Frequently Asked Questions
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There is no timeframe or certain stage of grief required to attend. Whether your loss is recent or happened many years ago, this retreat is a space to support you wherever you are on your journey.
Grief does not follow a timeline, and it can continue to show up in different ways throughout our lives. Some people attend in the early months after their loss, while others come years later when they feel ready to reconnect, reflect, and receive support.
The retreat is not about moving on or leaving your grief behind, it is about creating space to acknowledge your experience, connect with yourself, and be supported alongside others who understand.
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This retreat is for anyone experiencing grief following the passing, or anticipated passing, of someone they love.
This includes the passing of a loved one or beloved pet, as well as anticipatory grief when someone you love is approaching the end of their life.
It also acknowledges the secondary losses that can come with the passing of someone you love, such as changes to your identity, relationships, family life, future plans or sense of purpose.
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Travel to and from the retreat venue, Yangaro, is simple and convenient.
Heart of Reef shuttle buses offer transfers between Proserpine Airport and Yangaro, with pick-up and drop-off services available for retreat guests. The cost is approximately $28 each way.
Once you arrive, everything you need for your retreat experience is within the beautiful surrounds of Yangaro. Further travel details and shuttle booking information will be provided after your retreat booking is confirmed.
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Yes. We want you to feel nourished and cared for throughout your retreat experience.
Please let us know about any dietary requirements, allergies, intolerances, or preferences when completing your booking registration form. Our caterer will ensure your dietary needs are met.
If you have any specific concerns, please feel welcome to reach out before booking so we can discuss your requirements.
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Not at all. All yoga sessions are designed to be gentle, accessible, and suitable for all experience levels, including those who have never practised yoga before, those with injuries or disabilities, those who are not very flexible, and those who are experienced.
Mindful Grieving Yoga is not about flexibility, or getting the poses right, it is about presence, shifting grief through movement, slowing down, reconnecting with your body.
You will be encouraged to listen to your own body and move in a way that feels comfortable for you.
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Absolutely not. You do not need to consider yourself creative or have any previous art experience to participate.
The art therapy activities are not about creating something perfect or producing a piece of artwork. They are gentle, reflective practices designed to help you explore emotions, express what words sometimes cannot, and connect with your own experience in a meaningful way.
There is no judgement, no expectation, and no right or wrong way to take part. The process is what matters, not the final creation.
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No. Your grief is welcome exactly as it is.
Grief can be unpredictable, overwhelming, complicated, and different from one moment to the next. There is no right way to grieve, and you do not need to have everything figured out before attending.
This retreat is a space where you can bring your whole self… the sadness, the questions, the emotions, the memories, and everything in between. You will be surrounded by compassionate support and people who understand that grief is not always neat or easy.
You do not have to minimise your experience or make yourself smaller. You are welcome here.
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No. You will never be pressured to share anything before you feel ready. Your grief journey is personal, and you are always welcome to participate in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you.
Throughout the retreat, you will be surrounded by others who understand the experience of grief and the many emotions that can come with it. For many people, having the opportunity to share their story in a compassionate and supportive space can be deeply healing, allowing emotions to be expressed, memories to be honoured, and experiences to be witnessed without judgement.
Sharing is always an invitation, never an expectation. You are welcome to listen, reflect, and take part in whatever way feels right for you.
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We completely understand that sharing a room with someone you don’t know can feel a little daunting.
We do our absolute best to thoughtfully and appropriately match roommates, taking into consideration the information you provide when booking or any discussions we have had prior to the retreat.
It's also important to note that everyone arrives with a shared understanding of loss, and there is such compassion, kindness and care between guests. People often find that they connect in ways they never expected, and those who share a room frequently form a beautiful and lasting connection.
Of course, we understand that everyone is different, and we want you to feel comfortable throughout your retreat. If you have any particular concerns or preferences around sharing a room, please let us know when you book so we can do our very best to accommodate you.
You may arrive not knowing anyone, but it’s very common to leave feeling like you’ve found a little community of people who truly understand.
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No, alcohol is not permitted at the retreat.
This retreat is an opportunity to step away from the usual ways we may cope, distract ourselves or try to numb difficult emotions, and instead create space to feel, acknowledge and tend to our grief.
Alcohol can temporarily dull emotions and make it harder to be fully present with what is arising. Our intention for the retreat is not to escape from grief or push it away, but to gently meet it, allowing whatever is there to be felt, acknowledged and explored in a natural, holistic and supportive way.
We also choose to keep the retreat alcohol-free to create a comfortable and supportive environment for everyone, including guests who may have their own history with alcohol or whose lives have been affected by a loved one’s drinking. Having alcohol-free spaces helps ensure the retreat feels safe, comfortable and supportive for everyone.
There is no judgement around alcohol here, this is simply about creating the right environment for the work we are coming together to do, and giving ourselves the opportunity to be fully present for it.
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Yes. Feeling nervous before attending a grief retreat is completely understandable.
Many people arrive wondering what to expect, whether they will fit in, or whether sharing their story will feel difficult. You are not alone in feeling this way.
The retreat is intentionally designed to be a gentle and supportive environment. You will never be pressured to share anything before you are ready, and all activities are invitations rather than expectations.
Our role is to create a safe space where you can arrive exactly as you are, take things at your own pace, and allow yourself to be supported.
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The retreat is intentionally designed to offer a beautiful balance between meaningful connection, guided experiences, and personal time to simply be.
While sharing, connection, and community are an important part of the retreat experience, so is honouring your own needs. You will have dedicated time throughout the retreat to rest, reflect, explore the beautiful surroundings, enjoy the facilities, spend time in nature, journal, or simply relax in your own space.
Grief can be deeply personal, and everyone’s needs will look different.
This retreat is a space where you can connect with others when you feel called to, while also giving yourself permission to pause, breathe, and nurture yourself.