Engaging Light & Shadow in the Valley of Death

24-Hour Grief Retreat at Richmond Hill

Oct. 10-11,2015

Sat. 4 pm – Sun. 4 pm

As the holidays approach, the memories of loved ones who have passed on can be particularly bittersweet. The warmth of our fond memories are set against the cold reality of our loved ones’ absence during this time.

This retreat is for people at any point in the grief journey who seek more light, healing and clarity in the midst of their suffering. There will be a range of guided and self-paced meaning-making exercises that individuals all along the post-bereavement journey often find beneficial.

Retreat activities will also include brief presentations on coping with loss and small group discussion. In addition to the planned activities, retreatants can enjoy Richmond Hill’s beautiful gardens, walk the Jerusalem Mile (labyrinth), reflect in the library, and meditate in the historical chapel.

Sandy Gramling, coordinator of Grief Ministries at Richmond Hill, is serving as the lead facilitator. Sandy is a licensed clinical psychologist on faculty in the department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University.  Her work there focuses on stress, coping, resiliency, and meaning making among the bereaved. Sandy also serves on the Virginia Board of the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. A graduate of RUAH III, she is a spiritual director and healing prayer minister at Richmond Hill.

To register, please contact DeBorah Cannady, Guestmaster at Richmond Hill, by email: retreats@richmondhillva.org or at (804) 783-7903. The cost of the retreat is $65.00, which includes lodging, all meals, and all program activities.

For more information contact Sandy Gramling at sgramling@richmondhillva.org