Sacred Grief Tending Retreat

About the Retreat

Derived from the Latin root 'tener' (meaning soft and gentle), grief tending invites us to approach our grief with gentleness, compassion, and kindness. Loss, in its myriad forms, profoundly affects us. Those who have experienced a life-altering loss know all too well how it can change everything we thought to be true about our lives and ourselves.

While grief is a universal and normal emotional response to loss, we unfortunately live in a society where it is frequently misunderstood, ignored, stigmatised, dismissed, or suppressed. Far too often, grievers are met with unhelpful comments, pushed to ‘get over it’, shamed for grieving ‘too deeply’, or criticised for not showing ‘enough’ emotion.

The reality is that each person’s journey through grief is as unique as their fingerprint. All grievers share a deep-seated need for their grief to be respected and witnessed as it is—a companioning that is fully present to the depth of their loss without offering superficial comfort, platitudes, or attempts to fix it.

During this residential retreat, we invite you to honour the sacred nature of your grief, recognising the pain and the impact your loss or losses —whether recent or from years past—have had on your heart and your life. This retreat offers a compassionate space to navigate the turbulent waters and wilderness landscapes of your grieving heart, while finding soulful ways to support yourself on your journey.

The retreat is a safe space to be heard, seen and understood with deep sensitivity, while offering tools and guidance which you can draw from as you continue forward on your path.

Who this is for

Firstly, I am deeply sorry that you find yourself here, in a chapter of your life where you are seeking relief, support, or guidance to navigate the grief, pain, or confusion you may be experiencing due to loss.

This retreat is for:

• Anyone experiencing grief due to bereavement, relationship loss, a major health challenge, a significant life transition, or if you have unaddressed grief from past loss(es).

• Anyone interested in compassionately exploring their grief and integrating it into all of who they are.

Alternatively, if you have a loved one or a friend who is struggling with grief and you want to explore how to support them in the most compassionate and effective way possible, you are also most welcome to join the retreat.

What to Expect

The intention is that you will leave the retreat having experienced:

• Gentle guidance to honour your path and embrace self-compassion as you navigate your grief journey.

• Comfort, courage and community in shared experiences and collective healing.

• Practical tools, techniques and practices to affirm your grief and support your journey forward.

• Space and time for rest and restoration while honouring your emotions and processing your loss(es) in your unique way.

The following are some of the soulful approaches we will explore to help you engage deeply and supportively with your grief:

• Journaling practices to process and integrate your grief

• Dreamwork as guidance from your psyche

• Deeply gentle chair-based grief yoga (absolutely no yoga experience necessary)

• Contemplative labyrinth walking, grief rituals, and time in nature

About the Venue

Nestled in Cape Town’s rural Constantia Valley, Schoenstatt is an oasis of peace and tranquility on the outskirts of the city. The expansive gardens offer ample opportunity to wander and connect with nature, while pockets of sacred spaces offer retreatants special places to reflect, meditate, or enjoy restorative quiet time.

The bedrooms are simple, neat, comfortable, and perfectly adequate for a good night’s sleep. Accommodation options for the retreat consist of (1) Single rooms with en-suite bathrooms, or (2) Shared rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

All rooms have access to a communal lounge, outside balcony and a small kitchen with a tea/coffee station, fridge and microwave. Schoenstatt is within a short walking distance to a variety of shops, restaurants and the historic Groot Constantia wine farm.

Booking Information

The Sacred Grief Tending Retreat takes place 2 - 4 August 2024, with arrival from Friday around lunchtime, and with an early afternoon check-out on Sunday afternoon after lunch. A more detailed and final programme will be shared with registered participants.

Participation Fee:

• All-inclusive fee for single room (with en-suite bathroom):

  South African Participants: ZAR3,850 per person

  International Participants: US$250

• All-inclusive fee shared room (with en-suite bathroom):

  South African Participants: ZAR3,450 per person sharing

  International Participants: US$200

The Participation Fee includes:

• Programming for the duration of the retreat weekend.

• Accommodation for two nights (Friday & Saturday evening, with check-out on Sunday after lunch)

• All main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner - which will consist of nourishing and healthy vegetarian dishes).

• All mid-morning and mid-afternoon tea, coffee and snacks (also vegetarian)

Strictly Halal, Kosher, Vegan and Gluten-free meals can be arranged, but must be booked in advance and will carry a surcharge.

To secure your space on this retreat, a 50% non-refundable participation deposit is required.