Upcoming Events

2026

25 JULY - 1 AUGUST • Abercorn: Love is the Power with Tom Compton

2025

Testimonials

Workshops with Sarah-Maya

"Doing The Work in a group with Sarah Maya is lovely. She holds space so everyone feels supported and welcome. She is true and honest and sets a tone for every one to connect.  She has a way of discreetly and kindly reflecting to each of us how similar we are in our search for peace and happiness.
 
Doing the work with Sarah Maya is allowing her to guide me through my thoughts, questioning each and every layer, like peeling an onion; she leads me to the core of my beliefs."

- Ruby, Montreal

“The Work with Sarah-Maya is like a breath of fresh air, in the crisp of the morning...she is so sweet and patient. She creates a space of love and peace that is oh so appreciated and needed. This work is healing and energetically shifting ! Loved it.”  

- Céline Gingras, Québec
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"As simple as are The Work questions, clear and accessible to everybody, as complex the process can be. For me, The Work unifies various currents of psychology, spirituality, Buddhism and other philosophies in a very concrete practice accessible to everybody. It opened my mind and my ego. The workshops with Sarah Maya were the perfect context to deeply and safely explore the process of The Work, questioning my mind. All my relationships are benefiting from that. I have so much gratitude for The Work, Byron Katie and Sarah Maya. I feel very lucky to have access to Sarah Maya in my home town!"
 
- L.R., Montreal

Loving Where You Are
A retreat with Certified Facilitators, Sarah-Maya Cote-Jirik & Susan Vielguth

- online -

“Thank you for the beautiful retreat. It was an amazing experience and I really never imagined it could be so deep and profound, being an online event. I had thoughts it was going to be difficult to follow through Zoom, and it wasn't at all -
This kind of space, where you are not trying to teach anything but sharing from your experience and holding us together to do The Work, for me was so valuable. Feeling so blessed right now, I will treasure this past week in my heart."
Veronica

“This was such safe and inviting space to bring even the parts of me that I never want to be seen. Being met with such kindness, directness and openness inspires me to show up for myself like this as well. “
Jim Lundeen

“I loved the whole course, but most appreciated was the kind and loving guidance provided by Susan and Sarah-Maya. They are both open, honest and lovely people, sharing their experience and thoughts while at the same time leaving each of us the room to find our own inquiry.”
Abby McDowell 

“Was a nice surprise to discover how helpful the zoom format turned out to be for bringing what was worked on in class into my home life. The back and forth added a whole new dimension. The classes took me close enough to the visceral depth of an in-person multi day retreat that I could then be immediately confronted with the real time challenge of living what we were working on. From that experience, more grist for the mill for the class that followed, and so on. There was a palpable feeling of love, connection, and willingness to go deep. Nothing left out.”
David B.

“I didn't think I would enjoy a zoom workshop as much as I did and I didn't think that this particular event would work well online…I was very pleasantly surprised :) I appreciated the opportunity for deeper practice and loved the overall tone of the workshop. Sarah-Maya and Susan have such a beautiful dynamic and compliment each other so beautifully. The way that each question was addressed so consciously and carefully was also beautiful, insightful and helpful.”
Asha

“It's amazing and life changing. I leave feeling lighter, more grounded, and more clear. You two are able to hold space, track what is being said, and then provide profound insights in a way that's very comprehensible. I like that there was no travel and that my life was incorporated and challenged while I was at the retreat.”
Vlada Bortnik

“I was able to go just as deep if not deeper in this online format. Everything felt very supportive. I highly recommend it.”
Anonymous

“This online course was immersive and represents everything beautiful and deep about what The Work is and can be. I am very grateful for the way you two held us, and the exercises you chose and the progression within the week. I found it very valuable.”
LH

“I actually enjoyed the course being online a lot and none of my fears came true. I feel so connected and loving.”
Andrea

“Loved every minute of it. Super accessible (no travel needed) + in the comfort of your home! I appreciated being able to integrate in my current life. Susan and Sarah-Maya, thank you for creating such a safe, supportive and loving space to land and welcome all. It was truly what my mind needed and I am so grateful for this time and invitation to join. What an amazing practice and opportunity. I look forward to the next one.”
Kat

“I found the space online to be equal to retreats that I have experienced in person. I experienced you both as kind, generous, connected and authentic. Thank you for your presence and the gift of your facilitation. So happy I joined and for the opportunity to be with myself in this way, with a beautiful community--loved the Zoom Womb!”
Hanae Kiyooka

“I am surprised how intimate the online forum was. I found the space so open and encouraging.”
Laura

“Thank you so much for such an amazing workshop.”
Viviane Oligny

“I had a visceral experience despite that this experience was online. The intimacy and trust in learning The Work was supported and enhanced by the incredible care and skills of Sarah-Maya and Susan V. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
Susan B

“I liked the efficiency of the retreat being online and felt how powerful it is to be questioning your thoughts while at home, surrounded by all of it's familiar comforts and discomforts.”
Roxy V

“I felt so connected to everyone. I loved how we had this online bubble that was just ours. It was so nourishing and I loved going back to my everyday life, noticing how I could apply my practice. I felt completely supported.”
Ruby

"I am so grateful to have had a 7-day long daily practice of The Work that I could integrate immediately into my life.”
Catherine V

“I loved how it was held and as an online event and amazed at the intimacy that an online event could still have.”
Dayvin Turchiano

"For the first time I can see space between me and my thoughts. I never knew I had this much space in me."
Anonymous
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- in person -
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"It was razor-sharp, kind, human, beautiful and spacious. These two beauties, together, hold space and presence like I have never experienced elsewhere. Their wisdom, humility and combined deep experience of The Work makes it possible to fall deeply into yourself and discover freedom, in a way that feels human and reachable."
Nadine, Ireland

"Extremely profound. Amazingly supported...I literally envisioned a dark grey cloud that surrounded my body to be detached from me. A life-long shadow that I struggled to be away from finally left in the presence of kindness and awareness."
C.V.

"I was able to go deeper into The Work with lots of support and compassion and I allowed myself to get more vulnerable. Thank you Susan & Sarah-Maya, you are a true example of The Work and pass it on beautifully as I observed the love, laughter and fun between you. You truly compliment each other as you work and shared yourselves with us all. This furthered my work and I'm truly grateful to you both."
Joanne, PE

"An amazing experience and a beautiful space to feel safe to share...learning about me...how it's okay for me to love all aspects of me, the dark places, the despair."
Mary, Ireland 

"It's life changing. Welcoming all of the thoughts that separate me from life are the way to intimacy, to redemption. Love connects me to myself and opens me to the magnificent others walking on their own paths. I am so grateful! This group was extraordinarily supportive. Everyone was so committed to their work and I benefitted from everyone's Work. The quality of listening was a call for truth. I would absolutely recommend this retreat! Sarah-Maya and Susan are creating the safe space and guidance that allows the light to come in."
Elaine

"I can see my unconscious patterns of thoughts better. A much better ability to do The Work on my own.  All the stories of everybody helped me see better in my own stories. The way Sarah-Maya and Susan are totally there for us. I always felt part of the group, thanks to both. I wish this retreat for everybody because of the place, the environment, the nature, warmth of the house. For Sarah-Maya, your integrity, your warmth, caring, your love of everybody, your ease, your touches, your cooking. For Susan, your acuity, your clarity, the intelligent way you have of explaining, your openness, your ease."
Lorraine

"Amazing Grace. Intimate, profound, joyful, kind with tears, grateful for realizations and wisdom, growth in compassion, bursts of laughter, and the blessing of waking up with the thought this could be a fun day. I adored the intimacy...the sharing and seeing myself in each others life gave a very special profoundness to the unfolding process. The space is offered without pretension and the integrity that holds every interaction, the respect that allows each one find their own truth, proves to be a magical mixture of wisdom, joy and love in both Sarah-Maya and Susan.
Catalina

"So powerful! I know in my heart that my sister's grief is done now. Susan and Sarah-Maya are both excellent teachers to provide you the extraordinary help that may be required in The Work. They are very supportive. The energy to share and do The Work in the group is so absolutely powerful. Susan and Sarah-Maya, you are like beautiful angels who came into my life...and I will always be in gratitude for your humanity and love, that you generously shared with me. With all my tenderness." 
Mimi

"I was blown away by the almost non presence of the ego, as we met our thoughts as they came. I was able to really learn how to use inquiry and that was my main goal. I felt at home."
Cindy Lefebvre    

“I loved it. Felt very welcoming, embracing. Powerful. Spacious. Allowing for my Work to happen. The Work deepened as a practice for me."
John, Toronto

“Love love love love. You guys light the way. Your courage, strength, humility, light and love held an inspired me. Pure joy. You two have done your Work. This enables you to transmit the information effectively and hold an incredibly strong (and gentle) space. Great mini-school and intro to The Work. Also, beautiful location.”
Leah, Colorado

“(This workshop) opened my eyes and my mind to a lot of opportunities to learn from my thoughts and stop wanting to run away from negative emotions. It gave me a map to walk with them and find peace in what they are there to offer/show me. I am going home with a growing love for who I am."
Sofie, Quebec
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“I felt so good to be supported all the way by you and the group. I love The Work and for me, this was a chance to live it really. Gratitude! Many thanks to you both, you were wonderful guides. It is so liberating.”
Nicole, Quebec

“I really loved it. I felt safe and supported, never judged for what I was going through and how I was doing it, on the contrary. I loved the intimacy of a small group. The mix of exercises with The Work and times for music and dance and connection with others. So supported and held. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
Kristina, Ontario

"It was so much more than I expected and I’m walking away feeling like I do when I leave the School. I came here pretty distraught and was able to reconnect more with my true nature. I feel supported and no so alone. I was able to see things regarding the situation with my son very differently and reconnected for the first time in weeks. Outstanding curriculum - you’re both incredibly insightful and amazing facilitators and teachers.”
Giselle, Mexico

“It was fabulous. Freeing, open and safe. I feel I have dealt with a lot of fear, depression and anxiety that I came in with. I feel closer to myself and more willing to love her. And I feel prepared to go back out in the world and face my 'challenges'. Beautiful facilitators/leaders, amazing and wonderful retreat to take the time and space to look within and find peace in what appears to be stressful"
Catherine, Newfoundland 

“ WOW! Refreshing, loving! I discovered a lot of myself. The Work is a powerful tool for post-dramatic stress disorders. I believe it can save lives! This retreat is a place to express our emotions, feelings, thought and be who were are, it’s a gift.”
Vicky, Quebec​

“Having skilled presenters take me beyond zones of stuck-ness has helped me find peace and aliveness in the midst of investigating the most sticky and painful thoughts, patiently, fearlessly, lovingly. These presenters are gifted with intelligence, wisdom, skill, playfulness, compassion and great authenticity.”  
Workshop Participant

“The fact that there were two facilitators was extremely powerful. The synchronicity and playfulness of these two was amazing to watch. I truly spent a very productive weekend.”  
James M., Quebec

“What worked for me was the generosity, openness, and genuine presence of Sarah-Maya and Susan, guiding me with kindness. It is just a beginning for me and I’m curious of what will come. Thank you…du fond du coeur” 
Workshop Participant

“Sarah-Maya and Susan were exceptional facilitators. I was quite impressed by their understanding of The Work and the quality of their teachings and interventions. I was also touched by their willingness to continue to inquire about their beliefs and therefore be in a place of vulnerability even in the face of the participants. They showed great integrity and authenticity. I highly recommend their workshop to anyone who is just a beginner or a more-advanced practitioner of The Work. 

It has given me the little push I needed to get going again with The Work. I have been doing many inquiries since and been experiencing many shifts! Thank you thank you thank you for your beautiful work.”
 Catherine Tremblay, Vancouver