Grief & Joy
14th - 20th November 2026
Colombières-sur-orb, France
from €650.00
‘Through meaningful rituals, a community of friends, some time in benevolent solitude, and effective practices we are offered the opportunity to develop a living relationship with loss… our hearts are ripened and made available for the great work of loving our lives and this astonishing world.’ Francis Weller, The Wild Edge of Sorrow
Over a lifetime, grief can visit us in many forms: from the loss of a loved one, a divorce or break-up, or regrets for what’s gone, broken or never came to pass. In this retreat, we welcome all griefs from the most personal to the state of the planet.
In an intimate group of up to eight, we will spend time each day to tend to our grief through sitting in circles together, using simple, elemental rituals to meet our grief, and channeling our experience through writing, painting and song.
Over five full days, there will be ample time to be in Nature, as well as connecting with ‘primary satisfactions’ including the possibilities of singing and storytelling by the fire, preparing delicious food and feasting together, gentle soothing touch and breath-work, harvesting olives in community, and more.
As we tend to our grief in a safe, supportive group we are restored to our natural birthright: to feel joy, vitality and the basic goodness in being alive, connected to others and the world around and within us.
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This retreat is carefully held, from welcoming you on the first evening with dinner and a welcoming ceremony right through to closing off the time together, and offering you a check-in after your departure.
Each day, about half the time will be spent together in grief tending and communal practices, where we come together as a ‘sudden village’, and intentional and supportive community to witness each others’ griefs compassionately.
The rest of the time is yours to rest, spend time in Nature or in our large, beautiful garden or explore the natural park.
We will typically cook and eat either a good lunch or dinner together each day, with breakfasts also provided. (Food for other meals can be bought from the well-stocked village shop or from nearby towns.)
Jonathan and Lisa began their grief tending journey in 2023, following the loss of their mothers. They subsequently apprenticed to grief work with Sophy Banks and Jeremy Thres on Dartmoor in 2024, and have been developing their practice since then.
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6 nights’ accommodation in our home in Colombières-sur-Orb
welcoming & closing ceremonies, 5 half-days of guided sessions and group circles
Ample time in nature, creative practice, and space for rest
Half-board: breakfasts provided and one other home-cooked meal served daily during the retreat
Optional add-ons (available to book separately): extra nights’ accommodation, individual wellbeing treatments (massage, reflexology, coaching, etc.)
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Arrival: from 15:00 on 14th November
Departure: by 13:00 on 20th November
Travel:
50 mins from Béziers (train or airport, Ryanair)
90 mins from Montpellier (airport, Easyjet)
Pick-ups available (€45 from Béziers, €65 from Montpellier)
TGV trains to Béziers or Montpellier, then local train or bus to Bédarieux
Driving from SE England takes one long day or two easy days with a stop
Not included: travel, insurance, meals taken outside the retreat, personal purchases
Extra nights: subject to availability (Studio €45–64 per night, Gîte €58–69 per night)
Treatments: €55–75 per hour. Options include Lomi-lomi massage, reflexology, Indian head massage, Reiki, cycle awareness coaching, Feldenkrais