Woman of the Week, August 30, 2010: Liz Frost

By Taz Adamjee

Liz Frost is Psychotherapist by day, Sugar Ridge Retreat Centre owner by night...well, something like that anyway. She also happens to be this week’s woman of the week.

During her days, Liz has found a career in psychotherapy. Over the years, she has become skilled at helping people work through whatever it is they need to. She often tends to infuse a bit of her self into her sessions; using her great sense of humour and compassion, she is able to offer help to those who need it most.

About 15 years ago while working as a chartered accountant, Liz thought of an idea that would give a wonderful gift to the world: A place where people could go to reconnect to themselves. While sitting at her desk after a weekend spent in a forest in the middle of January, Liz couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and calm. She instantly noticed the difference in herself, and was eager to share the experience with others. Although Liz admits she had a great job at the time, she recalls, “I wasn’t really myself.” Liz knew that deep down inside she wanted something; something more than the great job she already had.

Being the free spirit that she is, Liz ended up leaving her career and travelling abroad for a couple of years. Shortly after returning to Canada, Liz began counselling training. Over time, a fascinating trail of events would take place resulting in Liz being able to do what she loves.

Liz notes that most people think Sugar Ridge is a business. And although technically structured as such, Sugar Ridge serves a much greater purpose to Liz; it is a vocation for her, a calling so to speak.

Essentially, Sugar Ridge was designed as a place for people to go and do whatever they needed to feel a bit more whole. There are no man made distractions and the cabins don’t have washrooms in them. This requires visitors to come into the main centre and make contact with others. And in order to bring people together, the meeting space is circular so that there are no corners for people to get lost in. In addition, the centre is operated with the environment in mind: all food is cooked using organic food, only environmentally safe cleaning products are used, bedding is cotton, and the laundry soap is natural.

Liz explains the retreat is intentionally simple, but very comfortable. People can create their own group retreat or join one that has already been planned. A typical girl’s weekend will include an array of spa treatments. Liz also has facilitators come in to teach anything from belly dancing to sword fighting. Conversely, the retreat offers a more private space for individuals looking to find silence as well. The kitchen is vegetarian and caters specifically to all of its visitors needs e.g. gluten free, dairy free, vegan etc. Throughout the property, a number of trails can be found that are great for hiking and biking, and the winter boasts beautiful slopes for those looking to ski.

So, all in all, what can visitors expect at one of Sugar Ridge’s retreats?

According to Liz, “Yummy food, comfy beds, snuggly duvets, clean & spacious showers, acceptance, and peace.”

Sugar Ridge also offers a full calendar of events for people to participate in. Life is about balance, and Liz tries to emphasize that concept through the events her calendar offers; some groups spend their time in nature, and others wine tasting.

At the moment, Liz is working on a number of different ideas for Sugar Ridge. As a psychotherapist, Liz would like to host a vast range of family vacations. These vacations would allow families to connect with people in the same position, and would include both fun and therapeutic activities for families to relax. In the future, Liz would also like to host end of life celebrations. Her vision includes extended families visiting to share precious time with the dying person. Once Sugar Ridge has sufficient financial backing, Liz hopes to offer a variety of different programs at cost or by donation. Liz and her husband are still supporting the place financially, and she admits that she isn’t even sure they’ll get back the money they’ve put in; Liz confesses though, it’s never been about the money.

As a self-proclaimed free spirit, Liz’s ideal trip would consist of simply a carry-on knapsack, and an itinerary-less schedule. In and around her busy days (and nights), Liz also finds the time to be a wife and a mother. She’s married to an awesome man, and is mother to a seven year old son who is the highlight of her days. For more information on the beautiful retreat center, be sure to visit http://www.sugarridge.ca/.