“The best way out is always through.” – Robert Frost
This weekend retreat will provide parents with an opportunity to connect with other parents, get assistance with their grief, develop deeper understanding of grief, and gain tools to heal. Individuals and couples, as well as parents who are separated, are welcome to attend. The program will offer opportunities for group and individual reflection and dialogue, guided mindfulness meditation, gentle yoga, use of the 20-acre campus, and periods of silence in a safe, calm and supportive environment. Beginners to mindfulness and experienced participants alike are welcome. All participants will have the option to participate or refrain from certain exercises based on their own comfort or safety preferences.
This is a semi-silent retreat. Aside from the time for group conversation as shared by the retreat director, retreatants are expected to maintain a sacred silence throughout the retreat, including at meals.
Mark Dannenfelser, MA, LPC, is Founding Director of the Mindfulness Center of Atlanta. He is a teacher, spiritual director and psychotherapist. Mark teaches in the areas of mindfulness meditation, stress reduction, contemplative practice, spiritual direction and psychological healing. His clinical work is with anxiety, depression, addiction, grief and trauma. Mark achieved a master degree in clinical psychology from Montclair University and a master degree in pastoral studies from Spring Hill College. He is a Certified MBSR Teacher (Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society™, University of Massachusetts), a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-GA), a Certified Spiritual Director (Spring Hill College), and a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). Mark is adjunct lecturer in the Graduate Division of Theology and Philosophy at Spring Hill College. He is the Emory University Aquinas Center of Theology lecturer on contemplation and Centering Prayer. Professionally, Mark is most interested in working at the point of intersection between mind-body practices and healing (www.MindfulnessCenterAtlanta.com).
Jill Crunkleton, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker, grief counselor and dementia educator. She received her Masters of Social Work in 2008 from the University of Georgia. Since that time, she has companioned hundreds of people of all ages through their journeys of loss and healing as a social worker and grief counselor at Hospice and Palliative Care of Northeast Georgia Medical Center. In 2021, Jill began her private practice, Luminary Counseling and Consulting where she specializes in supporting individuals and families dealing with chronic and terminal illness as well as grief and loss.
The cost of this 2-night retreat is $550 for individuals, $950 for couples.
A discount is available for participants who are not able to pay the full amount through a generous subsidy from Emery Funkhouser’s Kisses for Hearts Foundation. Contact us at 404 255 0503 if you need financial assistance.
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Review the COVID-19 Guest Guidelines before arrival