Grief is a changeling, morphing in form, intensity, and expression as we adapt to living with loss. Seasoning Grief is a retreat for those whose grief has shifted from its initial intensity yet continues to quietly shape their lives. If you find yourself reflecting on how grief continues to ripple through your days and you seek space to slow down and notice its quieter whispers, this retreat is for you.
Through reflection, movement, creative expression, ritual, and community, retreat leaders will guide you in exploring how grief continues to flavor your experiences. You’ll gain renewed insight into grief’s presence in your life, along with practical and creative tools to engage with it more intentionally, carrying forward a sense of peace and companionship.
This retreat is created by Centrica Care Navigators.
About the Facilitator
Jill Terwilliger, M.Div., CPCC is a grief support counselor with Centrica Care Navigators. She embodies a compassionate and grounding presence as she works with individuals, small groups, and organizations to process and integrate the many layers of grief. In 2024, Jill gave her TEDx Kalamazoo talk, Befriending Grief, exploring how loss—when welcomed—can deepen connection and meaning.
Jill’s approach is shaped by a wide range of roles: mental health advocate, parish minister, hospice chaplain, restorative justice facilitator, and artist. Jill’s personal experience with grief began at age 19 with the death of her father, a loss that continues to shape her work. Though her family jokes that she can find the dark side of any topic, Jill believes grief—when befriended—can become the root of joy, strength, and connection.
Jill will be assisted by a team of Centrica staff and volunteers.
Retreat Schedule
The retreat begins at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 27 and ends at noon on Thursday, October 29. We encourage you to arrive at your lodging by 4:00 p.m. so you can get settled before joining the group. Each day includes a balance of full-group sessions, small group conversations, individual reflection time, shared meals (catered by of the land), and unscheduled time to rest or explore the grounds.
We’ll gather for three main program blocks (morning, afternoon, and evening), each lasting 2 to 2.5 hours. Programs will begin at 9:00 a.m. and conclude by 9:00 p.m. daily.
Registration and Lodging Details
To learn more and apply, click here: Centrica Care Navigators.
- This retreat is limited to 18 attendees. Participants will be staying at both GilChrist and The Hermitage Community, a retreat center which shares a border with GilChrist. Seasoning Grief will make all lodging arrangements – please do not contact the retreat centers directly. All food and lodging are included in the registration fee.
- Registration Fee: Each participant contributes $175 toward the cost of the retreat. The majority of the retreat costs are covered by Centrica Care Navigators’ generous donors and funders. Financial assistance is available upon request.
- Cancellation/refund policy: Cancellations made before September 28 are eligible for a full refund. We are unable to offer refunds for cancellations received after September 28.
