In 2022, Together We Heal Community hosted our first Wellness Retreat. It was a day that I had been dreaming up for several years and the idea was simple; a safe space, surrounded by nature to care for yourself without judgement.
I have always felt that grief is felt throughout the entire body. It doesn’t just affect us emotionally, but physically as well. We literally hurt all over. In the moment, we are just trying to get through as best we can and we often neglect our basic needs in the process.
After the immediate shock of our loss wears off, we tend to push away any opportunity to care for ourselves…maybe out of guilt of enjoying life at all anymore. This leads to a complete physical and emotional burnout. Sometimes, we are simply lost on how to pull ourselves out of a pit.
Our wellness retreats try to touch on subjects that evoke curiosity in areas of grief that aren’t often discussed. Our breakout groups always include the following: nutrition, expressive art, movement, and therapy. Our day is educational, relaxing, emotional and often challenging, but also an opportunity to move forward with new understanding for how to care for ourselves.
We also bring in massage therapists to give the attendees access to physical touch. (This is also a great subject I’ll write about at another time…physical touch.) Many massage therapists talk about how many clients cry during a massage session, which leads me to believe we hold a lot of emotion in our muscles. Also, a mini-massage, outside under the trees is pretty relaxing.
We have been blessed to hold our retreats in a few different venues, and the one key component with all of them is that it must have a peaceful feeling to it. Our last venue was Grace Vineyards in Galt and it was nothing short of heavenly. If all goes according to plan we will have our Fall 2025 Retreat there.
Although we usually have two Wellness Retreat each year, we have decided to just have one going forward. It is an honor and a blessing to hold these healing, one-day retreats for you. A lot of planning and preparation go into these events and our planning team is excited to start planning our 6th retreat. Tentatively, the retreat will be on a Sunday in early October of 2025.
Are you ready to come to our next Wellness Retreat? Learn more about them on our Wellness Retreat Page.
Here are the top reasons why prioritizing yourself and your wellness during grief is crucial:
1. Grief Takes a Toll on Your Physical Health
Grieving is not just an emotional experience—it affects your body, too. Many people experience fatigue, headaches, digestive issues, or even a weakened immune system due to prolonged stress. When you neglect self-care, these symptoms can worsen, making it even harder to navigate your loss. Eating nutritious foods, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep can help your body cope with the physical strain of grief. (We have written numerous blog posts about this subject.) Here’s one on GUT HEALTH.
2. Emotional Well-Being Requires Support
Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking support from family, friends, groups, or a therapist can provide comfort and perspective. Engaging in self-care activities like journaling, meditation, or talking with a trusted friend can help process emotions in a healthy way. (Check out all our upcoming events that provide these kinds of opportunities HERE.)
3. Stress Can Become Overwhelming
Loss triggers high levels of stress, which, if unmanaged, can lead to anxiety, depression, and declining health. Practicing self-care—whether through deep breathing, exercise, or creative outlets—helps regulate stress levels and promotes emotional resilience. Even small acts of self-kindness, like taking a walk or listening to music, can make a significant difference.
4. Neglecting Yourself Can Lead to Burnout
Many people throw themselves into work, caregiving, or other responsibilities to distract from their grief. While staying busy might seem helpful at first, it can eventually lead to emotional and physical exhaustion. Taking breaks and allowing yourself to rest prevents burnout and helps you maintain balance during difficult times.
5. Healing Happens When You Make Space for It
Grief is a process that requires time and care. Pushing yourself too hard or ignoring your emotions won’t make the pain disappear—it only prolongs the healing process. By practicing self-compassion, engaging in soothing activities, and giving yourself permission to grieve at your own pace, you create the space needed for healing.
“You don’t survive grief. You learn how to wear it, how to move forward with it by your side throughout your life. Time isn’t the fix to the pain, but it can teach you how to grow with it. We all carry inner strength to move forward, even when we don’t want to.”
Marl Lemon