Participant Feedback

“The Sunrise Grief Retreat is exactly what you didn’t know you needed. The women are unbelievably soft, kind, and caring. In case you are like me and forget that the other people at this retreat are grieving just like you are, you don’t feel like an out cast when you need to ride your own personal wave of grief. I instead realized the others feel like I do, and I fit right in. Even though you are face to face with your grief you aren’t forced out of your comfort zone you are instead companioned by a group of compassionate individuals that hold space for you. You then naturally want to be vulnerable as you witness other people just like you show such courage with sharing their feelings and emotions. I know so many people whom are grieving including myself and I still didn’t know how to show up for them. I learned proper grieving etiquette to better show up for loved ones. I was given space and held during my emotional times. I witnessed the support and compassion given to the other ladies at the retreat. I've never in my lifetime witnessed such a beautiful and safe space as I did at the Grief Retreat. Not only is it helpful, supportive, and even fun  (yes we still we had many laughs), the food is as amazing, the treatments even more amazing, and I was comfortable outside of my home which never happens. My heart feels so full from this experience. It’s such a gift and my wish is for others to experience this gift! You won’t regret it!" 

~ Donna,  A participant : Fall 2024

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To the Sunrise Grief society:

I was one of the participants in the fall retreat, and it definitely was a bit of work (logistically because I live an11 hour drive away, mentally, emotionally and financially) to commit to this endeavour. HOWEVER, it was well worth it.

The genuine care and compassion given to us was such a balm for the brokenness and heartache we are all living in. 

The validation of our deep painful emotions and the sharing of how we feel so alone in it was already pointing us to some relief. 

The amazing skill and concrete direction from Susan and Megan was a gift. 

The positive way that our every physical need was met by the orchestration of meals and body work was a wonder. 

In this day and age where we can access so much through technology, it may not seem as important to have these retreats....but No! 

There is such a need! A few of us were talking about how we felt before we came.

I, for one, knew I needed some help in trying to live again. For the sorrow not to overtake me. I searched everywhere and gathered all the info I could. However, I really didn't  know what to do with it or how to incorporate it into my grief. It could be like an analogy of needing to eat but not knowing how to cook. Many people can be throwing the ingredients of a meal your way...lots of food out there, but unless I have some direction/recipe on what to do with it, it will not nourish me. And to rub shoulders with others who were as hungry as I was...what a comfort not to be alone. I realize I still need to continually put in the effort to heal, but at least there were some tools and directions offered in this weekend that gave me a sliver of hope.

So the short of it~Thank You all for the efforts you give to carry on with this vision:

To heal, renew and educate the bereaved.

Your mission was accomplished. Well done.

  ~ Monica, A Participant: Fall 2024

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"I felt supported as soon as I drove up. The care for our grieving hearts was clear in the warmth, food, community, laughter, support and material we covered during group sessions. The self care in the form of massage and reflexology was fantastic. There was always someone around if you needed support or words of encouragement. You never felt alone here, it was a big, gentle warm embrace for the soul." 

~ A participant

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"I very much appreciated the format that allowed personal recharge time and the other therapies offered. The intimate homey environment felt very safe and allowed me to fully and deeply explore my grief and the barriers to my personal recovery. There was a great deal of very useful information provided. The varying formats of delivery was appreciated." 

~ A participant

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"I highly recommend this grief retreat. The facilitators attended to our mental, physical, and emotional needs through a balance of information, sharing, opportunities for artistic expression, body work and great food. I was able to understand where I'd been stuck and come to a more hopeful place in my grief journey." 

 ~ A participant

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  "I am so grateful to have the time and space to work on my grief. It was extremely helpful to share and listen to others, learning from the shared experieces. The atmosphere and skill of the facilitators, and all the staff provided an intimate and safe place to relax, be real, and lean into grief. This is the best thing I could have done for myself. Thank you."  

~ A participant   

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"The entire weekend was helpful. I appreciated everything from being picked up from the airport, to the safe place that was provided to express myself during group sessions. The organization and planning that must have been involved made everything run smoothly.  There were gaps in the day for much needed breaks. Nature walks were very peaceful. Staff were comforting and supportive. I truly appreciated all that I learned and look forward to putting strategies in place when I get home. Thank you."  

~ A participant

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"I was in a partnership with my husband for 30 years and all of a sudden I was alone. I not only lost some of my identity and didn't know who I was as an individual, I also lost my confidence. I didn't know if I could make it on my own.

The self exploration helped me find myself as my own person and helped me to realize that I am strong and I can stand on my own (or at least see the light at the end of the tunnel).

I came away from the retreat with such a feeling of peace I had not felt since before my husband's death. Why? Because my grief was validated, and I finally accepted that I am going to continue to grieve but that's OK and I'm going to be OK."

      ~ Elaine,  A participant   

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"The retreat was a gift to me physically, mentally and spiritually as I stepped out of my life arriving in a new land being supported, fed and cared for. What I learned on the retreat is really like beautiful pieces of chocolate to accompany me on my journey."

  ~ Jill,  A participant    

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         "In the caring and nurturing precious space of retreat, I "unlearned" society's rules around grief and reconnected with my own capacity to listen to my intuition and instinct of my inner self. After several months of trying to "fit" into goals, objectives and time frames around widowhood, I finally took ownership of my own personal journey of grief. I took a risk and entered into this sacred space of self-nurturing which demanded truth and honesty. The healing tools I learned at this grief retreat sustain me daily and I continually refer to them for encouragement and inspiration."

~ Erica,  A participant   

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"The Sunrise Grief retreat was life changing for me. I am a professional counsellor who had not been able to process my grief fully through individual counselling and passage of time. The retreat is run by a group of highly compassionate, skilled, caring, warm individuals who all come together to create a warm safe environment where participants can gain insight, process and heal through their individual grief. I felt heard, understood and accepted in a non-judgemental way. The accommodation and food were fabulously yummy and so healthy. I tried all the options of having a massage, a healing touch session and Qigong and they were all amazing. All of this for no extra costs. I am usually the caregiver and it was truly amazing and empowering to be cared for by this wonderful team; honestly I didn't want to leave on the last day."

   ~ A 49 year old female participant    

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"The collective wisdom, compassion, and experience of the Sunrise Grief Society is absolutely amazing.  Together they create a safe, nurturing and supportive container from which rapid growth is enabled.  The format of the retreat is well thought out.  Many modalities of healing are presented, nurturing the body, mind, and spirit of the participants.  Being a residential retreat, I have found time and space to dive deeply into this challenging grief work with my companions, allowing for a depth of healing that I have not found in my daily life.  I feel so heard and supported knowing that I have this team of compassionate friends offering me love and guidance and understanding as I go back to my home.  The experience here has been moving and profound.  Thank you.  My gratitude is overflowing."

  ~Kelly,  A participant      

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“I can’t begin to express how amazing this retreat was. From the moment I entered I felt enveloped in loving kindness. This retreat was transformative and insightful in so many ways.All the facilitators were so available but unobtrusive. I felt so taken care of. I never wanted for anything from food, drinks, massage, healing touch or comfort items. This retreat was so professionally run. I have gained a new support group among the other participants which will be so helpful as I continue on my grief journey”  

~ A participant       

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