There's a peaceful oasis just waiting for you . . .
You're searching for a place to get away from it all, to let your day-to-day life melt away as you soak up new experiences, savour delicious food prepared just for you, and enjoy a deep immersion in nature. We've got just the place for you!
We've lived here on Gabriola Island for 17+ years now. The long search for our home ended when friends offered to sell us two acres of their land. We walked the property and knew it would be perfect for us — and it would be an opportunity to build a house for ourselves, which was a dream for my husband Adam, who is a builder. Over the years we have turned our home into a peaceful place to be, with natural buildings, chickens roaming free, two alpacas to greet you, and our beloved dogs and cats. Of course, wild nature is all around us too — the forest, the beach, the open sky and fresh air, all contributing to your sense of well-being.
"Thank you for a different Island experience, forest walks, huge boulders, and delicious breakfast. Your guidance, beautiful setting, and artistic home design also made us feel welcomed and made for a memorable two-day visit for us." — Beverly and David, Comox, BC
My name is Josée Velsen. Thanks for dropping by!
Like the different seasons, I fill my wellness studio with a mix of colours and smells, something a little different here and there, being open, relaxed and playful, enjoying the inward times as much as the outward wild times. My work is play actually, it's like the chapters of life have come together to create this book, who I am now at this time.
"This is ME," I yodel at the top of my lungs, which totally gets my kids in giggles — or sometimes embarrassment, which passes quickly — because they know first hand that life needs to be fully lived every day. No time to waste; every moment counts.
Years ago, when I was in my early thirties, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
With two small children and an amazing husband, my family endured deep pain and hard times. It was a long journey with many lessons. We got through it with extreme generosity and grace from our family, friends and community. It was a time for me to be open and receive, a time for deep self love and preservation. I learned about balance: giving, which came naturally, is only one side of it. The other side is receiving and asking for help when in need, and remaining open to the gifts from others.
Love poured in, people came with food, herbs, healing hands. I was told by many that prayers, healing circles, and sweat lodges were happening for me, in other countries not just close to home. A Buddhist monk blessed me, giving me prayer beads of my own. Nuns and church groups had my name on their blessing list. I took it all in, all the love.
What a gift! How does one give back to this kindness? I was speechless and humbled to tears.
I knew one day it would be my turn to give to someone in need of comfort. Life has a way of guiding us, and if we listen and pay attention, we'll know what to do next. I've found that we can give back every day with random acts of kindness towards others by touching another being. It's simple as giving a smile or looking into someone's eyes, listening to others, holding the door for someone . . . There are endless gifts we can give away freely.
Now I'm delighted to offer One-on-One Lifestyle Coaching, Bach Flower Essense consultations, Ayurvedic retreats, healing products, and, of course, I'll be your host at La Belle Vie B&B and Wellness Studio.
It is with so much gratitude that I am here learning every day, learning something new about this adventure we call Life.
" Let the beauty you love be what you do. There are a thousand ways to kiss the earth." —Rumi
Here are a few of my favourite things . . .
Hearing early morning bird song, seeing the first sunray of the day, the smell of a magic walk on the beach before the world awakes, tasting that first raspberry of the season grown on our land, feeling peace within.
Stillness, silence, grounded connection, fresh air filling my whole being. Gratitude.
I'm ready for a new day, living fully for today, with passion this very moment. Listening to my heart whisper and singing my song, letting life's magic moments hold me, cherishing, forever to keep. The journey of learning, loving, respecting — myself and others. Life is a blank canvas. I choose all the colours to create my juicy world to play in. I am blessed to live this adventure with my incredible family that inspires me daily.
I offer you this healing place, these healing practices, because I believe that life and wellness are precious.
If we have our health, we are capable of great things — a rich life full of vitality and joy. I love sharing our B&B property and my wellness studio with others who want to experience this.
I hope that by sharing my experiences and stories, I can make a difference for someone else. Come and visit — for an afternoon, a day, or a week. The kettle is on!
I believe that life is a gift to be fully lived with meaning and connection, with others and nature. I choose to bring the sacred into everyday living and ask myself daily: Just how incredible can this day be?
If you're ready to experience La Belle Vie, contact me and we'll get your retreat in motion!