Who We Are?
The Philosophy Behind the Name: The Tree of Life and Path Work
The Essence of Our Name – At the heart of our retreat center lies the ancient symbol of the Tree of Life, a concept that interweaves sacred geometry with the spiritual journey of life itself. As explained by our co-founder, Ian Goudie, Ph.D., the Tree of Life mirrors the path each individual traverses in search of enlightenment and balance. With roots deep in the philosophies of Kabbalah and connections to the chakra system, our retreat embodies the journey of awakening through its ten stations or sephiroth. These stations, akin to the spinning chakras, guide our guests through a transformative path of self-discovery and spiritual alignment, harmonizing with the universal principles that govern all existence.
Founders Stories
Ian Goudie
A native son of Newfoundland, Ian Goudie brings a lifetime of ecological wisdom and spiritual exploration to The Tree of Life. His profound connection to the land, expertise in the province’s geography and ecology, and passion for music and eastern spirituality craft the retreat’s unique blend of natural harmony and spiritual journeying.
Meranda Squires
After seventeen years of deep spiritual study in India, Meranda Squires returned to her Newfoundland roots to share her knowledge and practices. As a certified teacher of Yoga Sciences, Vedant Philosophy, and various healing arts, Meranda’s expertise shapes the core of our retreat’s offerings, from meditation and yoga to holistic wellness.
About the Tree of Life
The Tree of Life Sustainability Project Inc. (TOL) is a registered not-for-profit circa 2005. TOL is an eco-lodge and retreat centre located on a 5-acer parcel of land located on a terrace of The Salmonier River Valley at the head of St. Mary’s Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. We provide off-the-grid facilities for small-scale retreats, and work-away programs for those who want to deepen and learn natural building techniques and self-sufficiency. The TOL is designed to help connect people with nature, spiritual practice and alternative living.
→Our Vision is to establish sacred space to promote connectedness to nature, dive into creativity and deepen spirituality at The Tree of Life while increasing our profile in the local, regional and international context. We welcome people to participate in our community to experience a sense of place.