Why The vilomah grief Retreat, and Why in the fall
For grieving parents, the holiday season isn’t simply “hard”—it can be excruciating. The world speeds up with parties and pressure, traditions and expectations. But for those of us carrying deep sorrow, the holidays can feel like a spotlight on what’s missing, on who is missing.
The Vilomah Grief Retreat: Reclaiming the Holiday Season was born from the belief that you shouldn’t have to white-knuckle your way through November and December. You deserve a space to pause before the chaos, to gather your breath and your bearings - not in isolation, but in the quiet company of others who understand.
This retreat exists because grief doesn’t follow the calendar and neither should your restoration.
Together, in a private, comforting space, we’ll reflect, reset, and gently prepare for what lies ahead. Not by bypassing the pain but by acknowledging it with intention. By creating new meaning where the world may offer only noise. By reclaiming the holidays - not as they were, but as they can be.
This is not about “moving on.” It’s about moving mindfully through a season that often overwhelms the grieving heart.
It’s about finding community before the isolation sets in.
It’s about learning to carry love, loss, and longing all at once—without apology.
Our next Vilomah Grief Retreat is planned for May
secure your spot on the waitlist.
the Vilomah grief Retreat: Details
Retreat
Accommodations
Accommodations
Created with care and intention, this retreat offers a safe place for grieving parents to connect, share, and be supported. We’ll explore tools that help us move through grief with meaning and integrity. You may arrive feeling isolated, but you’ll leave woven into a compassionate community that walks with you beyond the weekend.
Accommodations
Accommodations
Accommodations
This beautifully furnished 3-story home is nestled in a peaceful, tree-lined neighborhood in Wake Forest, NC. With 4 spacious bedrooms, a large backyard pool, a hot tub, and cozy gathering spaces including a gazebo and sunroom, it’s the perfect setting for rest and reconnection. Guests will enjoy modern amenities and serene surroundings ideal for reflection.
Schedule
Accommodations
Schedule
Arrive: Friday, 11/7/2025 at 4:00 pm
Depart: Monday, 11/10//2025 by 11:00am
Closest Airport: 17 minutes from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Transportation not provided.
About the retreat
What’s Included in Your Retreat Experience
From the moment you arrive in Raleigh, North Carolina, every detail is thoughtfully curated so you can exhale and fully engage in this restorative journey.
Nestled in a private, luxury home in Wake Forest, this 4-day/3-night immersive retreat is designed exclusively for bereaved parents seeking a space where their sorrow is seen and their child is remembered.
Your all-inclusive registration includes:
- Private accommodations or shared rooms in a beautifully appointed home with premium amenities and quiet spaces for reflection
- Chef-prepared meals and curated snacks using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients
- Expert-led workshops and healing sessions anchored in The 5 Pillars of Capacity™—written and facilitated by
– Dr. Kristie Polk, grief educator, psychology professor, and trained hypnotherapist
– Michelle Barbuto, RN, certified grief coach, certified yoga instructor, and trauma-informed somatic practitioner
- Daily trauma-informed movement practices including yoga, meditation, breathwork, or mindful walking
- Small group sessions (no more than 8 guests) to ensure personal connection and space for individual processing
- Pre-retreat virtual connection call to help you arrive prepared and supported
- Post-retreat integration session to help you carry what you’ve learned into your everyday life
- A hand-selected gift bag filled with meaningful items to support your continued healing during and after your stay
What Past Guests are Saying...
You don’t have to take our word for it—hear from parents who’ve walked this path and found connection, hope, and space to breathe again at The Vilomah Grief Retreat.
Sample schedule
Sample Schedule
FRIDAY
- 5pm Arrival and Check-In
- 6pm Welcome Dinner
- 7 - 9pm Shining Light on Love: A Memorial for Our Children
SATURDAY
- 8am Movement (grief informed yoga, walk, breathwork, etc.)
- 8:30am Breakfast
- 10 -11:30am - Processing Grief & Restoring Hope - Pt. 1 (Kristie)
- 12pm Lunch
- 1 - 3pm Guest Choice (pool, rest, visit, etc.)
- 3:30pm Breathwork (Michelle)
- 4 - 5pm - Guided Discussion (Everyone)
- 6pm - Dinner
- 7:30pm - Fire Pit Reflection (Take-a-ways from the day)
SUNDAY
- 8am Movement (grief informed yoga, walk, breathwork, etc.)
- 8:30am Breakfast
- 10 - 11:30pm Junk Journaling (Nan)
- 12 - 3pm Lunch - Poolside Cookout
- 3:30pm - 4:30pm - Processing Grief & Restoring Hope - Pt. 2 (Kristie)
- 4:30pm - Grief Informed Hypnosis for Relaxation - Optional (Kristie)
- 6pm Dinner
- 7:30pm - "Ripples of Connection" (Take-a-ways from the day)
MONDAY
- 8am Gentle (chair) Yoga
- 8:30am Breakfast
- 10am Departure - Say farewell to new friends
*Note that free time is built-in around and between scheduled activities to encourage connection, integration & processing, and rest.
**Details in the itinerary could change; this is a sample based on real schedules.
What You'll Experience
- Safe and supportive space with a strong sense of belonging
- Understanding and validation from other bereaved parents
- Education and insight about the effects of grief
- Coping strategies and important self-care
- Healing and transformation at your own pace
- Community and connection
- Empowerment and resilience
Complete the Registration Form to join us.
SPONSOR A GUEST
Your generous contribution will support a bereaved parent by enabling them to attend The Vilomah Grief Retreat. 100% of your gift goes toward this scholarship.
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We're Fully Booked
Join our waitlist now to be the first to receive details about the summer retreat.