Nurturing Grief Retreats in Shropshire.
Space for reflection & connection.
Grief is hard work. It can be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting. Despite grief being a natural process, it can feel painful, overwhelming, weird, and confusing, and it can leave us wondering whether it's all 'normal'.
Too often, people can feel rushed through their grief by well-meaning loved ones, employers, strangers, and society in general, often because people don't understand it, or it may feel too difficult to acknowledge or talk about. We can judge ourselves and others with thoughts like, "I should be over this by now".
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Sometimes we want to retreat from the expectations of how we should be, and just be 'in it'. Be in our grief. To feel it and acknowledge it. To get to know the beast that is grief. We want to be nurtured, supported, our loss and grief acknowledged, and to be with others who 'get it'. This is why I created Grief Retreats.
It's ok to talk about grief, loss, and death at a Grief Retreat. It's a place safe from judgement. You don't need to wear your brave face. You are free from the worry of burdening your loved ones. You can share your grief, and share stories and memories of your special person. You are welcome if your loved one died many years ago, and you are welcome if you are recently bereaved too. There is no time limit on grief.
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My Grief Retreats offer time and space in a beautiful place to be. A chance to immerse yourself in the nurturing embrace of nature at a uniquely creative, compassionate, and carefully crafted retreat.
Guided by my experience and training working with loss, grief, creativity, and people, and through an evidence-based and gentle itinerary, my Grief Retreats offer a space to feel supported, nurtured, and understood.
‘Sitting with the Beast’ Grief Retreat
Wellness Woodlands, Highley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire
£125
Join me for a day of exploration and reflection as we sit with the beast that is grief and find comfort in the embrace of nature, connection, and creativity.
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Nestled in the heart of a tranquil woodland, this retreat offers a sanctuary for those navigating the depths of grief. A unique indoor and outdoor retreat utilising a cosy indoor space called The Nest and the beautiful surrounding woodland.
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What to Expect
Arrival and Welcome
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Gather at the entrance, before we step into the nurturing embrace of the woods. I will send directions, a map, & photographs of the location.
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Enjoy a warm and friendly welcome and comforting refreshments – you may have had a long journey to get here, in more ways than one.
Session One
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Together, we will set intentions for the day, fostering an atmosphere of trust and comfort, ensuring everyone feels safe and supported.
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Immerse yourself in a story of beasts and woods – a tale especially crafted for this retreat, using beasts as a metaphor to explore grief.
Session Two
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Let nature be your guide as we stroll through the woods, tuning into nature’s rhythms and gently delving into embodied awareness.
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Connect with your senses and your experience with the help of guided creative writing and scribbling and share insights with others.
Session Three
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Embrace the support, space, and supplies available to create your unique beast, using arts and crafts materials, foraged treasures from the woods, words, movement, sounds, or music.
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Connect more deeply with your experience through reflective solitude and shared group wisdom.
Session Four
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Craft a collective Hydra (a beast with multiple heads), honouring the universality of grief and the diversity and uniqueness of individual experiences.
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Engage in a compassionate and considered ending together, marking your journey with a closing ritual.
Closing and Goodbye
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Bid goodbye to the woods and the people you have shared them with, carrying tokens of remembrance as you depart.
Accessibility & Inclusion
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Grief is universal, and everyone is welcome at my retreats, regardless of background, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It is important that the retreat is neuro-inclusive and welcoming to everyone, including those with visible and invisible disabilities.
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Please note that some parts of the retreat will be outdoors, which may involve uneven terrain, varying weather conditions, and possible muddy puddles. If you have any accessibility needs—such as mobility aids or assistance with navigating outdoor spaces—please let me know in advance, and I will do my best to accommodate them.
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Please feel free to bring anything that will make you feel comfortable, such as earplugs, a cushion, your own mug or food, or fidget toys. While we will have regular breaks, feel free to move around at any time if you need to. The woods can be a deeply sensory place, though it is generally quiet, and The Nest is a safe haven to return to throughout the retreat.
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I strive to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, but please let me know if something isn’t clear or if you require information in a different format. My goal is to ensure everyone feels included and supported throughout the retreat.
Retreat Dates
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Saturday 18th January 2025
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More dates coming soon for
May & September 2025
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Additional dates available in Yorkshire
Wellness Woodlands
Highley, Bridgnorth
Shropshire
WV16 6HZ
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8 miles from Bridgnorth
15 miles from Kidderminster
Nearest Train Station: Kidderminster
Bookings
Spaces are limited for your comfort, so please book early.
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​Please note that minimum numbers are required for each retreat.
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Please see Terms & Conditions for cancellation policy.
Breaks
I understand that grief can be tough, so your comfort is priority. The day is carefully crafted to include plenty of breaks to enjoy moments of tranquillity, top up with tea and cake, and nurture connections with others. There are also opportunities to reflect and recharge - to sink into reflective solitude, knowing connection is close by.
Refreshments & Lunch
Whilst we nourish our souls, it’s important to nourish our tummies too! An array of teas and refreshing cordials will be available. There will also be delicious locally made cakes and treats. You may prefer to bring your own picnic lunch from home, or I can arrange for sandwiches and salads to be delivered to the retreat from a local sandwich shop (prices vary). Please let me know upon booking if you have any allergies or dietary preferences.
Accommodation
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Wellness Woodlands, our peaceful and inviting venue for the retreat, is located in Highley, near Bridgnorth, Shropshire. If you would like to stay a little longer, Shropshire offers a picturesque blend of rolling countryside, charming villages, and historic landmarks, perfect for a tranquil and enriching self-care break.
For more information on places to stay and things to do locally, please see:
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http://www.visitbridgnorth.co.uk/
https://www.visitshropshire.co.uk/
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Wellness Woodlands is open for camping stays from April to October, offering cosy bell tents and a luxury yurt. You’re also welcome to pitch your own tent in the tranquil woodland setting. To book your accommodation, you can contact them directly, or let me know if you'd like any help with booking.
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