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Natural Awakenings Twin Cities

Register Now for Grief Retreat in New Mexico

Cheryl Downey

Cheryl Downey, founder of Sacred Wheel Center for Grief and Healing and owner of Sacred Wheel Center, Inc., in Burnsville, is leading her fourth in a series of grief-healing retreats, Healing Grief Around the Sacred Wheel, November 7 to 13. This retreat is a featured week-long course sponsored by the extraordinary Ghost Ranch Retreat and Conference Center (GhostRanch.org), in New Mexico. Healing Grief Around the Sacred Wheel is for anyone who feels stuck or is struggling through the pain of grief and loss, including the recent or past loss of a loved one or pet or other life transition, such as loss of job, home or community. It is also an excellent workshop for caregivers.

Ghost Ranch is an interfaith education and retreat center of the Presbyterian Church, located in a northern New Mexico landscape many deem sacred.

"It can be difficult to move forward through the changes of these days if we are weighed down or mired in grief and loss. Within our own grieving hearts, we carry the secrets to our pain and to the energies hidden in our thoughts, beliefs, emotions and physical bodies that may interfere with grief’s natural healing flow," explains Downey, a retired hospice chaplain.

Each participant will explore her or his unique grief experiences each day via lectures, guided meditations, ceremony and the creation of sacred art with plenty of time to listen to Spirit’s inspirations and to commune with the grief-healing power of Nature. A list will be sent to participants indicating important items to bring.

While at Ghost Ranch, attendees can explore hiking trails, participate in tours or trail rides, visit museums, get a massage and much more.

Cost: $568-$1,135 depending on package (includes tuition, course materials, lodging and meals). Location: 280 Private Dr. 1708, Abiquiu, NM. Register online at GhostRanch.org.