Today is an important day. The day when 18 strangers came together to live a transformative experience. There’s something special about that when you think about it. The simple fact that each one chose to be here to live this moment together really touches me.
We’ve arrived, finally!
As soon as we reach the Air-au-Bois Outdoor Center, I can already feel bonds starting to form between the participants. They step off the bus with smiles on their faces. After a long trip (and a delicious lunch at Saint-Hubert), they seem happy to finally be here.
Photo : Arrival at Air-au-Bois Outdoor Center
Barely enough time to drop off the bags before gathering outside for an icebreaker activity—a first circle led by Marie-Michelle and Ève-Marie, where we all got to know each other. Isabelle cracks jokes about Bill 101, and we learn to translate our interactions (French first 😉) so that everyone feels included in our bilingual group.
Photo : Marie-Michelle leading the icebreaker activity
Photo : First sharing circle – The group getting to know each other
Feel the rain on your skin
Photo: Monica ready to set off in the rabaska
Photo: Liz and Myriam chatting while the other participants receive their gear – The group’s first sparks of connection begin to appear
After the game, we head down to the beach. To get ready for our adventure, we take time to choose our paddles, gather the equipment, and get familiar with the rabaskas.
Photo: Quick lesson on how to paddle
Photo : Teamwork to get the rabaska into the water
Photo: Leah, happy and excited to finally be on the water
We work together: a short paddling lesson, launching the boat, finding our cruising rhythm, respecting everyone’s limits, singing “feel the rain on your skin” as the rain picks up, and creating our first memorable moments.
Anchoring in the present moment
Being on the water invites us to anchor ourselves in the present moment, to take time to feel, to breathe, and to slow down. Far from the shore, we pause in silence—a moment of listening and connection with the surrounding environment. Some share their feelings and observations, some are moved, while others are calm and thoughtful. I watch them—they inspire me. I close my eyes for a moment, and time stops.
Photo : First outing to get familiar with the rabaska and our new crew
Back at the base, we enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner, then return to the Lodge (the chalet where we sleep) to talk about the next steps of our expedition, introduce the gear, and receive gifts!
Photo : Evening gear presentation and preparation – Liz, Jessica, and Katherine receiving their gifts from our sponsor, Clarins
We said yes
The evening ends around the fire, with open hearts. We take a moment to share the values of our group, what we expect from this experience, and why we said yes to being here. We talk about the need to take a break from our busy daily lives, to take care of ourselves differently, and most of all, to remember who we truly are.
The participants share their realities, joys, fears, and challenges. One’s words resonate with another’s, like an important reminder: “I’m not alone, you’re not alone.” And just like that, 18 “I’s” became one single “we.”