Retreats for Honoring Our Grief
The Nature of Grief
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the retreat?
The Episcopal House of Prayer in Collegeville, Minnesota. Each participant will have a private bedroom with a twin bed, sink, desk, chair, and reading lamp; bathrooms are shared. Communal spaces include a meeting area, oratory, kitchen, and dining room. There are walking trails through native prairie and woods by the House of Prayer and on the nearby Saint John's University campus.
How is this retreat different from other retreats?
AnnElise and Lauren have planned sessions that include small group discussion, yoga and meditation, and prompts for reflection. Their combined experience and training create space for navigating grief, understanding it more clearly, and carrying it more comfortably. There will be opportunities for free time to explore the gorgeous retreat area, to take a moment of quiet reflection in the oratory, and to connect with other retreat participants.
Will I cry the whole time?
We will be discussing tender topics, and a range of emotions is entirely normal. Our experience has taught us that grief includes everything from laughter to tears. AnnElise and Lauren create space to hold the variety of emotions that accompany grieving.
Is this retreat faith-based?
No. Our goal is to provide a safe space where people of all faiths or none feel welcome and able to share their grief experiences.
I've never done yoga before. What's involved?
Lauren teaches yoga that is gentle, slow, and restorative, incorporating movement, breathwork, and meditation. She guides participants into poses with verbal cues and offers modifications to make each pose accessible for every body. Yoga will be offered during each retreat session, and everything will be optional—except deep breathing. If you have concerns about doing yoga, please feel free to contact Lauren to find out more.