The Touching Earth retreat led by Heather Irene Smith was the first step in my retreat-based healing journey. It was the perfect combination of structure and flow, grief and growth. The yoga was restorative and relaxing, which suited me perfectly. At the beginning of the retreat, I was unable to speak up about the trauma I was experiencing, but eventually I was able to share and a weight was partially lifted. Heather created an environment that felt extraordinarily safe, respectful and inclusive.

For me, the singing and chanting was extremely healing. I don’t sing. People have told me not to sing. The harmonium is magical and if you sit close enough to it, my hope is, for those of you like me, you will feel free to use your voice anyway. 

I feel blessed to have been a part of Heather's first retreat and felt like we created a sisterhood that I’ve always longed for. I can imagine returning to this group year after year, embracing each other as friends and never again as strangers. It was a profound experience. Take the leap. Sign up for a retreat, blessings are in store. - Jodi 

Touching Earth was more than a yoga retreat- it was a return to something ancient and deep. I stayed in a rustic grist mill cabin tucked beside a Riverfall in the mountains, and even the air felt sacred. Peaceful doesn’t even begin to describe it- there was something deeply grounding, elemental, and real about being there.

We were nourished with three incredible meals a day- fresh, organic, and made with so much care. 

Heather didn’t just teach yoga- she created a sense of connection I didn’t know was possible among strangers. She brought us into a kind of togetherness that made me feel seen, safe, and understood. I learned something new every single day, and I felt a child-like wonder. 

The women I shared this experience with now hold a permanent place in my heart. We laughed, we cried, we shared stories without judgment. We just got each other, in the most effortless and honest way.

I loved every single minute of this retreat. I left feeling more connected to the elements, to myself, and to others. - Claudia

I was fortunate enough to meet Heather when she was teaching a yoga class and there was something magic about it. I knew that I needed to go to this retreat. I cannot lie, there was SO MUCH more peace and magic and learning and teaching and bonding than I could’ve expected. It was the perfect mix of yoga classes, teaching sessions on things like chakras, Ayurvedic medicine, meditation and free time. The food was incredible and the setting was powerful and beautiful. I cannot wait to do this again! - Kristen

I went into this retreat thinking it was all about yoga, but it turned out to be much, much more. It was a blissful 4 days of peace, healing, growth, and understanding. The connection I felt with this amazing group of women was beautiful. Heather has a gift for teaching and adding small details to make things even more special, like gift bags, green smoothies and other yummy food, and fresh flowers in my room. Laughing Waters was the perfect setting with a bold creek, serene forest, and beautiful lodge. I am so grateful for this experience and I am a better person because of it. Thank you Heather! -Mary Beth

Heather's retreat was everything I needed. Navigating the world is not easy. Having spaces to connect and heal with others has been essential to my wellbeing. Throughout my journey of healing, I’ve found a few anchors. Nature, nourishing food, community, movement, learning, music, and rest. The retreat at Laughing Waters offered a beautiful combination of the most powerful healing modalities. Heather created such a beautiful space and container that balanced connection and inner reflection. My soul felt safe enough to speak to me again, and I had many divine messages come through during the retreat. My time spent with Heather and this beautiful group of women was incredibly supportive. If you’re looking for a safe space to heal in community, you may have just found it. - Amira