We all carry grief, whether the loss of a loved one or a career, a home, partner, marriage, or friend. Grief comes for everyone. It shows up collectively too, in the form of mass shootings, loss of faith in structures, in society, in patterns which once felt solid and safe. We grieve over losing what was comfortable or familiar. Together, as people, we share many levels of grief. The problem is we have not been taught how to grieve, and in many ways not been allowed to do so. Our grief has nowhere to go.

Indigenous societies, and our own history shows another way. There was a time, not so long ago, when a grieving person was said to be in a period of mourning, she wore black, she did not go out and mingle in society. There were no parties.The black clothing was a signal to others of sorrow. It allowed grief to be known and respected, given time and space.

Scandinavian cultures refer to this time as “being in the ashes” a time to pause, and withdraw, to tend to one's own personal brand of grief. For it is personal, no two humans grieve in the same way. Many cultures grieve in community with deep support. Much ritual and ceremony is done together, to honor and to witness the loss and the pain.

I am a mother who has lost a child to cancer, I walk with grief daily, and will for the rest of my life. I can tell you what most grieving hearts want is not sympathy but to be witnessed. To be seen, felt, and heard in our sorrow. That is exactly what this day-long retreat is for. To witness one another in our grief, and to hold our hearts collectively and tenderly.

We will meet at the Beautiful Serenity Farms and Stables where together with the magic healing power of the horses we will sit in the ashes. Horses have uniquely sensitive levels of intuition. They are able to reflect human emotions without judgement, thereby providing safe space for emotional regulation. They sense your heart-rate, your breath, your energy. Just being near these magnificent creatures makes you feel better. The staff at Serenity Farms will step into a part of our day to guide us in Equine Therapy, healing our hearts with horse power.

Our day will begin at 9am and go through around 7:30pm. We will have access to the beautiful and comfortable retreat center & grounds. Both lunch and dinner will be provided, and deliciously prepared by Chef Paula. Dietary restrictions and preferences will be honored. We will dine together in community and end our night in meditation and integration.

Your guide, Greta Walch, has been teaching in one form or another for over 30 years. She has a BA in Education, a MA in art, and is also certified as a 500+ hour Yoga teacher. Greta has been channeling Reiki healing energy to hundreds of clients for over ten years as a certified Reiki Master. She also holds certifications in Restorative Yoga, Chair Yoga, and as a Meditation Guide.Greta owned and operated her own studio for over seven years. There she guided many women’s circles, workshops, and events including a Grief group. Greta has also hosted several retreats over the years.

Anchoring into a devoted practice of Yoga for over 25 years, has kept her grounded and going, during the deepest personal loss of her life. The loss of her 28 year old daughter to cancer. This loss puts Greta into the heart of the matter of what it means to grieve in our society. It is this experience combined with the tools of healing and yoga which motivates her to bring clarity, and even joy, to the community surrounding the grieving process. We process this difficult subject best together, allowing ourselves to be authentically and safely seen and heard.

We cannot offer refunds for bookings canceled within 4 weeks of the event. No member discount on this event. Thank you for your understanding.