Winter of Grief Retreat

Grief Retreat - A safe comfortable space to explore the emotions of grief.

Winter can be a great season to allow yourself the space to explore your grief in a gentle nourishing way. As those around us hibernate into their own feelings it can free us up of external expectations of how we should be managing.

Join us for a transformative Grief Retreat, where we provide a safe haven for you to navigate the complex emotions of grief. This in-person event will take place on Sun Dec 21st 2025 at Studio 6 UNIT 3 Scott Hall Mills LS7 2HT.

At the Grief Retreat, we understand that grieving is a unique and personal journey. As compassionate facilitators, we will guide you through various healing activities, allowing you to express, reflect, and find solace in the company of others who share similar experiences.

Immerse yourself in the serene surroundings of Studio 6 in a beautiful old Mill as we encourage you to connect with your emotions, memories, and the beauty of the present moment. Through gentle exercises, sharing, movement, reiki sound and art therapy, you will gain insights, tools, and support to help you navigate the grieving process.

This retreat is designed as a safe space where you can freely express yourself without judgment. Our aim is to foster a sense of community and provide you with the opportunity to find comfort, understanding, and healing. The retreat will act as a step in your healing journey, that you can build upon moving forwards.

Whether you have recently experienced a loss or are still processing past grief, the Grief Retreat is open to everyone seeking solace and emotional growth. Take this important step towards healing and join us on this transformative journey.

Expect:

Tea Ceremony

Mandala building

Movement

Break-out chill out zones for reflection

Group reiki healing

Art Therapy support

Making and creating

Sound Bath

Sharing/Reflections circle

What you will need:

Water bottle - you can fill up throughout the day

Suitable footwear (although barefoot is more than welcome)

Blankets, cushions or bolsters (whatever you need to get comfy)

Extra Snacks and lunch we have a fridge and microwave and kettle.

Journal and pen

Flowers, objects, natural objects for the mandala

Photos, objects that represent your grief (optional)

PROVIDED

Art Materials

Teas coffees

Snacks

About the venue:

The venue can be chilly in winter even with the heating on so warm layers is recommended.

We are at the top of the mill so bare in mind there is a couple of flights of stairs up to the studio.

There is some parking outside the mill and a free council car park to the side.

About Your Guides:

Eva Lake is a Reiki Master Teacher, Holistic Therapist and Soul/Death Doula who uses various modalities to help you navigate the storms of life… and death. Particularly interested in working with people as they undertake life’s many changes, Eva empowers those feeling lost to find their way.

Becky is a fully qualified and registered Art Psychotherapist with over 11years of experience supporting both individuals and groups. Becky focuses on individual need and adapts the therapy to create a positive and magical experience while gently exploring any difficulty that rises. Becky is a Trauma informed therapist and helps clients understand and work with their nervous system. In Art Therapy the process is important and will include understanding and working with all the senses in a sensitive and safe way.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Eva at evalakemoonhive@gmail.com or Becky at artstherapies@rocketmail.com

This event is an all inclusive event and is open to everyone.

W: Warmth — The harsh weather of winter often leads to more time indoors and can sometimes feel dreary. Add extra warmth and coziness to your space during this time. Leave out extra throw blankets, light candles, or add twinkle lights to make the space warm and cozy. Some people like to keep out something soft from their loved one, such as a clothing item or blanket.

I: Introspection — The quiet of winter, when some of the deeper feelings of grief might emerge, can be a time for deeper introspection. You may want explore your grief emotions through one-on-one counseling, groups, or journaling. Allow yourself to express some of the more difficult feelings in grief.

N: Newness — Winter is often characterized as a lack of growth or newness, but you may want to take time to create newness in your own life. As parties, events, and time with family slow down following the holidays, this can create more free time. This can be a great time to do something new. Sign up for a new class, attend a grief workshop, or visit somewhere new.

T: Time — Allow yourself time to grieve and heal, knowing that the grief process takes time and cannot be rushed. In this slower season, give yourself extra time to do and accomplish things. Slow your pace.

E: Empathy — Be extra gentle with yourself, acknowledging that grief impacts many aspects of the self. Know that it’s OK to not “keep up the same pace” as you did before.

R: Rest — Embrace the slower pace of winter. Give yourself time to rest, allowing your body and mind to heal from the stress that grief can bring. Perhaps sleep in a little longer than usual, get a massage, or watch a funny movie in your pajamas.

Above all, remember to honor your self and your needs. Check in with yourself regularly to make sure that what you are doing is what you are needing in the moment. Remember that seasons of the earth change, as do seasons of grief. Notice the changing seasons within yourself, and adjust how to tend to yourself accordingly.

–by Hannah T., grief counselor