A day retreat for honouring and witnessing your grief process

How we navigate our relationship with sorrow profoundly affects how we live after and during loss, with our rebirth tied intimately with the threads of gratitude and reverence.

You are warmly invited to share in a grief ritual in honour of this delicate weaving - a ceremonial sharing circle for the community to gather and be witnessed in your grief story.

Held in a serene bush setting in the Blue Mountains, this day retreat offers a safe place for men and women of all ages and backgrounds to share experiences, emotions and any processes that need to be unearthed, shifting grief into a force that transforms life into purpose and meaning.

With the sacred altars of fire and water supporting our process, we will honour the five doorways of grief taught within psychotherapist Francis Weller’s book, The Wild Edge of Sorrow.

(1) Everything we love, we will ultimately grieve - immediate losses (2) The places that have not known love - the parts within ourselves that we have neglected or shamed (3) The sorrows of the world - grief over the state of world affairs (4) What we expected and did not receive - unfulfilled hopes dreams (5) Ancestral grief - grief passed onto us from former generations.

This is an inclusive all genders event that has been intentionally kept small to retain the potency of our gathering. No counselling or therapy will be offered; but rather a safe, village space to be witnessed and supported through your experience, paving the way to navigating your grief journey with a new lens.

In addition to the sharing circle you will be guided through a grounding cacao ceremony to arrive into presence, concluding the ritual with a one hour sound journey, followed by a wholesome vegetarian dinner.

"Grief ripens us, pulls us from the depths of our souls what is most authentic in our beings. In truth, without some familiarity with sorrow, we do not nature as men and women. It is the broken heart, the part that knows sorrow, that is capable of genuine love" - Francis Weller

WHEN: Saturday October 25, 2025 1:00pm-7:00pm

WHERE: Springwood-Winmalee Girl Guides Camp 233-243 Singles Ridge Road, Yellow Rock (3kms from Hawkesbury Road, Winmalee turn off)

EXCHANGE:

🌳 Pay It Forward Contribution - $98
For those in a position to pay forward a spot for someone who otherwise would not be able to attend.

🌳 Supported Contribution - $85
For those in a position to support others with fewer resources.

🌳 Financial Hardship - pay what you can sliding scale
For those experiencing financial hardship. You’re welcome to contribute what feels aligned, no questions will be asked about the amount that has been contributed — your presence is what matters most.

🌳 Ticket inclusions:
Cacao ceremony
Sharing circle and somatic connection ritual
Sound journey
Post-ceremony integration coaching in person or via Google Meet (45 mins)
Refreshments/afternoon tea
Nourishing vegetarian dinner

WHAT TO BRING

💫 An open heart and mind
💫 Own yoga mat (for sound journey), blanket and pillow (optional, for optimal comfort)
💫 Warm clothes including socks (it can get quite chilly in the Blue Mountains, between 10-18 degrees especially after dark, so please pack accordingly)
💫 Journal and pen

Places are limited and pre-booking is essential to maintain our sacred container.

ENQUIRIES: Vanessa – 0401261237 or private message on Instagram to @pathofinnerlight_

YOUR FACILITATORS

Vanessa Fang – Vanessa is a transformational coach and ceremonialist specialising in grief and personal reclamation. Her own experience with the unexpected death of her parents has led her to providing this sacred container to guide others back to their remembrance.

Alaina Scutts - Alaina is a teacher of somatic embodiment and nude women's circle facilitator. Having overcome major personal challenges between anxiety disorders to body dysmorphia, she is now helping others to reconnect to self and soul. Find her on Instagram @lains.tm