A Compassionate Weekend of Movement, Music & Meaning

You are not meant to grieve alone.

This weekend retreat is a compassionate, trauma-aware space for those carrying loss, recent or long past, who are longing to be seen, supported, and gently restored.

Guided by grief expert Leanne Allen, we will come together to witness grief, soften self-judgment, and reconnect with the wisdom of the body, music, and nature.

This retreat is not about “fixing” grief or moving on. It is about allowing, honoring, and finding meaning—at your own pace, in your own way.

Held at the serene and soul-nourishing Elohee Retreat Center, surrounded by forest trails and quiet beauty, this weekend invites you to exhale, lay down what you’ve been carrying, and remember that healing happens in connection.

What to Expect:

Mindful Self-Compassion

Guided by the teachings of Dr. Kristin Neff, author of Fierce Self-Compassion, you’ll learn simple, accessible practices to meet your pain with kindness instead of criticism.

Mindfulness practices throughout the weekend are inspired by beloved teachers Jack Kornfield, Tara Brach, and Thich Nhat Hanh, gently woven into our time together to support presence, grounding, and emotional regulation.

Gentle, Trauma-Aware Movement

Drawing from Bessel van der Kolk’s work (The Body Keeps the Score), we honor the truth that grief and trauma live not only in the mind—but in the body.

Through slow, yoga-inspired, trauma-sensitive movement, you’ll be invited to release stored tension and emotion in ways that feel safe, optional, and nurturing.

No yoga experience required.

Music as Medicine

Music can touch places words cannot.

We’ll explore music as a powerful tool for emotional expression and release—recognizing that a good cry, like a beautiful song, can be deeply healing.

Participants are lovingly invited (never required) to bring or share a song that has helped heal their heart.

Nature 

Nature is one of our greatest healers.

Elohee’s peaceful, well-maintained forest trails offer space for reflection, gentle movement, journaling, and quiet connection. Guided group hikes and optional solo time allow nature to support your healing process naturally and effortlessly.

Sharing Circles

Inspired by the work of grief expert David Kessler, author of Finding Meaning, and his belief that “grief needs to be witnessed,” these facilitated circles offer a safe, confidential space to share your story—whether spoken or silent.

You will be deeply listened to, held with compassion, and reminded that your grief belongs here.

Who This Retreat Is For

This retreat is for you if:

• You are grieving the loss of a loved one, relationship, identity, or life chapter

• You want a gentle, non-fixing, deeply human approach to grief

• You long to feel less alone in your pain

• You are open to healing through presence, body awareness, music, and nature

This retreat is not group therapy, it is a sacred, facilitated experience of connection, compassion, and meaning-making.

Schedule (tentative, subject to change)

Friday

• 3:00 PM–4:00 PM Check-in
• 5:00 PM–5:30 PM Orientation
• 6:00 PM–7:00 PM Dinner
• 8:00 PM–9:00 PM Sharing Circle
• 9:00 PM–10:00 PM Tea Time & Connection (Forest Studio)
• 10:30 PM Quiet Time

Saturday

• 8:00 AM –9:00 AM Breakfast
• 9:00 AM –10:30 AM Nature Support Group Hike & Optional Journaling
• 10:45 AM –11:45 AM Gentle Movement
• 12:00 PM –1:00 PM Lunch
• 12:45 PM –4:30 PM Free Time (Spa Services, Rest, Nature Walks)
• 4:30 PM –5:30 PM Music as Expression & Release
• 6:00 PM –7:00 PM Dinner
• 7:00 PM- 8:30 PM Bonfire

Sunday

• 8:00 AM –9:00 AM Breakfast
• 9:00 AM–10:15 AM Nature Support & Reflection
• 10:30 AM–11:45 AM Restorative Movement, Expression & Integration
• 12:00–1:00 PM Lunch
• 1:00 PM Check-out

For more information, contact Leanne Allen at leanne.allen.music@gmail.com.

Check out Elohee’s Guest Information FAQs here.