Winter Sanctuary
A half-day grief retreat to integrate grief and joy in the holiday season
The Pressure to Be Joyful is Crushing When You’re Grieving. The holiday season doesn’t have to be a private season of pain. Grief doesn’t pause for the holidays and often it intensifies.
You deserve a break from the pressure. We’ve created a safe, compassionate space where you can pause, be completely authentic, and allow all your emotions, the painful and the peaceful.
Find the gentle support you need before the holidays arrive
A Safe Harbor For Your Whole Heart
This half-day, therapist-led retreat is your safe harbor this season. Step out of the pressure to “be happy” and acknowledge your pain in a supported, non-overwhelming way.
We use art, movement, dramatherapy, and nature to help you:
* Connect with others who understand.
* Honor your loss and foster remembrance.
* Develop authentic ways to navigate the mixed emotions of the holidays.
A Gentle Approach to Healing
This is not about easy fixes or the pressure to “move on.” Our work challenges the cultural norm to stifle grief. Instead, we root our approach in authenticity:
* Authentic to your loss: Honoring what has been.
* Authentic to your future: Gently creating space for what is to come. By engaging your whole self—mind, body, and spirit—through nature and creative therapies, we help you make sense of your grief rather than push it away.
What You Can Expect
Storytelling
Guided and confidential (share if you wish) storytelling exercises to express, remember, and integrate loss into your whole narrative.
Art and Expression
Utilize simple, non-judged artistic activities to express emotions without needing the words.
Movement and Release
Mindful movement designed to help you connect with yourself, your emotions, and your grief while creating groundedness and peace.
Natural Healing
Practice connecting with the natural rhythms of our farm setting to promote regulation, peace, and continuity.
Note: all activities are optional or adaptable; you are encouraged to participate at the level that feels most comfortable and supportive to you.
Who Should Attend?
This compassionate retreat is for anyone navigating a significant loss or major life transition. This includes:
* The death of a loved one
* Divorce or the end of a relationship
* Job loss or career change
* Loss of health or physical ability
* Any major transition that has impacted your sense of self or future.
If you are dreading the coming holidays, feeling overwhelmed by traditions, or simply need a moment of quiet, compassionate reflection—this space is for you.
Event Logistics and Registration
Location: Fauna Forest Farm in Jonesborough. 15 min from downtown JC.
Date: Saturday, December 13 12:30pm – 4:30pm
Time: 12:30pm – 4:30p
Investment: $125
To join or ask more questions: Fill out our registration form and our office coordinator will call you to answer any questions and/or help you get started!