10/08/2026
Subject: This Chapter Has Come to an End ā And I Have a Story to Tell
One of the final things we did at Rising Spirit was close the portal of the Healing Lodge and speak to the Ancestors of this land. During the ceremony, I was asked, as the owner, to share the story of why I was leaving. I was a little uncomfortable. Usually, when people ask me why Iām closing, I simply say, āIām very tired, and itās time to take care of myself.ā And thatās absolutely true.
But thereās another part of the story that I donāt often talk about. The financial part. And, as I came to realize during the ceremony, it was probably the most important part of the story. Money can sometimes feel like an uncomfortable topic, particularly when weāre talking about a place devoted to healing, wellness and all things spiritual. But the truth is, even the most beautiful, heart-centred businesses must pay their bills.
So, I told the group and the Ancestors the whole story. The reality is that Rising Spirit was going under. We simply didnāt have enough people coming through the doors to sustain the business.
I gave it my all. One hundred per cent. I tried to keep our prices affordable during these increasingly difficult economic times. I did what I could on the marketing front, and we gained plenty of followers, likes and lovely comments. I often heard, āYes, Iām going to come soon,ā or āIāve heard itās amazing. Iāll have to come!ā And I believed people would come and many did but sadly not enough. And that brings me to the reason Iām sharing this part of my story. Small businesses need your support NOW. Not just in theory, and not just when itās convenient. Support Local is more than a slogan. It requires action.
When you choose to spend your money at a small, locally owned business, youāre helping real people keep their dreams alive. Youāre helping them pay their staff, fix the things that inevitably break (and trust me, there were plenty!), and hopefully take a day off once in a while. With more people coming through our doors, we might have been able to hire more help, give ourselves a little breathing room and build a more sustainable business.
I know these are tough times for everyone. The cost of just about everything has gone up (especially for a brick and mortar business), and weāre all making choices about where our money goes. Iām not suggesting that anyone spend money they donāt have. But when you do have a choice, please think about where you spend it. Small businesses donāt want to keep raising their prices. Theyāre simply trying to survive.
I came to this property seven years ago and knew, in my heart, that this was the place I was meant to hold. A place to share with people who were healing, a place where people could take a pause and a breath, reconnect with themselves and nature, and have some fun along the way. And thatās what it did.
Rising Spirit was something truly unique. Iāve watched people arrive carrying so much and leave feeling lighter. Iāve met people on their own journeys of healing and recovery, and Iāve learned so much from them. Iāve had the privilege of working with some extraordinary people who brought their own gifts, wisdom and love to this place. Thank you to everyone. Thank you Mom and Chris for keeping this dream alive as long as we could.
There is nothing but gratitude in my heart for all of it. I still believe we need more places like Rising Spirit. Places where people can slow down, reconnect, feel supported and remember what really matters. I wish the financial reality had been different, but sometimes, despite our best efforts and our deepest intentions, the universe has other plans.
As I said goodbye to the Ancestors, I asked that the next group of loving healers be welcomed onto this land. I hope this beautiful property will continue to be a place of healing, connection, and transformation, even if its next chapter looks different from mine.
As for me, itās time to rest, take care of myself and see what comes next. Thank you to those who came to be part of this journey. Whether you came for a retreat, a yoga class, a day of relaxation, a delicious breakfast or simply a little time in nature, you helped make Rising Spirit what it was. It has been an honour and a privilege to share this place with you.
And if thereās one thing I hope you take away from my story, itās this: If thereās a small business you love, donāt wait until itās closing to show it. Go. Participate. Spend a little money there if you can. Tell your friends. Help keep the places that make our communities special alive.
Because once those doors close, they donāt always open again.
With so much love and gratitude,
Cynthia
