Space for Healing at the Widows’ Wellness Retreat

By Joanna Barrett Therapy & Wellness

There are moments when my work transcends teaching or guiding; it becomes deep witnessing and holding. That’s how it felt co-facilitating the It’s Lifey Widows’ Wellness Retreat in New Hampshire in late October with Jennifer Newberg.

For three days, women gathered to share their carried stories, those that stretched far beyond words. Some arrived with uncertainty, others with quiet strength, and all with the weight of love and loss. Together, we built a space where those stories could breathe.

Circles of Connection

On our first day, I led “Companions on the Path,” a heart-to-heart sharing practice. Women paired up and spoke transparently, answering prompts that invited reflection, honesty, and hope. Listening to these exchanges, I was struck by how naturally compassion rises when we allow silence to hold us. The air itself seemed to soften, and connections began to develop. The women realized they were not alone; they were simply companions on the path. 

Yoga Nidra for Deep Rest

That same evening, I guided the group through a “Yoga Nidra for Grief.” Each woman settled onto her yoga mat, wrapped in soft blankets, surrounded by dim lights and soft music. As I led them through body awareness, breath, and visualization, something shifted; the collective nervous system began to settle. Some women drifted into sleep, finding true rest for the first time since their partner had passed. It was more than stillness; it was surrender, the body remembering safety again.

Rituals of Release

Saturday night’s “Fire Ceremony” became a moment for sacred ritual. Each woman wrote what she was ready to release: regrets, unspoken words, old identities, and then offered her paper to the fire. The flames flickered with both grief and relief. Tears and laughter mingled in the night air, followed by a circle of s’mores and shared stories. Healing doesn’t erase pain; it alchemizes it.

Hearts of Gratitude

The following day, we turned toward gratitude. During “Hearts of Gratitude Letter Writing,” participants wrote down everything they are so grateful for. I watched shoulders drop, breathing steady, hearts open. Gratitude became a bridge between what was in their former lives, and what still is in the present moment.

A Collective Tapestry of Healing

Throughout the weekend, guest presenters offered their own wellness specialties, from sound healing to JourneyDance, Chakra healing, and mindful reflection. Each presenter brought their heart’s wisdom to the space, and the women received something unique from every offering. It was a collective tapestry of care, woven through shared meals, quiet moments, and deep presence. Every contribution added its own healing medicine. Every moment felt sacred.

Laughter, Lightness, and Community

Amid the healing and reflection, there was also joy. One evening, we went out to dinner together at a local restaurant, and laughing, sharing stories, and simply enjoying one another’s company was clearly evident. It was a reminder that healing includes joy, that connection grows through both tears and laughter.

Carry it Forward

By the final morning, the energy in the room had shifted, lighter and more grounded. Through our “Letters to the Future Self” exercise, each woman captured a piece of her own wisdom to be mailed back to her months from now (a reminder that she is still becoming).

The Red String

We closed the retreat with the Red String Ceremony, lovingly led by Jen. Each woman tied a red string around her wrist as a symbol of connection, intention, and remembrance. The ceremony carried a message to hold close: you are loved, and your visions for the future can come to fruition. The energy in that final circle was soft yet strong… Hope made tangible.

Deep Gratitude

None of this would have been possible without the incredible hospitality of Erica and Mike, the owners of The Inn on Golden Pond. Their warmth, care, and attention created a sanctuary for our group, a home where everyone felt nourished, seen, and supported. From beautifully decorated rooms to home-cooked meals, they infused the entire weekend with love.

We were also deeply supported by Allison from Wolf Dog Marketing and Lily, whose behind-the-scenes care ensured every detail flowed seamlessly. From logistics to last-minute needs, they showed up with grace and heart, embodying the very spirit of service and compassion that defined the weekend.

And, most of all, heartfelt gratitude to Jen for her vision, leadership, and the beautiful opportunity to join her and these remarkable women in such sacred work. Her intention, care, and presence made this retreat the deeply healing experience it was.

Healing Happens in Sacred Community

As I left the retreat, I kept thinking about the community connections that were born from shared humanity. Healing happens not just in solitude, but in safe communities: in being seen, held, and reminded that love continues in new forms.

There was a quiet strength in the goodbyes, some deep tears, embraces, and promises to stay connected. It struck me how healing often unfolds in those in-between moments: over morning coffee, shared laughter, and gentle silence. The women arrived as strangers and left as companions on the path and as witnesses to one another’s becoming.

Gatherings like this are sacred work. They remind me why I do what I do: to help support people in remembering that even in the hardest seasons, community is essential and healing is always possible. When we come together in truth and tenderness, we remember what endures: connection, compassion, and the simple grace of not walking alone.