
MINDFUL SOUL FACILITATOR & LIFELONG EDUCATOR

Pause & Connect
Mindful Gatherings
AN EVENING OF MEDITATION, MINDFULNESS, MOVEMENT, REFLECTION, AND SHARING
with Jo Sawyer
Meditation & Mindfulness Facilitator
Reiki Level 1 & 2 Practitioner
EFT Tapping Facilitator
Ontario College of Teachers Certified Teacher (Masters of Education)
Pause & Connect is a mindful gathering that weaves together meditation, gentle movement, journaling, intention-setting, meaningful conversation, and mindful moments. It’s a space to breathe, reflect, move with intention, and reconnect with yourself.
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Whether you're brand new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, each session offers a calming yet practical way to slow down, listen inward, and carry moments of presence into your everyday life.
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You’ll learn to recognize when you need a mindful moment, discover what helps you return to calm, and begin building a personalized mindfulness toolbox with simple, supportive tools you can use anytime, anywhere.
Each gathering includes...
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Calming guided meditations
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Gentle, grounding movement
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Setting Intentions: simple and meaningful
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Reflective guided journaling
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Optional sharing in a safe, welcoming space
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Practical tools for mindful living
Past Reviews
"Thank you for the helpful techniques and welcoming environment! I look Forward to another retreat! Loved it!"
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Natalia Vargas
Find A Calm Oasis Women's Retreat
"I felt safe to share experiences and to practice the strategies. I really appreciate the authenticity you brought and for sharing your experiences." ​
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N.M. Find A Calm Oasis Women's Retreat Participant
"It was great in every way. Thank you!
K.M. Find A Calm Oasis Women's Retreat Participant​
“The retreat was very well done. Your approach is warm and welcoming. Sharing your personal journey with us opened the door for all to share comfortably. The activities were wonderful. Thank You!
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Finding Calm Clarity Educator Retreat Participant
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“Your vulnerability allowed me to feel safe in the space. I appreciated your intentionality about all of the activities. Loved the yoga! Loved the jelly beans mindful eating! Appreciated you sharing your "icky guy". Thanks so much!"
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Finding Calm Clarity Educator Retreat Participant
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"This was an amazing experience and I've gained many new strategies to try. I can't wait to put these strategies into practice. Thank you for a great afternoon."
Finding Calm Clarity Educator Retreat Participant​
"This space is exactly what I needed to calm my mind prior to school start. I felt Jo's story was very authentic and inspiring as I can very much relate. I look forward to using mindfulness strategies daily and feel inspired to navigate my life's purpose. Thank you so much."
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Finding Calm Clarity Educator Retreat Participant
"I think the retreat was excellent. I enjoyed every minute, the food and snacks, and every part. I will be doing the "icki" exercise at home. Thanks." ​
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A.S. Finding Calm Clarity Educator Retreat Participant
"I honestly didn’t know what to expect and I was very pleased with the whole afternoon. You set a lovely calming stage to feel comfortable and at ease. Your decor and food and gifts really added to the specialness. Your manner is very soft and welcoming and encourages our sharing and sense of well being. Karen’s gentle yoga was a great addition to the session. I wish you continued success, I love your focussed path in life.
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Thank you, Ann
Thankful Paths To Calm Retreat
Participant
Meet Your Guide
Jo Sawyer
Meditation & Mindfulness Facilitator,
Ontario College of Teachers Certified Teacher, Masters of Education
Reiki Level 1 & 2 Practitioner, EFT Tapping Facilitator
Children’s Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher,
I am a woman, mother, Grammy Jo, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, teacher. Over the years there have been many labels assigned to who I am. Having lived the chaos of trying to live up to the expectations of a multitude of roles, there were many times I felt as thought no one was receiving the best of who I could be, including me. I often felt as though I was living to survive the day, which led to depression, anxiety, and a questioning of my worth.
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I even quit teaching at one point because I was so overwhelmed with how to do everything, a decision that was made without the planning and thoughtful introspection that a major life decision deserved. I had convinced myself that this choice was the right one for everyone who needed me. Years later, when I returned to teaching it became clear how much I had missed it and how truly passionate I was about it. But I still felt like I didn’t quite fit into what I was being asked to do as a classroom teacher. This feeling provoked me into doing a deep dive look into my life and what I really wanted. But, I struggled to know where to turn to for support.
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The healing practices that helped transform my mind, body, and soul began with yoga and meditation which started my own discovery of soulful wellness practices. And now, having lived the chaos of finding a balance between my true passions and many other external pressures, I am ardently committed to connecting with other women to help them navigate their way through their worlds, while also equipping them with what they need to find or renew their passion in their lives.
My offerings include the practices that have been essential in my own emotional regulation so that I can move towards calming clarity: yoga, meditation, journaling, EFT tapping, and exploration of one’s life purpose.

Cancellation/Refund Policy: 50% of payment is a non-refundable deposit - no exceptions. If canceling greater than 24 hours prior to the Meet Up, a 50% refund is available. No refunds available on cancellations less than 24 hours prior to the Meet Up. If the Meet Up is cancelled, a full refund is provided. Thank you in advance for your understanding and consideration.
Inclement Weather Cancellation Policy: At all of our events, the safety and well-being of our participants are our top priorities. While we strive to proceed with scheduled events despite inclement weather warnings, there are specific conditions under which an event may be canceled. Please note the following policy:
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General Policy:
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Events will generally continue during winter storms and inclement weather warnings.
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No refunds or transfers of dates are available due to winter storms or inclement weather.
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It is the responsibility of each event participant to monitor the weather.
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We are unable to accommodate for weather conditions in different locations from which participants may be traveling. Participants should plan their travel accordingly, taking into consideration potential weather disruptions.
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It is the client's responsibility to determine if travel is safe for them. Participants should evaluate weather conditions and their personal travel circumstances to make informed decisions about their safety.
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Cancellation Criteria:
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Events will be canceled if any of the following conditions are present in the retreat city location:
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A major snowfall of greater than 25 cm (9.8 inches) within a 24-hour period.
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A major snowfall of 25 cm (9.8 inches) or more within a 24-hour period with winds of 40 km/h (25 mph) or more, causing widespread reductions in visibility to less than 400 meters (0.25 miles) for at least four hours due to blowing snow.
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We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the safety and smooth operation of our retreats. Please plan your travel accordingly and stay informed about weather conditions leading up to your retreat.
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