Tips for Creating Your Own Grief Retreat

Have you ever wanted to just get away? 

Finding yourself stuck in  grief? Maybe a lot of time has passed since a loved one died but you are still finding it hard to process your grief. Your grief story is unique to you. Grief is fluid, it ebbs and flows. Grief can change over time and quite frankly it is different for everyone.  It’s a dangerous game to judge another’s grief and comment on whether they are grieving correctly.  If you find that you feel stuck often intuition will tell you that maybe things should be moving along differently. Maybe you are still struggling with anger or denial or other stages of grief and you feel you are ready to move through it but something is holding you back. Taking a little grief retreat might be just what the doctor ordered.

How do you know it might be time for a grief retreat? 

Maybe there is conflict in your life that doesn’t seem to resolve and when you really think about it it goes back to the grief you carry with you.  The busyness of life and the need to “carry-on” can keep us from fully dealing with grief.  Creating your own grief retreat will give you that time to yourself. You can dig deep into your unconscious and start to process your feelings on a new level.  

What gives you Peace?

When I decided to take myself on a grief retreat the hardest thing to do was telling myself it was ok to “take care of myself”.  I asked myself, where do I find peace and relaxation. The answer was a short trip to Florida next to the water and palm trees. When I need a smaller, more accessible retreat it always leads me back to nature and water.  There is something about the breeze blowing through the trees, the gentle wave of water moving to and fro and the sounds of nature all around. 

Taking Time alone to Heal is OK.

Once you decide what environment gives you peace you can pick a place to go. The good news is that your grief retreat could be a lavish tropical vacation or it could be a simple walk in the park. It is what works for you. I know a “tropical vacation” works for most people but the price tag is not always feasible. Find a place that calms your spirit and fits your budget. Set aside a day or two or however long you may need.  

Packing List for your Grief Retreat

• Yourself and an open mind
• Yoga pants (to do Yoga in…..or not)
• Journal or notebook to write down any feelings or discoveries you have
• Headphones with your favorite playlist

Take the Time to Process you Grief

When you arrive at your destination just sit and process. Writing, typing or any other form of artistic outlet can be a major help in uncovering feelings.  Ask yourself what brought you here and open your heart and mind to the gentle whispers of something greater than yourself.  

A grief retreat may be something you need to revisit on occasion and is an important part of long term grief care.  Spend that time alone but do not forget to also lean on your support system. Find grief support groups, join our Meditation and Self-care upcoming event and continue to journal as other tools in managing grief long term.