Grief can feel heavy, overwhelming and sometimes isolating.
This nurturing half-day retreat offers a gentle space to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself alongside other women who understand the impact of loss.

When loss remains unspoken or unexpressed, it can leave us feeling stuck, numb, or exhausted. Rather than something to fix or solve, grief is a natural energy that needs space to be felt, expressed, and gently supported

It often manifests as a lingering 'brain fog' that makes even the simplest decisions feel overwhelming. It can feel like a quiet isolation that makes us feel lonely even when we are surrounded by people. This stagnant energy can also show up as physical tightness—a bracing in the shoulders or a constant ache in the chest—as the body tries to carry what the heart cannot yet process,

Rather than something to fix or solve, grief is a natural energy that needs space to be felt, expressed, and gently supported. 

This half-day retreat is a compassionate sanctuary designed to support the natural movement of grief so it doesn’t remain held in the body.
Guided by the specialized practice of Grief Yoga®, we will gently combine movement, breath, and sound to help release the heaviness of suffering in a safe and supported way.

As space begins to open, many people experience moments of softening, connection, and renewed meaning—allowing the pain of loss to gradually reconnect with what has always been present beneath it: love and connection.

The Flow of Our Day:

Grief Yoga Practices: A dedicated practice to physically move and release stored emotion, helping the body feel "spacious" again.

Reflective Processing Circle: Following our movement, we gather in a gentle circle to share what arose during the practice. This is a sacred, non-judgmental space to put words to your experience and feel the quiet power of being truly seen and heard by others on a similar path.

Meaning-Making & Journaling: Guided prompts to help you translate your body’s release into personal insights and "continuing bonds" of love.

Mindful Walking & Grounding: A gentle time in nature to integrate your experience and feel the support of the earth beneath you.

Grounding Meditation of the day into a restorative stillness that roots you firmly in the present moment. By anchoring your energy, you’ll create a stable foundation to safely reconnect with your heart and the resilience within.

Sacred Ritual & Processing: A closing ceremony to honor your loved one and anchor the reconnection you’ve found within the community.

This is a space to:

Allow your grief to flow rather than overflow

Transform the narrative of "loss" into a living connection of "love"

Be held in a trauma-informed environment where every emotion is welcome

Who this Retreat is for:

• Women navigating any stage of loss: Whether your grief is a recent arrival or a long-term companion, this space is held for you.

•  Women looking for connection: This is for those who are feeling alone in their grief and wish to share the path with a community of women who truly understand, reminding you that you don’t have to carry the weight alone.

• Those seeking "spaciousness": If you feel physically or emotionally heavy, Carrying waves of sadness, longing, numbness, or exhaustion this journey offers a gentle way to move through that tension and rediscover a sense of peace.

• Anyone wanting to honor the loved one they lost:  Use this time to move beyond the "event" of loss and focus on the enduring legacy of your love. We provide the space to transform your sorrow into a beautiful, living tribute, ensuring your connection remains a vibrant part of your ongoing story.

This retreat is for women who are grieving the death of someone important to them and are longing for a gentle, supportive space to pause, reflect, and be in the presence of others who understand loss.

You do not need any prior experience with yoga, meditation, or retreats. 

It is open to all levels. 

All practices are offered with choice, sensitivity, and deep respect for your unique grief journey.

If you are unsure whether this space is the right fit, you are warmly welcome to reach out with questions.

You may leave this retreat feeling:

• Physically lighter and more "spacious" as you release stored tension from your body.
• Deeply reconnected to your loved one through the lens of love rather than just the weight of pain
• Empowered and equipped with somatic tools to navigate future waves of grief with grace

Tea, coffee, and light snacks will be provided throughout the retreat.
You are invited to bring a simple, nourishing lunch to support your body during our quiet midday pause.

Date for Retreat:  Friday, May 1, 2026    

Time:  10am to 2pm  

Location:  Sky Pond, 118 Rocky Rd, Apex, NC 

Retreat Investment:

Includes a nurturing half-day experience with guided grief yoga, meditation, journaling, and gentle community support in a peaceful retreat setting
$125.00 per person Early Bird  until April 13

$135.00 After April 13
 

Tickets go on sale March 20, 2026  at 9:00 am

Join the interest list to receive retreat details, early registration access, and a grief support resource created to support you wherever you are in your journey

The Setting:  

Sky Pond Retreat Center

Nestled beside Jordan Lake in Apex, NC, Sky Pond offers a
serene escape surrounded by tall pines and natural
beauty. 

You’ll experience:

A soothing pond with a soothing meditative walking trail around it

An inviting indoor studio and comfortable gathering area

A rustic setting that encourages grounding and presence

This nurturing environment is thoughtfully created to support you in leaving feeling more relaxed, connected, renewed, and clear-headed.

Meet the Facilitator

Chris McDonald

Chris McDonald is a Holistic Therapist, Yogi, Meditation Teacher, and Author based in North Carolina. She is the owner of Path to Hope Counseling and is certified in Brainspotting, a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, and is Certified in Grief Yoga.

Chris specializes in supporting adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief, integrating gentle yoga, mindfulness, and nervous system–informed practices into therapy sessions. 

In addition, Chris shares guided meditations on the Aura app and Insight Timer. Her favorite daily rituals include coffee, yoga, and quiet time with a good book.