Befriending Grief Retreat

Befriending Grief Retreat – A Journey of Self-Compassion and Transformation.

We invite you to the second annual Essential Motion “Befriending Grief Retreat.” In the midst of life’s hustle, take a deliberate pause to connect with and honor grief in a space designed for healing and self-discovery.

For an entire day, we will come together in community to express and witness our own and others’ stories of loss and healing. Grief can be experienced in many ways, and the focus of grief can be broad — from seemingly small losses to the deaths of loved ones. Grief can be deeply personal as well as communal. Some grief is anticipatory, ambiguous, and even disenfranchised – unrecognized by oneself or others. It is essential to do the work of grieving and healing, whether the death or loss is of a family member or pet, whether the loss is of a relationship or home, or the ending of a way of life, community, or environment.

During this retreat, we will remember, share, and honor our losses through words, movement, partnership, and guided exploration.

DATE: March 9th, 2025 /  10:00 am – 5:00 pm
LOCATION: Point Richmond, CA

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Embodied Wisdom: Tap into the innate wisdom of your body as a guide through the grieving process. Explore how movement and mindfulness can be powerful tools for self-awareness and healing.

Words and Movement: Express yourself through the language of both movement and spoken word. Through guided explorations, discover the transformative power of articulating grief in diverse ways.

Witnessing and Community: Share your journey in a supportive environment where you can be seen and heard. Together, we find shared understanding and community.

Nature Connection: Immerse yourself in the healing embrace of nature. The retreat includes moments of reflection and contemplation outdoors, allowing the natural world to become a gentle companion on your journey of self-discovery.

WHY ATTEND

Honoring Loss: Dedicate this day to honor and acknowledge loss. Give yourself the gift of time and space to grieve, reflect, and integrate these experiences.

Transformational Potential: Discover how embracing grief can be a transformative doorway. Explore the profound connection between acknowledging loss and unlocking the potential for growth and renewal.

Self-Compassion: Learn to befriend the complex emotions that arise, fostering a deeper understanding of yourself. Leave with a compassionate relationship to grief and somatic practices that you can continue to cultivate.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
This workshop is open to anyone seeking a supportive space for exploring and befriending grief. Whether you are currently experiencing loss or looking to deepen your understanding of the grieving process, this day is designed for individuals at various stages of their healing journey. We want to extend a special invitation to caregivers, professional or not, who care for and support those who are dying or ill.

FACILITATORS:
Karen Roeper (Founder of Essential Motion), Felicia Tripp (Founder of Dancing with Grief and certified EM leader), and Jocelyn Sharon Waller (Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Counselor).
Please contact Felicia (feliciatripp@gmail.com) or Jocelyn (srwaller@mindspring.com) if you have any questions about the retreat.

**LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE – REGISTER ASAP**
Registration Fee: a sliding scale of $300-$150 per person
Registration Deadline: February 23rd
To register, please email essentialmotion.ca@gmail.com, and we will send you a payment link.

Join us on this transformative day as we navigate the terrain of grief with compassion, authenticity, and a shared commitment to healing. Embrace the opportunity to be witnessed, to move, and to connect with the wisdom that resides within you.