digital catalogue or request a paper catalogue in the mail.
Teachers | Interested in presenting at Hollyhock? Learn more and submit your program proposal.
Scholarships | Scholarships are available for most programs, based on financial need. We prioritize Indigenous people, people of colour, people who identify as LGBTQ2IA+, youth, elders, and those who can articulate how their Hollyhock experience will support positive impact in their lives and communities. Learn more.
Upcoming Programs
Listed by Date
Mindfulness & Compassion in Times of Covid-19: An Online Retreat
With Robert Beatty
October 3 - 4, 2020
Online
Join us in a weekend of turning inward in community. Take a break from the news and your usual life responsibilities. Practice mindfulness to realize that you are not your fears, moods, racing mind, compulsions, addictions, or wounds from the past. Awaken from the trance of everyday life and person-ality and connect with your deep resources of healing and compassion.
SVI 25: Social Venture Institute (Online)
With Hollyhock Leadership Institute
October 13 - 16, 2020
Online
2020 marks 25 years of convening SVI! Join over 100 purpose-driven business leaders as you share your challenges and successes in an atmosphere of trust and goodwill. The interactive nature of SVI offers boundless opportunities to ask hard questions, get advice, and build deep relationships. Level up your organization, your network, and your leadership capacity so you can continue your mission to improve the state of the world with greater confidence, energy, and resilience.
Fostering Resilience for Health Professionals (Online)
With Mark Lau, PhD and Andrea Grabovac, MD
November 5 - 6, 2020
Online
Revitalize, restore, and build resilience during this Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) meditation retreat for physicians, health professionals, and their partners. This program includes teacher-guided mindfulness practice and discussion, with a focus on meditation technique.
Hello Again: A Fresh Start for Parents & Their Adult Children (Online)
With Dr. Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté
November 21 - 22, 2020
Online
Explore what it takes to outgrow and transform old dynamics in parent/adult-child relationships. Clear the way for a new relationship grounded in authenticity and mutual compassion, unencumbered by what came before. -- Dr. Gabor Maté is the author of 4 bestselling books published in 25 languages, including In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, and recipient of the Order of Canada. Daniel Maté is an award-winning theatre composer and lyricist who also runs a popular "mental chiropractic" service.
Metta Vipassana: Cultivating Love & Wisdom (Vancouver) – 2021
With Michele McDonald and Steven Smith
April 23 - 25, 2021
Take a breath in the city through the practice of silent Vipassana (insight/mindfulness) and Metta (loving kindness) meditation. Join a connected community of new and experienced meditators. Enjoy guided meditations, sitting and walking sessions, Dhamma talks, and meditation instruction.
Geopoetics Symposium – 2021
April 24 - 28, 2021
Cortes Island
Join artists, scholars, educators, and writers engaging with ecology, climate crisis, and resilience. Leaders in ecophilosophy, place-based education, and geopoetics—an emerging field of creative practice at the nexus of poetics and geography—will dialogue, lead seminars, create, present works, and cross-pollinate.
Metta Vipassana: Awareness as a Path to Liberation – 2021
With Michele McDonald and Steven Smith
April 28 - May 12, 2021
Cortes Island
Experience seven days practicing Metta and Vipassana meditation, followed by seven days of cultivating mindfulness. Develop compassionate awareness and a more loving heart with a unique integration of mindful movement.
Wim Hof Method, Breathwork & Your True Nature – 2021
With Cian Dalton
May 12 - 16, 2021
Cortes Island
Optimize your health with oxygen and cold exposure, reducing inflammation and strengthening your immune system. Learn practical tools to overcome stress, and develop a deeper connection to yourself and nature.
Sea Kayaking Adventures Aboard Misty Isles – 2021 (May)
With Jonas Fineman and Kai Harvey
May 16 - 21, 2021
Cortes Island
Learn to kayak on the pristine and protected waters around Cortes Island, from the comfort of the 43 foot Schooner, Misty Isles. Certified local guides share their knowledge and passion for the coast. All levels of experience welcome. Limited to 12 participants. Jonas Fineman is the seasoned sea captain and owner of Misty Isles. Kai Harvey is a wilderness guide and owner of Cortes Kayaks. They will also be offering this program on May 29-June 3 mistyislesadventures.com
Mindful Self-Compassion – 2021
With Megan Prager and Martin Thomson-Jones, PhD
May 30 - June 4, 2021
Cortes Island
Cultivate the skill of self-compassion in this empirically supported training program. Self-compassion is strongly associated with greater emotional well-being, less anxiety and depression, maintenance of healthy habits, and satisfying relationships.
Going Under the Words: Creating Fiction & Memoir – 2021
With Shaena Lambert
June 4 - 9, 2021
Cortes Island
Creating fiction and memoir is part craft, part mystery. Discover ways to shuck the skin of your words, to find the beating heart. Connect with your voice, and wind drama and action into your writing’s DNA. Experience the creative thrill of going deeper.
Activate: digital leadership – 2021
With Hollyhock Leadership Institute
June 9 - 13, 2021
Cortes Island
Join the sharpest digital minds from political and advocacy campaigns, creative agencies, and progressive causes, for four days of hard-skills training in digital tactics and leadership. Gain clarity on how to intelligently activate your organization from the inside, and crack the code to engaging your target audience to win campaigns, raise money, and hit your goals.
Advanced Facilitation: Cultural Fluency & Collaboration (Vancouver) – 2021
With Julian Griggs, Michelle LeBaron and Joenita Paulrajan, PhD
June 16 - 18, 2021
Learn to unleash the full potential of groups in this advanced training. Move beyond the constraints of conventional models for group facilitation, drawing on four areas of competence: awareness of role and social location, cultural fluency, intuition, and presence. For experienced facilitators.
Joy of Ukulele – 2021
With Kimo Hussey
July 1 - 6, 2021
Cortes Island
Move beyond basic ukulele technique and establish effective practice strategies to master this joyful instrument. Explore fretboard geography, embellished chords, signature progressions, melodies, harmonies, and critical listening. Kanikapalu (jam sessions) and optional hula lessons culminate in a final performance.
Fearless Abstract Painting 2021
With Samantha daSilva
July 6 - 11, 2021
Cortes Island
The process of creating evolves into ideas. Ditch the fear and approach your next blank canvas with excitement and creative energy! Using rollers, tables, acrylics, canvas manipulation, plaster, sand, and wood shavings, create ethereal textured abstracts and become the fearless artist of your dreams! No previous experience necessary.
Tantra for Couples: Cultivating Sacred Intimacy – 2021
With Devi Ward Erickson and Chris Erickson, PhD
July 6 - 11, 2021
Tantra is an ancient spiritual science designed to activate, heal, and enrich every area of life. Learn practical and effective Tantric methods to cultivate a deeply sacred, utterly joyful, and profoundly pleasurable intimate connection - in and out of the bedroom.
Dancing from the Inside Out – 2021
With Margie Gillis
July 6 - 11, 2021
Cortes Island
Move into your body’s experiential wisdom to reveal the soul in motion. Listen to your body’s inner impulses, conversations, and emotions to deepen your well-being along with your artistic and creative expression. An exceptional opportunity. All levels welcome. -- Margie Gillis is an internationally acclaimed dancer/choreographer, performing for 40+ years, and is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
Singing in the Vocal River – 2021
With Rhiannon
July 11 - 16, 2021
Rhiannon’s expertise lies with the connection between body and voice, teaching the invention of melody, harmony, rhythm, language, and story while guiding the singer towards the heart and soul of their musical self.
The Mystery of the Soul – 2021
With Margie Gillis and Thomas Atum O'Kane, PhD
July 11 - 16, 2021
Cortes Island
The mystery of the soul can be embraced, experienced, danced, and explored, but never exhausted or diminished. Reclaim and celebrate the mystery of your soul with dance and spiritual teachings.
Time of Transition – 2021
With Thomas Atum O'Kane, PhD
July 16 - 21, 2021
Cortes Island
Life changes are times of passion and opportunity. Working with teachings from Jungian psychology and various spiritual traditions, detach and break free from old roles and expectations. Ritual, reflection, and wisdom guide your journey and passage toward your new sense of self. Thomas Atum O’Kane, PhD, holds a doctorate degree in transpersonal psychology and is a former senior teacher in the Sufi Order International. atumokane.com
Summer Gathering: Navigating the Tides of Change – 2021
With Rick Ingrasci & Peggy Taylor
July 16 - 21, 2021
Cortes Island
If you want to create a new culture, throw a better party! Join a diverse group of multigenerational change makers for some serious fun. Share your gifts and projects, and learn about local solutions catalyzing wide scale social change.
Healing Family & Ancestors: Ritual and Resonant Family Constellations – 2021
With Jill Purce
July 21 - 26, 2021
Cortes Island
Transform inherited patterns into magical blessings. Jill’s unique ceremonial, shamanic healing rites, using chant and family constellations, restore coherence within family fields in oracular ways, unavailable in normal therapy. Excluded relations are reintegrated as powerful allies. Relatives do not need to be living. Individuals and families welcome.
Aung Medical Qi Gong 2021
With Dr. Steven K.H. Aung, CM, MD, OMD, PhD
July 22 - 25, 2021
Cortes Island
Realign vital energies with this ancient Chinese wellness practice of breath work, concentration, and movement. Learn hands-on how to intuit, assess, harmonize, and heal vital Qi for yourself and loved ones.
Science & Spiritual Practices – 2021
With Rupert Sheldrake, Merlin Sheldrake and Cosmo Sheldrake
July 26 - 30, 2021
Science sheds new light on many spiritual practices, including rituals, pilgrimage, meditation, chanting, and rites of passage. Explore spiritual traditions and reconnect with the natural world through singing, listening, looking, telling stories, thinking, and having fun.
Song of the Drum, Dance of Life – 2021
With Gordy Ryan and Zoë Ryan
July 26 - 30, 2021
Cortes Island
Bumbamba! Join us in a celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the music and dance of the Olatunji Drums of Passion at Hollyhock. Activate the fire in your hands, the beat in your feet, and the song in your heart on a soulful journey to the well of inspiration in our reunion at the Olatunji Hall.
Building a Vocal Community™ 2021
With Ysaÿe Barnwell, PhD
July 30 - August 4, 2021
An awesome power emerges when uncommon voices are blended for the common good. Experience traditional African music, African American spirituals, and civil rights anthems while learning about their extraordinary historical, social, and political context. Everyone welcome.
Founders + Friends 2021
With Hollyhock Leadership Institute
July 30 - August 2, 2021
Cortes Island
Embrace wondrous summer days on the shores of Cortes Island: bask in the beauty of this special place, delve deep into conversations that matter, and nourish your heart and soul. Join with Founders + Friends as we explore the work of Hollyhock, learn from our shared experiences, and envision the future.
Falling Awake: The Ecology of Wonder 2021
With David Abram
July 30 - August 4, 2021
Awaken your animal intelligence, shake your senses free from outmoded concepts, and invigorate your felt experience. Through elemental encounters with the land, creaturely shapeshifting, and heartfelt conversation, open a new relationship between your body and the breathing earth.
The Art of Leadership – 2021
With Robert Gass
August 4 - 9, 2021
Cortes Island
This dynamic, internationally acclaimed program is for leaders actively engaged in making a difference in the world. Through this powerful transformational training, learn to empower and engage others in effective action to broaden the impact of your work. By application.
Sharing the Path: For Couples 2021
With Judith Ansara & Robert Gass
August 13 - 18, 2021
Cortes Island
Rediscover and deepen the joy and intimacy of your loving partnership. Break free from negative patterns while learning practices of authenticity, self-responsibility, empathy, deep listening, problem solving, and sacred sexuality. Enjoy a deeply connecting time together and take home profound tools to support your life as a couple.
Climate Hope: Tools for Thriving in the Climate Era 2021
With Karen Mahon Carrington
August 18 - 23, 2021
Cortes Island
Develop new maps to navigate through these times of climate emergency and social upheaval. Discover tools to strengthen your capacity for cultivating joy, acceptance, and right action. Foster personal and community resilience as we work together to restore justice and balance to the world we love.
Writing as a Spiritual Practice: The Healing Power of Telling Your Story 2021
With Mark Matousek
August 23 - 28, 2021
Cortes Island
Memoir is a path of self-knowledge. Learn to tell the whole truth and your essential stories will emerge, bringing insight and transpersonal wisdom. Writing exercises and group dialogue guide you toward creative discovery, increased mindfulness, and better composition. Everyone welcome.
Connecting To Source: Yoga, Meditation, and Ritual 2021
With Mara Branscombe
August 23 - 28, 2021
Cortes Island
Since ancient times, the human collective has aligned with the seasons, the elements, the rhythms of the sun, the moon, and the earth as a way to source pure energy and connect to one’s inner compass. The mind-body science of yoga, combined with the practice of meditation, breath-work, and the alchemy of earth based rituals creates a channel that leads to present moment awareness, mind-body-spirit integration, and a wild transformation within. As the summer cycle comes to its completion, we can honour the earth’s dynamic time of expansion, growth, abundance and harvest. As we attune to the earth’s rhythm, may we take…
The Art of Spiritual Guidance: Year Two 2021
With Thomas Atum O'Kane, PhD
August 23 - 28, 2021
Cortes Island
Spiritual Guidance is an art, a gift, and a calling that has been long practiced in contemplative traditions to support spiritual development and personal transformation. This in-depth training takes an interfaith approach while encompassing insights from transpersonal and Jungian psychology. Open for new registrations in 2021.
Write From Power: Accessing Your Stories – 2021
With Janelle Hanchett
August 28 - September 2, 2021
Cortes Island
What do I do with my fear surrounding writing? How do I manage criticism? What if I say something wrong? Develop a new relationship with your writing practice by exploring concrete ways to write honestly in spite of fear, show up authentically on the page, and define for yourself the power of your unique story, voice, and perspective.
Move Without Pain: Essential Somatics 2021
With Martha Peterson
September 2 - 7, 2021
Cortes Island
Learn to use your brain to reverse the physical effects of stress, restore brain to muscle connection, and defy creaky old age. Create a routine of easy, safe, and essential Somatic Movements to eliminate chronic pain and keep you moving fluidly and effortlessly throughout your life.
The Gift of Gratitude: Fall Yoga Retreat 2021
With Fiji McAlpine
September 2 - 7, 2021
Cortes Island
Gratitude enhances and enlivens every aspect of our life, and can be intentionally brought into our daily routines. Celebrate this season of gratitude with dynamic flow and nourishing yin yoga practices. Learn to mindfully connect to the present, allowing yourself the opportunity to ground and appreciate all that is.
Sea Kayaking Adventures Aboard Misty Isles 2021
With Jonas Fineman and Kai Harvey
September 7 - 12, 2021
Cortes Island
Learn to kayak on the pristine and protected waters around Cortes Island, from the comfort of the 43 foot Schooner, Misty Isles. Certified local guides share their knowledge and passion for the coast. All levels of experience welcome. Limited to 12 participants. Jonas Fineman is the seasoned sea captain and owner of Misty Isles. Kai Harvey is a wilderness guide and owner of Cortes Kayaks. They will also be offering this program on May 29-June 3 mistyislesadventures.com
Psoma Yoga Therapy 2021
With Donna Martin & Shelley Winton
September 7 - 12, 2021
Cortes Island
Experience a gentle body-mind/spirit practice for healing that can be integrated with Hakomi (mindfulness-based self-discovery). Learn how habitual tension and movement patterns may have psychological meaning, discover and transform the roots of unnecessary suffering, and find the keys to true health and freedom. No experience is necessary.
Heart of the Condor: Andean Wisdom Teachings 2021
With Jhaimy Alvarez Acosta
September 12 - 17, 2021
Cortes Island
Ground yourself in the wisdom teachings of the Andes while discovering the keys to harmonizing the three bodies of the serpent (mind), puma (body), and condor (soul). Connect to your heart, Mother Earth, and the Cosmos with the support of traditional Andean Indigenous knowledge, passed down through generations since time immemorial.
Mindfulness Meditation: A Way of Love and Compassion 2021
With Robert Beatty
September 17 - 22, 2021
Cortes Island
Wake up from the trance of everyday life. You are not your moods, anxiety, compulsions, past wounds, or addictions. Awaken to the freedom, love, compassion, and joy that is your natural state. This program is held in silence (except sessions) — common areas on campus are shared spaces.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): 5-Day Professional Training 2021
With Mark Lau, PhD and Andrea Grabovac, MD
September 17 - 22, 2021
Cortes Island
Take your next step on the transformative journey to becoming an MBCT teacher. MBCT is an empirically validated group program designed to prevent depressive relapse. For mental health professionals. Pre-approval required.
Peace, Poetry & Prayer 2021
With Farah Nazarali
September 26 - 30, 2021
Cortes Island
Peace is at the core of our being. Peace visionaries know that bringing peace into the world involves courage, collective action, and renewal of the spirit. This program combines peace, poetry, yogic practices, and universal prayers and rituals to dedicate ourselves to inner harmony, family reconciliation, reverence for the Earth, and peace in our world.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Levels 1-2 (Vancouver) – 2021
With Alina Frank & Dr. Craig Weiner
October 15 - 17, 2021
Learn powerful evidence-based Clinical EFT tapping techniques to quickly and effectively create changes in negative emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours. This training is for individuals looking to use EFT for self-help, and to integrate it safely into professional client-based practices. -- Alina Frank & Dr. Craig Weiner, DC, are internationally respected EFT trainers and directors of the EFT Tapping Training Institute.