I often refer to Tofino Hummingbird Cottage as a place of retreat. ‘Retreat’ is an interesting word. To retreat from something can imply withdrawing from it or even a type of surrender.

Considering how we were originally created to live, perhaps city dwellers have long ago retreated to live life in a city – succumbing to disconnect from the trees, water, sunshine and fresh air that have embraced and nurtured humans for all but the last few of our 200,000 years on this planet.

So if, as urban peoples, we want to reconnect with the things we are no longer close to, instead of ‘retreat,’ maybe we should use the word ‘reunion.’

Spending time in Tofino Hummingbird Cottage and Tofino brings us reunion – with our inner selves, with nature, with our loved ones, with our purpose, and with the peace and renewal that form the foundation of everything that makes us truly happy.

When you’re sitting on the beach, feeling the warm sun in your face and maybe watching a sand crab or oyster catcher scuttle by, past and future tend to disappear. There is only now, and now is good. This is where you need to be. This is where we all belong.