Rooted in Remembrance: A Spring Retreat for Grief

“Continuing to Cultivate Growth Amidst Loss"

Vicki Tree invites you to experience a day of renewal and hope at our Spring Grief Retreat on Saturday May 24th from 9:15 - 3:45pm

This retreat is an offering — a sacred space to be with your grief, held in compassion and quiet support. Together, we’ll welcome the season of new beginnings while honoring all that we carry. Whether it has been one year or twenty, the grief process always deserves a moment of pause — to remember, reflect, and acknowledge all that was, and all that now is. This one-day retreat will do just that. 

Spring symbolizes rebirth and renewal, but it also represents a time of subtle, gentle growth - where transformation happens slowly and organically. This season reminds us that while grief can leave us feeling barren, there is always potential for new beginnings. Even in the wake of fresh sorrow, or long after a loss has settled into the fabric of our lives, spring offers us the quiet promise of growth. Spring is about nurturing the seeds of hope, gently tending to our emotions as they arise over the months or years, and trusting in the possibility of renewal, even if it's a quiet process.

“Continuing to Cultivating New Growth Amidst Loss” is the heart of this retreat. It allows space for both grief and hope to coexist, encouraging participants to gently tend to the potential for renewal and personal growth, even when it feels fragile or unformed. 

Through reflection, stillness, and connection, this day will be a beautiful, uplifting part of your lifelong journey of tending to the slow, steady process of healing. We welcome you to join us. 

Itinerary:

9:15: Arrival & Settle In

9:30am: Welcome Circle with Tammy Vaters (Thanatologist) 

10:15am: Healing Pause Hike: “Mindful steps within the wisdom of the forest.”

11:15: Workshop “Planting the Seeds of Hope” with Tammy Vaters

12:15pm: Reflective Lunch 

1:00pm: Fusion Specialty Class (Stretch/Sound Immersion/Hot Stone Relaxation)

3:15pm: Closing Circle with Tammy Vaters (Thanatologist)

3:45pm: Departure

Description of the Sessions:

“Planting the Seeds of Hope” Workshop:

In this heartfelt and reflective session, Tammy gently guides participants through the process of embracing hope while continuing to honour their grief. Drawing on her extensive experience as a Hospice Palliative Care Nurse and Certified Thanatologist, Tammy brings a compassionate and holistic approach to the complexities of grief and healing.

Tammy invites participants to explore how grief, like the soil in spring, can hold space for new life and growth. Through meaningful discussion, a journaling exercise, and a symbolic seed-planting activity, participants will reflect on what they are ready to nurture in their lives moving forward.

This session offers a space where sorrow and hope can coexist. It is not about “moving on,” but rather about planting gentle intentions for healing, resilience, and personal growth, no matter where you are on your grief journey.

FUSION Specialty Class: 

A harmonious blend of healing techniques designed by Vicki Tree to restore balance and release emotional tension. We begin with 30 minutes of gentle stretch style movements to release the hips/back, opening and relaxing the body. Then we sink deeper into relaxation with our signature Hot Stone Relaxation class which is infused with sound immersion throughout. The sound vibrations wash over you, bringing a deep sense of peace and alignment. This carefully crafted two-hour class allows you to PAUSE and reset by preparing your body first to be ready to receive, followed by a full surrender of mind. 

Background of Facilitators:

 Virginia Gingras: Virginia has extensive experience in the field of educational leadership and wellness. She holds a Kinesiology Degree, Education Degree and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. As a math/science high school teacher/Principal, yoga instructor (RYT 500 hr ), Pilates certified instructor, fitness trainer, ultra runner, mountain biker and outdoor enthusiast, she loves all aspects of health and fitness and has incorporated this passion into her work life.   

For over 15 years, she was immersed in the education system as a teacher and principal holding various leadership roles which include Math Department Head, Elementary Principal, High School Principal, Board Wide Math Consultant, Science Board Consultant and Motivational Speaker. After the sudden death of her sister, Virginia permanently left the education system to pursue her passion for wellness full time and turned her dream of building a wellness centre (from the ground up) in the forest into a reality. That reality today is called Vicki Tree Yoga & Wellness, which is in memory of her sister.  Not one to sit idle, Virginia continues to grow + curate this dream. 

Tammy Vaters: Tammy is a Hospice Palliative Care Nurse and a Certified Thanatologist through the Association of Death Education and Counseling (ADEC). With deep compassion, she supports individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses, end-of-life transitions, and the complexities of grief and bereavement, offering both clinical care and emotional guidance through these profoundly difficult experiences. In addition, Tammy is a legacy artist who facilitates grief and bereavement workshops, helping individuals honor their loved ones and express their emotions through creative projects. By blending her clinical knowledge with artistic insight, Tammy offers a holistic approach to healing, empowering others to find peace and meaning as they navigate their grief journey.

Cancellation Policy: For our retreats, we have a firm 1 week cancellation policy. There is no refund, credit or transfer for this offering if you cancel within 1 week of the date of retreat.The wellness leads and the space are booked well in advance.  Thank you for your understanding.