Meet Cynthia!

Award-Winning Independent Documentary Filmmaker Cynthia Banks (www.banksproductions.com) has always included health and wellness, with a dose of fun, in her life.   In the Fall of 2019, she bought and renovated Rising Spirit, an oasis on the Ganaraska River, to offer and share with others an affordable sanctuary for relaxation and respite. Cynthia is a qualified Yoga Practitioner with certificates in Anxiety and Stress Reduction & Yoga Nidra, a Level 2 Reiki Practitioner, Aromatherapy Masseuse and a qualified Addictions Counsellor,. She is a vocal advocate and supports At-Home Dementia Caregivers through her most recently acclaimed film, the Caregivers’ Club, nominated for a Canadian Screen Award for Best Direction.

Cynthia has experienced depression, generalized anxiety disorder, PTSD, obsessive-compulsive disorders and addictions. Her recovery to mental wellness has led her down many adventurous paths and today she has dedicated her life to supporting others who want to achieve overall health.

Cynthia Banks – Owner

Five years ago, I could barely walk. Getting in and out of the car was a chore and stairs were sometimes unbearable. My anxiety was through the roof and I was holding it in my body.  I decided I didn’t want to live this way anymore so I went back to the practice of yoga. It wasn’t long until I began to study and live a more personal and meaningful gentle and spiritual life. I took 200 Hour Teacher training and went onto my 300 Hours, focusing on stress and anxiety reduction, which led me to my dream of owning a B & B Wellness Retreat.  As soon I committed myself to this idea fully and put it forward to the Universe, it happened quickly.

I landed in Orono, Ontario at a property that offers a sanctuary of solace to people at an affordable rate. Everyone deserves a time out to take care of themselves, reconnect to nature and breathe!

We opened the doors in January 2020 and soon had to close them because of COVID-19.  It was devastating and worrisome for a brand new business and I spent restless nights wondering whether we could survive but with much help from friends and family, we have stayed ‘in the solution.’  We believe more than ever that this is a place of comfort and security and we want to be of service.  I am blessed and honoured to be on this journey and share it with you.