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The work of the mature person
is to carry grief in one hand and gratitude in the other
and to be stretched large by them.
How much sorrow can I hold?
That’s how much gratitude I can give.
-Francis Weller

Amidst the golden tapestry of leaves rustled by the autumnal breeze, we extend a heartfelt invitation to 20 participants for Tending the Harvest, a transformative retreat that delves into the profound symbolism of this season. Autumn, a paradox of plenty and decline, beckons us to engage in the sacred dance of grief and gratitude, mirroring the intricate cycle of life itself.

In the symphony of nature, autumn unfolds as a tapestry of dualities, where ripening, harvest, and abundance intertwine with whispers of decay, decline, and the inevitable touch of death.

At the heart of autumn lies the cornucopia, an ancient symbol embodying abundance and generosity. It speaks of the earth’s overflowing bounty, reminding us to recognize and express gratitude for the boundless blessings that surround us. And yet, synonymous with letting go, autumn prompts a release akin to the falling leaves, offering solace in the understanding that, like the trees that bud anew, we too have the opportunity for renewal. ​​

As we bid farewell to summer, the autumnal landscape becomes a sanctuary for grounding and introspection. Within this season of preparation, both tangible and ethereal, we are summoned to craft spaces of refuge and renewal, recognizing the essential need for emotional and spiritual sustenance.

“Grief is praise, because it is
the natural way love honors what it misses.”
-Martin Préchtel

Within the immersive embrace of our “pop-up village,” we will unravel the healing power of being heard and received in our grief, discovering how grief practices serve as nourishment for soul expression, growth, and connection.

Framed through the lens of Francis Weller’s gates of grief, we will explore the mysterious interplay between grief and joy. We will also delve into the understanding that while a sense of gratitude is inherently available to us all, it must be actively practiced to be truly accessible.

Despite the challenges presented by our current culture of fear, anxiety, and scarcity, practicing gratitude becomes the fertile ground where a spiritual gratitude muscle can take root, grow, and strengthen. This practice transcends spiritual bypassing; it embodies the work of a mature adult capable of establishing a harmonious relationship with their grief.

Over our three-days together, we will explore:
• Breathwork and body-centered practices to deepen our trust in our emotional and body wisdom
• Therapeutic writing, inquiry, and small group work to assist in opening to our stories of loss
• Personal and community rituals to honor and give voice to our grief
• Somatic practices to open ourselves to the power of gratitude, joy, and awe

As we practice the courage to be with the authenticity of our hearts, we grow our ability to embody our aliveness and compassion. The beauty of this work is its capacity to expand into our communities and the world. This is a form of soul activism and what we are called to embody in this extreme time.

On cultural appropriation and ritual work
In our work, we approach any rituals, songs, or practices from non-dominant cultures with deep respect and gratitude. They have been shared and gifted with blessings to aid in our collective healing. We are committed to acknowledging and honoring the sources of these practices, recognizing the responsibility that comes with engaging with them.

What's included
• Two highly trained trauma-informed facilitators, and one seasoned space-holder
• 2 nights lodging in comfortable, well-appointed double-occupancy rooms
• Nourishing meals: dinner on Friday, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday; brunch on Sunday, plus coffee, tea, and light snacks throughout the weekend

What to bring
• A water bottle.
• A journal and pen.
• Items for the grief shrine and altars of support that are sacred and symbolic for you.
• Yoga mat (even a blanket and special pillow for comfort, if easy to pack)
• Please check the weather predictions before you go for appropriate clothing. September in North Carolina is typically very warm. Layers are suggested, for moving between indoors an outdoors.
• Favorite snack(s) for your room and any other creature comforts you may want to nurture yourself. 

About the location
Sitting on 140 acres with walking trails, gardens, and grottos, St. Francis Springs embodies Franciscan values of justice, contemplation, and interfaith dialogue. As a Franciscan ministry, they are committed to the work of justice and peace in the world, promoting the value and dignity of every person and working to alleviate the suffering of those who are marginalized and oppressed. Franciscans believe that justice is essential to a life of faith and that we are called to be peacemakers as we seek to create a more just and equitable world. Please note that Christian iconography is present throughout the center, which may be triggering for some participants.

Contact your facilitators
Samantha DiRosa
Summer Estes

More information about the retreat, including bios of your facilitators, can be found here.

Registration closes August 1.  After August 1, we will take wait list participants in the event of cancellation.