Paddle and Presence with Moire & Russ
Join clinical psychologist Dr. Moire Stevenson and ADHD-specialist Russell Cooper as you gently transition from the busyness of the week into a state of calm, supportive connection on the water. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a stress-free evening, this event offers a unique opportunity to re-focus, re-centre yourself, and quiet the mind. Combining gentle paddling instruction with nature-informed mindfulness practices, Moire and Russ will guide you through sensory grounding techniques designed to help you regulate your nervous system, build self-confidence, and truly unplug. In our warm, non-competitive space, you’ll learn to align the rhythm of your paddle with the natural flow of the water, leaving you feeling restored and grounded. Your ticket includes: All rental equipment (kayak, paddle, and life jacket/PFD) Professional on-water guidance and safety briefing Facilitated mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and grounding practices What to Expect Warm Welcome & Land-Based Grounding: We will begin on shore with a brief introduction, safety overview, and basic paddling instructions. Moire and Russ will lead a short grounding exercise to help us transition mindfully from our days. Gentle Launching: Our team will assist everyone safely into their kayaks. We paddle at a slow, relaxed pace—this is a journey of presence, not a race. Mindfulness on the Water: Once afloat, we will practice sensory awareness, inviting quiet moments to tune into the soothing sounds of the water, the evening breeze, and the surrounding nature. Closing Circle: We will wrap up our evening back on shore with a brief moment to reflect, ground ourselves, and carry that sense of presence back into our daily lives.
Float & Focus with Moire
A Gentle Paddleboard Journey Through Water and Nature Step onto your paddleboard and into a deeper sense of calm. This mindful paddle-boarding retreat invites you to slow down and reconnect with yourself, your surroundings, and the natural rhythm of the water. Enjoy panoramic views of Montreal’s cityscape while paddling down winding waterways. This experience blends movement, stillness, and somatic awareness in a way that’s accessible and restorative. Whether you’re new to paddleboarding or a seasoned paddler, you’re welcome exactly as you are. Guided by Dr. Moire Stevenson This retreat is led by Dr. Moire Stevenson, a Clinical Psychologist with over two decades of experience in mindfulness, family therapy, pediatrics, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She is the founder of Mindfulness Outdoors, and is dedicated to helping people find healing and clarity through mindful connection with the natural world. Moire’s approach is gentle, trauma-informed, and rooted in both science and soul. She integrates principles of somatic awareness, acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness practices that support emotional resilience, grounding, and presence. She also serves as a clinical supervisor and mentor to emerging therapists, and brings a deep, lifelong love of the outdoors to every retreat she leads. What to Expect A supportive introduction to paddleboarding. A guided mindfulness experience on the water—blending movement and meditation Simple, grounding practices that can help deepen your connection to body, breath, and environment Time to explore your experience at your own pace, without pressure or judgment Gentle techniques for cultivating presence, balance, and inner stillness Tips and tricks to integrating similar experiences into your everyday life Logistics & Equipment Fee includes: all necessary equipment, paddle board basic training and guidance, and a box lunch This is a wellness-focused, not technical, paddling experience Please note: Safety is a priority. Bear in mind that this is not a lifeguarded or instructional paddling session. Participants paddle at their own risk. Getting there: We will match people for carpooling closer to the event date. What to Bring Bathing suit or light, quick-dry clothing Sunscreen, hat, and water bottle Towel and change of clothes for after the session Snacks (e.g., granola bar) Water bottle A Note on Space This retreat is intentionally kept small to preserve a quiet, reflective atmosphere. If it speaks to you, we’d love for you to join us. TRANSPORTATION: Jean-Drapeau Park is easily accessible by metro and bike. Let this be a pause in your summer—a chance to breathe, float, and come back to yourself.        Â
Biking & Birdwatching
Biking & Birdwatching: A Mindful Summer Exploration with Moire and Cat Join us for a unique outdoor experience that combines the kinetic joy of cycling with the grounding practice of birdwatching. Guided by clinical psychologist Dr. Moire Stevenson and co-leader Cat, this event invites you to slow down, connect with nature, and explore the vibrant seasonal wildlife of Montreal. Our journey weaves together gentle cycling and intentional stops for guided bird spotting and sensory immersion. Perfect for both avid nature enthusiasts and curious beginners, this gathering offers the perfect summer pause to practice mindfulness in motion, sharpen your avian identification skills, and enjoy a morning of community and fresh air. We’ll meet at Verdun Beach near the bike racks, then bike towards the Parc des Rapides with stops to birdwatch. Key Details When: Saturday, July 4, 2026. Where: Verdun Beach, located behind the Verdun Auditorium (4110 Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, QC). Gear: Please bring your own bicycle or utilize a local BIXI bike. If you have your own binoculars, please bring them along! If not, don’t worry—we will have a few extra pairs available for participants to borrow and use. Experience Level: Prior cycling experience is required; participants must be fully comfortable riding a bike. Meet Your Guides Cat (she/her) (@cathippocampus) is an avid cycle tourist, visual science communicator, and amateur birder who lives for the adventure of the open road. Most recently, she cycled solo down the Pacific Coast Bike Route from Vancouver to San Diego. She brings a grounding, curiosity-driven approach to help fellow cyclists connect with their body, the landscape, and everything in between. Dr. Moire Stevenson, PhD (she/her) (@moirestevensonpsychologist), is a licensed clinical psychologist and the Owner and Founder of Mindfulness Outdoors. Dr. Stevenson earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology (Research and Intervention) from the Université de Montréal in 2015, following a combined honours degree in Biology and Biochemistry from Dalhousie University. Her longstanding curiosity about both human behavior and the natural environment has shaped a career that bridges clinical science with nature-based practice. Grab your curiosity, some water, a bike, and your binoculars – we’ll see you there!
Kayak, Wander, & Reset with Moire
A Restorative Day of Movement, Stillness, and Connection in Nature Step away from the demands of daily life and give yourself the gift of presence. This Mindful Kayaking Adventure offers a rare opportunity to spend extended, uninterrupted time in nature, combining gentle physical activity with mindfulness practices that invite deep calm, clarity, and renewal. You’ll be guided along the stunning Saint-Lawrence River, just minutes from Montreal, by Dr. Moire Stevenson, a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience in mindfulness, family therapy, and nature-based interventions. Whether you’re completely new to kayaking or have paddled before, this experience is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and transformative. Why This Experience Is Different Extended Time in Nature: Most of us get only brief moments outside—this full-day retreat allows you to truly sink into the healing pace of the natural world. Step Away from Distractions: No phones, no notifications—just you, the water, and the present moment. This is a chance to reset your nervous system and reconnect with what matters. Mind-Body Restoration: Blending gentle movement with stillness, you’ll be guided through proven mindfulness techniques that reduce stress, support emotional well-being, and improve focus. Led by an Experienced Psychologist: Dr. Stevenson brings a warm, trauma-informed approach grounded in both clinical expertise and a deep love of nature. Community and Solitude: Enjoy the peaceful support of a like-minded group while also carving out quiet, reflective space for yourself. No Experience Needed: We begin with a clear and supportive kayaking orientation before setting out on the water. If you have your own kayak, email info@moirestevenson.com for a reduced registration rate. Event Details Location: NAVI Île des Sœurs, Montreal, QC Schedule: Arrive at 10:30 AM | On the water from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, including a mindful lunch break Included: Kayak and safety equipment, mindfulness facilitation with Dr. Stevenson, and a nourishing box lunch What to Bring: Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, comfortable outdoor clothing, and a willingness to slow down Important Notes This is a non-instructional guided experience—you kayak at your own risk. Dr. Stevenson is not a certified lifeguard or kayak instructor. Trained staff from the rental company will be on site with a motorized boat to support participants, and all attendees must sign a waiver upon arrival. Join us for a day of paddling, breathing, and rediscovering your calm, clear self—away from the rush, immersed in nature, and fully present.
Introduction to Mindful Kayaking
Introduction to Mindful Kayaking: Learn the Basics, Find Your Calm Event Description:Join us for a relaxing and supportive Introduction to Mindful Kayaking, a two-hour summer evening experience designed for beginners who want to learn the basics of kayaking while exploring the calming effects of being on the water. Led by experienced guides, this gentle outing offers hands-on instruction in kayaking skills—like how to paddle, steer, and feel confident in your boat—combined with simple mindfulness practices to help you slow down, stay present, and connect with nature. This is a welcoming space for anyone who may be new to kayaking or looking for a calm, non-competitive environment to build confidence on the water. No pressure, no rush—just learning, presence, and the peaceful rhythm of an evening paddle. What’s Included: A step-by-step introduction to safe and comfortable kayaking Support from trained professionals – if you are afraid of kayaking or water, we are here to support you! Mindful breathing and awareness practices on land and water Quiet paddling on calm, protected water during golden hour All kayaking equipment provided (kayak, paddle, life jacket) Details: Come learn something new, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy the stillness of a summer evening on the water. Open to adults 18+; no experience needed. Please aim to arrive for 6:00PM so that we can all be on the water by 6:30PM. Meet Your Guide Molly Mosenthal (she/her) is an adventure therapist and outdoor educator. She holds a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and is a registered naturopath. Whether you are navigating anxiety or looking to build your confidence on the water, you will be in incredibly supportive and compassionate hands! Important Notes This is a non-instructional guided experience—you kayak at your own risk. Molly is not a certified lifeguard or kayak instructor. Trained staff from the rental company will be on site with a motorized boat to support participants, and all attendees must sign a waiver upon arrival.
