Frequently Asked Questions

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 Grief retreats are designed to provide a supportive environment to heal losses, be they long ago and still unresolved or current. The goal is to help participants begin to understand that what you are feeling is a natural way of finding acceptance and healing. 

Arrival at Skyview Ranch Resort is requested between 4pm to 6pm. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 6pm followed by dinner. 

For this first retreat we wanted to keep the number small. There will be anywhere from 10-20 participants in this retreat. Each person knows at least one person there and the vast majority know each other at some capacity. 

We will be just be hanging out at the resort  all weekend so you are more than welcome to dress comfy and cozy. We will have several hours outside each day so please check the weather and dress comfortably for both inside and outside activities. We will also be doing some light movement exercises to help with grief each morning so be sure to bring an outfit for that. 

Below is a list of items you should bring to the retreat:

• An open heart and mind- Grief will make you want to climb inside your walls. The purpose of this retreat is to break down those walls of isolation and come together and grieve with others. Remember some of the events of this weekend may be out of your comfort zone so just keep and open heart and mind. 
• Comfortable clothes (layers) – the weather can change quickly in Texas so be sure to check before you pack. 
• Comfortable walking shoes, slippers and a sweater/jacket (again check the weather for nighttime as well)
•  Personal toiletries including shampoo, (bar soap is provided) toothbrushes, toothpaste, comb, any medications you may be taking, and hair dryer. 
• Bug Spray/Sunscreen (if needed)
• Beverages/Snacks- each room will have a small kitchen with fridge.
• 2 Pictures of your loved one  that can be used during retreat. (please write on the back of one picture who they were as a person and to you or opening ceremony) 
• Sacred Item that reminds you of your loved one you are grieving. 
• Bible (not required but encouraged)
• Notepad/journal/pen/pencils for  grief sessions
• Yoga Mat/Towel for light body movement each morning.
• Lawn chair or blanket for outside use 
• Bathing suit and towel for outside pool (pool is heated and open year round)
• Ear plugs (just in case!  Remember that you will be sharing a room. )
• Laptop/Tablet- Wifi is available at the resort and if you would like to bring these electronic you are more than welcome. 
• Personal Fan if you are anything like me you need a fan also. :) 

*Bedding and Towels for showers will be provided by resort. 

We will have morning devotionals, Somatic Movement/ Breathwork sessions, Grief study sessions along with discussion periods, Art Therapy led by the talented Estefania Mitchell, Craft Time, down time and nightly entertainment. 

I would suggest bringing enough money for one night out to eat. The cost of the retreat is completely free, however we may opt to go out to dinner on Sunday (the last night of the retreat) to explore and enjoy what Glen Rose has to offer. This will be determined as a group while we are there and is not a definite activity. There will be no dress code for this outing so you can wear whatever you want. 

While we prefer you keep your head clear, you are allowed to bring your own alcohol to the retreat to enjoy during some of our down time. I will ask each attendee to be respectful of other attendees and not over partake to the point that you are becoming a distraction to the healing of others. If we see that your drinking has crossed that boundary, we will ask you to return to your room for the rest of the night. 

While there is no way to determine that, I will say that we will not be camping out in any "sad space" for too long. We will learn how to touch and honor our grief, as well as, experience joy and happiness. This retreat will be a mixture of all feelings and we will learn to honor each in its own time. 

We will have a memorial wall where we can display our loved ones with descriptions of who they were as a person on the back of each photo. 

The second photo will be used during one of our Art Therapy Sessions. 

I credit Jesus with being the Ultimate Healer when it comes to my healing journey. However, I believe that God has given us a host of different avenues (besides just the Bible) to help us during our healing journey. All of my teachings will include Biblical, as well as, a host of other practices you can use during your healing process. All are welcome, no matter what your beliefs are and we will have discussion time after each session to hear everyone's point of view. 

You will not be held prisoner or "made" to participate in ANY ACTIVITY you do not feel comfortable doing. At any time, you are more than welcome to simply step away from the group and go to your room or another part of the retreat. This is YOUR healing journey, YOUR emotions and YOUR retreat to determine what you participate in or decide you have had enough. No judgements will be made by anyone at anytime. 

Yes of course! We want everyone to enjoy their time and food is a big part of that! Please be sure to let us know if you have any food restrictions.