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Seeds of Hope in Bloom: Finding Stillness

With support from a $2,000 Seeds of Hope grant from the Living Spirit fund, the Healing Pathway Society brought practitioners to Naramata Centre in BC from July 13 – August 21, 2026 to deepen their learning and offer healing sessions to participants and staff. 

The summer program created opportunities for practitioners to learn from one another, experience personal healing, and share Healing Pathway practices with others. The first four weeks were highly successful, with 11 practitioners, two mentors, and full schedules. 

Unsafe smoke conditions from wildfires in the area on August 7 forced the cancellation of the final two weeks. Naramata Centre transitioned into a shelter for evacuees, while the Healing Pathway team provided support to people experiencing the stress and uncertainty of the emergency. 

Creating space for healing 

Throughout the first four weeks, sessions were in high demand, with waitlists made up primarily of Centre staff and summer guests. Some people discovered the program through on-site signage and online information. 

Overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Of the 60 evaluations received, participants rated their experiences 9 or 10 out of 10, describing sessions as “peaceful, grounding, and deeply meaningful.” 

One participant shared, “This was a beautiful experience for me. I felt I was being Held in the Palm of His Hands.” 

The program also supported practitioners in their own growth. Through shared sessions, mentorship, and reflection, they learned from one another and experienced healing themselves, strengthening their ability to offer care to others. One practitioner who took on a mentoring role during the summer has since grown into an experienced mentor. 

Building connections and confidence 

Over time, the program has expanded from two days of sessions per week to three, growing from eight sessions in an earlier season to 24 in 2026. The team has also grown from two practitioners per week to four to six practitioners, mentors, and coordinators supporting both practitioners and participants. 

These developments have strengthened the relationship between Healing Pathway Society and Naramata Centre. Centre staff have been important partners, helping provide a welcoming environment for practitioners and guests alike. 

The program also helped build new relationships and renew existing ones. Practitioners are returning to their home communities across Canada with renewed energy and confidence to share Healing Pathway techniques. Many are already looking forward to returning next summer and encouraging others in their communities to participate. 

Offering care during a crisis 

When wildfires forced the program to pause, Naramata Centre became a shelter for evacuees. During this uncertain time, the Healing Pathway team was able to offer sessions to both staff and people staying at the Centre.  

These sessions gave moments of calm and relief amid the emergency. Participants appreciated the opportunity to release tension and find support while navigating the realities of the wildfire situation. 

Looking ahead 

Despite the early end to the summer program, Healing Pathway Society sees strong potential for continued growth. The team is considering adding another day of sessions each week next summer while balancing the benefits of welcoming new practitioners with the stability of an experienced team. 

The experience demonstrated how mentorship, shared learning, and accessible healing sessions can benefit both practitioners and the wider community. With continued support, Healing Pathway Society hopes to build on the relationships formed at Naramata Centre and create more opportunities for people to experience healing, connection, and compassion. 

As the team reflects on the summer, its purpose remains: to offer light, love, and peace.  

Make a gift today to support programs that offer space for healing and restoration.  

A Medicine Woman’s Prayer  

I will not rescue you 

For you are not powerless  

I will not fix you  

For you are not broken  

I will not heal you  

For I see you in your wholeness  

I will walk with you through the darkness  

As you remember your light.   

Richard Wagamese