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Join us on the stunning Sunshine Coast of B.C., Canada Feb 7-10th, 2025. Register here - https://darkwoodsofgrief.com/retreat/
"WHEN WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A MAJOR, LIFE ALTERING LOSS, LOVE IS THE ONLY PLACE WE CAN REST. WHEN WE LEARN TO STOP RESISTING THE DOWNWARD PULL AND LEAN INTO TO WHAT IS, OUR GRIEF BECOMES AN INITIATION INTO THE FULL DEPTH OF BEING HUMAN. GRIEF CONTINUALLY BRINGS US TO OUR KNEES. WHEN WE ENTER COMMUNAL GRIEF RITUAL, WE FIND OURSELVES LOOKING UP INTO THE EYES OF OTHERS WHO ARE ALSO THERE, WE SEE THAT WE ARE THE SAME. IN ACKNOWLEDGING THE TRUE NATURE OF 'EVERYTHING WE LOVE WE WILL LOSE' (WELLER), WE RETURN TO LOVE WITH UNSHAKEABLE FAITH IN OUR COMMON HUMANITY. " -JOSEA
When we experience major loss, crisis or change in our lives, it is common to feel disoriented, overwhelmed or even completely undone. And yet these type of experiences, since time immemorial, have also been the hallmarks of INITIATION.
The initiatory quality of grief is one not to be disregarded. When we can learn to embrace this process and turn our pain into medicine, not only do we find a deeper connection with our soul and a sense of renewed purpose in the world. We also deepen our connection with LOVE, with SPIRIT, and with LIFE.
In a world that tells us, “Pull up your bootstraps and carry-on,” “Haven’t you taken enough time off work?” etc, it can be hard to know where we are truly supposed to be, let alone receive the gifts of our grief…
When you feel it, it is a feeling so ancient & profound, that your whole body cannot help but move towards it.
And yet it can also feel daunting, and we may hesitate – because our Soul often asks more of us than we are ready to give.
Our Soul doesn’t mind our mistakes and failures. What our Soul takes issue with is when we ignore its Song – its voice – guiding us home.
What to Expect:
🌊This is a weekend of guided, intentional practices, held in confidence among participants, to tend to our personal and collective grief and to honour the care of the Soul.
🌙Arrival Friday evening – we ask everyone to aim to arrive between 4-6pm.
Friday dinner at 6pm followed by opening circle + deep rest.
Saturday we will have ample time and supportive practices to build the energy towards the heart of the weekend, the Truth Mandala ritual on Saturday afternoon.
The opportunity to share and express through this ritual will be open for everyone, and is optional. When one person moves energy, they move it for the whole group, and the whole group supports them to do this.
This ritual is a profoundly life-giving way to meet the energy of grief and trauma, allowing real healing to take place for ourselves, our ancestors and the planet. It is based on the work of Joanna Macy + the Work that Reconnects.
Sunday will be focused on gentle integration practices in the morning + evening, and free time in the afternoon (journal, nap, walk on the beach, or indulge in bodywork + spa available on the premises etc), we do ask that you stay on or near the retreat grounds/area to support the ritual container… (ie no forays into the nearby town etc unless absolutely necessary and communicated with facilitators).
Monday morning we will have a light breakfast followed by closing circle and a light lunch + goodbyes at 12pm. Check out from rooms is at 11am, with full departure by 1pm. If you need to leave earlier than 1pm or would like to stay another night, please let us know.
WHY WE ARE PROCESSING GRIEF IN A RETREAT SETTING
Amongst the oldest peoples it has been said that grief and gratitude are but two sides of the same coin called Love, and if we suppress our grief for too long, we also lose touch with gratitude and our ability to love fully.
And yet, feeling our grief without the support of connection and community can be simply unbearable.
In order to return again and again to our fullest joy, aliveness, connection with each other & love for life we must have a space to express and process our grief.
When we can honor our humanity through community ritual, we begin to find the beauty in everyday life again.
We see and feel in our bones that we are truly not alone.
This builds resilience and increases our capacity to stay with these feelings on our own.
All forms of grief are welcome, both personal loss and trauma, both ‘minor’ and devastating, as well as more transpersonal/collective grief.
This event is LGTBQ & BIPOC friendly. We hold the intention to cultivate a safe space for all beings. We believe diversity of perspectives is what creates community, and that this work is not easy but it is necessary.
We hold the intention that everyone who wishes to be here and is willing to be accountable for their actions & speech belongs here. As facilitators we strive to be accountable for our own actions & speech, and to uphold our values of compassion, kindness & inclusivity.
EARLYBIRD PRICE $900USD ENDS NOVEMBER 1ST, REGULAR PRICE IS $1200USD.
9 SPOTS REMAIN - REGISTER IN ADVANCE TO ENSURE YOUR SPOT.
Register here - https://darkwoodsofgrief.com/retreat/
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Halfmoon Bay, Sunshine Coast, 8719 Redrooffs Rd, Sunshine Coast, BC V7Z 1B1, Canada,Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia, Gibsons
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