The Grief Midwife Retreats are immersive experiences of grief tending in the company of others who understand.
Some grief asks for more room, more time, more being with.
Through ritual, reflection, and shared witness, we create space for the losses that are so rarely given room to breathe—the grief of what was lost, what was missing, and what never came to be.
Together, we gather as brave and tender-hearted souls willing to turn toward what hurts rather than away from it.
In a culture that often rushes us past our grief, these retreats offer something different:
A grief ritual invites us into vulnerability, trust, and surrender. As we listen to one another’s stories, we often find language for what has long remained unspeakable. We discover that while our grief is uniquely our own, it is also part of our shared humanity.
In this space, grief is not something to be analyzed, fixed, or overcome.
It is something to be honored.
Witnessed.
Tended.
And carried in community.
Many people leave with a profound sense of relief, not because their grief has disappeared, but because they are no longer carrying it alone.
Retreats are intentionally small, allowing for depth, safety, and meaningful connection. Once we have spoken and it feels like the right fit, I will share details about upcoming gatherings.
DATES: November 5-8
Arrive November 5th at 6 PM
Depart November 8th at 12 PM
LOCATION: Winhall Vermont (detailed location shared upon registration)
Limited to twelve people to ensure an intimate focused experience
Together, over the course of the retreat, we move gently through grief in the ways words alone cannot reach. Through ritual, writing, movement, and shared witness, we give voice to what has gone unspoken and meet it in community.
This is a retreat designed to give your whole being a chance to exhale—to be witnessed in your grief while also remembering that there is more to you than your sorrow.
This retreat offers the rare opportunity to stop, breathe, and tend to all of it, not just the emotional pieces.
There will be time to tend to the body: to rest, breathe, stretch, move, and listen for what your body is asking for. Time to be in nature, letting the natural world offer its own quiet companionship and perspective. Time for flow and movement through walking, gentle movement, writing, creating, or simply following what feels alive in the moment.
And there will be nourishment. Lovingly prepared, organic, wholesome food will be part of the tending, because feeding ourselves well is its own kind of grief work.
And there will be rest. Lots and lots of time to rest. Time to nap. To sit by the fire. To wander. To stare out the window. To be quiet. To laugh until your belly hurts. To cry without needing to explain why. To do absolutely nothing.
You do not need to know exactly what your grief is. Only that something within you is asking for attention, care, and witness.
Down a long and winding private road, through towering evergreens and over babbling brooks is a secret place tucked away in the lush Green Mountains of Vermont. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the private lake and the grandeur of Stratton Mountain.
With five private bedrooms, two shared bedrooms and six baths, this sprawling residence is designed for modern, approachable luxury surrounded by nature’s beauty and the healing energies of our sacred earth.
Green Mountain Manor is so-named thanks to country-music star Trevor Woods, who was so inspired when he stayed here that he wrote his hit song, “Green Mountain State.”
Payments include lodging for 4 days, 3 nights, all meals and all planned retreat activities.
Payment must be received prior to the retreat date. Please let me know if you need accommodations for payment. This is not covered through health insurance policies.
Refund or credit policy: There is no refund available. A credit for future retreats will be offered in cases of emergency where attendance is not possible.
My body has been holding so much grief for so long. It has always felt too big, too much to face by myself. This retreat was finally the nurturing and safe place to open and share the enormity of my sorrows. Life changing. My body is so grateful.
— Gayle
I am still trying to understand how I could come to a retreat focused on grief and laugh so much. No one wanted it to end. That was so surprising. And, so wonderful!
— Becca
This retreat was so safe and welcoming within an aesthetically beautiful setting. I have never felt so held before. I learned about grief and how to be with it and not feel overwhelmed or terrified. That was amazing!
— Ash
The rituals in this retreat were so potent and cleansing. I didn’t even know all the grief I was holding.
— Hanna
Rachel provides a safe and comforting environment that helps you move through the difficult emotions of grief while feeling held up by those around you.
— Sydney
Rachel expertly leads the group through a variety of healing activities that help you release things you may not have even known were begging to get out.
— Mark
Places are limited in order to preserve the depth and intimacy of the experience.
If you are feeling called to this work but feel some hesitancy and would like to talk it through first, I invite you to reach out.
Together, we can explore whether this retreat feels like the right next step for you.