AWAKEN:
BREATH & COLD ENCOUNTER
An Embodied Faith Retreat
Spaces Limited! Register for Awaken: Breath & Cold Encounter | April 17–19, 2026
Spaces Limited! Register for Awaken: Breath & Cold Encounter | April 17–19, 2026
Breath & Cold
Encounter Jesus through breathwork, cold immersion, and embodied spiritual practices.
In a world shaped by comfort, distraction, and shallow breathing, the body and soul long to awaken. The Breath & Cold Encounter is an invitation to step into expansion — to breathe fully, embrace discomfort, and rediscover resilience, clarity, and life..
When
April 17-19, 2026
Friday Evening - Sunday Afternoon
Where
Sunshine Coast
Gibsons, BC Canada
Cost
$449 $349 USD per person
Earlybird sale ends March 1st.
Awakening Through Discomfort
Breath is life. And cold?
Cold is uncomfortable—and that’s the point.
This encounter invites you to step fully into discomfort and discover life anew. Through guided breathwork, cold immersion, and restorative sauna rhythms, we awaken the body, steady the mind, and open the spirit to encounter Jesus.
Moving between heat and cold, intensity and stillness, we practice surrender in real time — allowing faith to meet experience in the flesh. In embracing what challenges us, space is created for clarity, resilience, and renewal beyond comfort.
Why Breath?
Breath is the first gift we receive—and the foundation of all life. Scripture tells us that life began when God breathed into creation, and that same breath continues to sustain us moment by moment. Breath is our origin story, our present provision, and our promise of life to come. When we breathe fully and intentionally, we participate in God’s design for healing and wholeness.
Modern science affirms what Scripture has long revealed: that proper breathing can calm the nervous system, restore balance in the body, and support deep healing. In learning to breathe well, we relearn how to live—grounded, attentive, and open to God’s sustaining presence.
Why Cold?
Cold is a primal teacher—a force that wakes the body and sharpens the spirit. From the earliest days of creation, God designed our bodies to respond, adapt, and thrive in the world He made. Immersing ourselves in cold draws us fully into the present moment, revealing both our limits and our resilience.
Physiologically, cold exposure strengthens the nervous system, regulates stress responses, and supports immune health. Spiritually, it reminds us that discomfort need not be feared or avoided, but can be met with courage, steadiness, and trust in God’s sustaining presence. In embracing the cold, we learn to remain grounded, alive, and fully receptive to life as it is.
The Outcome
Leave this encounter steadier, clearer, and more fully alive in body and spirit. You’ll go home with:
Greater capacity to meet discomfort with steadiness and courage
Tools to regulate stress and restore balance through breath and cold
A renewed sense of courage and trust in God’s sustaining care
Embodied awareness that integrates into everyday living
Step back into life awake, responsive, and fully open to what God has for you.
What to Expect…
A stunning natural setting: On the Sunshine Coast at Gibsons, BC, with peaceful ocean views, sunrise and sunset over the water, forests, and abundant wildlife.
Spiritual encounter: Opportunities to reflect, pray, and hear God’s voice in the quiet of nature and community.
Immersive breath, heat, and cold practices: Guided breathwork, restorative sauna sessions, and cold plunges in the Pacific Ocean — moving intentionally between heat and cold, activation and stillness — with space to integrate and experience their renewing effects.
Scripture-rooted teachings: Reflections and guidance connecting practices to God’s Word, offered in a variety of meaningful environments — in nature, on the beach, in the gorgeous chapel, and in simple shared spaces — fostering spiritual growth and understanding.
Guided coastal hike: A guided hike up Soames Hill leading to extraordinary views — creating space for wonder, reflection, and shared experience.
Slowed rhythms: A chance to step away from daily hustle and busyness, resting, noticing, and embodying presence.
Nourishing meals & simple comforts: Meals made with care, good coffee, and time to savor each moment.
Embodiment & presence: Practices, exercises, and free time to bring awareness fully into your body, senses, and environment.
Shared cabins & communal spaces: Comfortable shared lodging and time to connect, reflect, and relax in community.
Meet Your Guides
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Danielle Strickland
Danielle lets Love lead her to inspire, challenge, provoke, and disrupt the present, and to live in the future now. This pursuit has led to exciting entrepreneurial exploits (like co-founding multiple charities and non-profits) and a whole host of failures (that we don’t as often talk about). All of this has convinced her of the deep need we all have for hope, faith, and love.
Her deepest longing is to demonstrate what living that boundless life looks like.
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Josh Fly
Josh was born and raised in the mountains of Colorado and has always found the great outdoors is the best classroom for fun, spiritual growth, self-development, and exploration. Josh naturally gravitated to a career in coaching and teaching with the principles of faith and fitness at the center of his focus. He has spent nearly two decades in the health and fitness industry as a fitness director, breath coach, personal trainer, ultra-endurance athlete, and strength & conditioning coach.
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Aaron White
Aaron is fond of extreme challenges, ranging from Tough Mudder, to long pilgrimages, to raising five kids alongside his wife in a community home in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side. He writes books, teaches in University, has served in a number of local, national and international ministries, and co-hosts a weekly comedy podcast. He also oversees the Deep and Wide Academy, an online spiritual learning community dedicated to curiousity, connection, and questions both deep and wide.
FAQs
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This encounter focuses on awakening body, mind, and spirit through breathwork, cold immersion, and scripture-rooted teachings. It’s about cultivating presence, resilience, and a deeper connection to God, all within the beauty and stillness of the Sunshine Coast.
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The retreat takes place at Camp Sunrise, an oceanfront site located just outside Gibsons, BC, beside the Langdale ferry terminal on the Sunshine Coast. Enjoy stunning views, fresh coastal air, and easy access while immersing yourself in nature and the retreat experience.
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Ocean temperatures off Gibsons at this time of year are typically around 45°F (7°C). While we can’t guarantee an exact temperature, you can expect it to be brisk and invigorating. All plunges are guided and supported, with safety in mind and a gentle, trauma-aware approach.
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Yes! We’ll have access to a sauna as part of our embodied practices. Moving between heat and cold is a powerful way to support circulation, recovery, and nervous system regulation — while also creating space for reflection, prayer, and integration.
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No prior experience is required! Our guides will gently introduce breathwork, cold immersion, and sauna practices, offering teaching, guidance, and support throughout the weekend. All experiences are invitational, and you are encouraged to move at a pace that feels wise and sustainable for your body.
If you have any medical conditions — particularly related to heart health, blood pressure, respiratory conditions, pregnancy, or other concerns — we recommend consulting your healthcare provider before participating in heat or cold exposure practices. Your safety and well-being are important to us.
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While personal devices are welcome, we invite you to use this time as an opportunity to pause, step away from distractions, and enter fully into the practices and presence of God. Slowing down allows you to become more embodied, attentive, and aware—so you can engage deeply with the breath, the cold, the natural surroundings, and the community around you.
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Participants should bring their own bedding and a yoga mat. If you prefer, we can provide both for an additional fee. For the cold plunges, water shoes or sturdy sandals that stay securely on your feet are a must, as the beach is rocky with lots of barnacles. Otherwise, comfortable clothing for indoor and outdoor activities, and a warm towel or robe for after the plunge, are recommended. A full packing list will be provided upon registration.
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Gibsons is accessible via ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver to Langdale. Detailed transportation instructions and arrival information will be provided upon registration.
"When Creator Sets Free (Jesus) saw the great crowd, he took a deep breath, opened his mouth, and began to share his wisdom with them.
-Matt 5:1 (FNVNT)
