The Grief Retreat
March 27-29, 2026
Step away from the noise and distractions of daily life and into a sanctuary designed for healing.
The Galilee Grief Retreat, inspired by Francis Weller’s The Wild Edge of Sorrow, offers a sacred space to honor loss, give language to what feels unspeakable, and rediscover the threads of belonging. Through guided practices, soulful ritual, and time in nature, participants are invited to lean into grief not as a problem to solve, but as a doorway into deeper connection with self, community, and the living world.
Rooted in the understanding that grief and gratitude are intertwined, the retreat creates a container where sorrow can be witnessed and shared. Together, we will explore grief in dyads, small groups, and large group circles, giving space for both intimate sharing and collective ritual. By engaging the body, imagination, and heart, this retreat opens the possibility for renewal — reminding us that grief, when tended with care, can deepen resilience, restore trust in connection, and expand our capacity to live fully.
The weekend cost includes shared lodging, meals and all program activities.
Cost per person is $450 in Derby Talbot Lodge; $425 in Frensdorff Lodge; $395 for Lewis or Delamar Cabin; $375 for Tuscarora Dorm; $350 for Aurora Dorm; and Commuter Rate for $275. There is a $75 deposit per person.
Facilitators:
Monica is the founder of Restoring Relationships and is a Marriage and Family Therapist who helps people to safely share their most vulnerable emotions and needs. Monica works with those in grief, children, teens, families and couples, supporting them on their path towards creating self acceptance and peaceful, enjoyable connection for over twenty years.
James specializes in helping adults navigate life’s challenges, emotional suffering, and internal conflict. With advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Somatic Experiencing (SE), James offers an integrative, trauma-informed approach that supports deep healing and lasting change. His clinical work is also informed by his personal exploration of loss and mourning—James has attended multiple grief retreats and completed a six-month grief internship, experiences that continue to shape his understanding of how we carry and transform grief.