Finding Hope in Grief: A Day of Comfort and Connection

“Your fate is not yet sealed. Even in the darkest night, a star will shine, a bell will chime, a path will be revealed.” ~ Pam Munoz Ryan

Grief can leave you feeling overwhelmed and alone, but social support can help ease these feelings of loneliness. Even within sorrow, there is room for hope. If you’re searching for support and relief, we invite you to join us for a special day retreat Finding Hope in Grief: A Day of Comfort and Connection at the peaceful, beautiful Well of Mercy.

Led by Heidi Gessner and inspired by her book, Pockets of Grace: Lessons from Darkness, Lessons from Light, this retreat invites you into deep exploration of: 

• Understanding Your Unique Grief Journey – Recognizing how grief shows up across your whole self (body, mind, emotions, behaviors, spirit) and learning that your grief is as unique as your love

• Discovering You Are Not Alone – Identifying your everyday saints, exploring the Theory of Thirds, and opening to support from nature, synchronicities, and the sacred thread that holds you 

• Navigating Identity After Loss – Examining the roles you’ve lost and those emerging, understanding the natural oscillation between grieving and rebuilding (the Dual Process Model), and recognizing you’re in threshold time—becoming new 

• Befriending Your Emotions & Cultivating Grateful Grief – Learning to be with difficult emotions without adding the “second” of judgment, and discovering how savoring memories alongside sorrow can create space for gratitude  

• Creative Expression as Doorway -Using reflective writing and creativity to access inner wisdom and give voice to what words alone cannot capture  

• Your Continuing Bond – Honoring that death ends a life, not a relationship, and exploring ways to stay connected to your person.

With compassionate support and guidance, Heidi will help you notice often unexpected grace-filled moments in the midst of grief.

Come spend the day with us, reflecting, creating, and nurturing your spirit. Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot soon. 

• Lunch will be provided.  
• Wear comfortable weather appropriate clothes and shoes.
• Bring a water bottle and a journal.