About Wild Life Retreat

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 The irreplaceable loss of a child is a gut-wrenching, soul-shattering, someone-just-dropped-a-nuclear-bomb-on-my-heart experience. And yet, somehow it leaves you alive, still breathing, still walking the earth, expected to go on. In the weeks that followed my daughter’s death, I met many Mothers who had lost children. The mutual love, understanding, and capacity to support each other during their individual times of despair played a vital role in shaping my own journey forward. Inspired by the courage and compassion of these women, Wild Life Retreat was established to unite mothers grappling with the unimaginable anguish of losing a child, providing them with a space to connect and embark on a journey of healing. My hope is that together we will find a way to savor this Wild Life! ~ Jessie Partridge

We organize retreats every fall and spring with the aim of exploring new destinations each season. We’ve come to understand that grief requires space. The emotions are too overwhelming to be contained within ourselves. This is why we often seek solace in mountains, oceans, lakes, the vastness of the sky, and even the universe in times of despair. Bearing this in mind, we meticulously research locations that will provide our guests with expansive views and the breathing room they need to savor moments of personal reflection and to cherish the memories of their lost child.

We endeavor to curate an environment of intimacy and inclusivity where every individual is genuinely heard and acknowledged. With this vision in mind, we deliberately constrain our retreat participation to groups of 12 to 15 attendees. This emphasis on a small, close-knit gathering facilitates deep connections among participants, often leading to enduring and meaningful relationships.

"If music be the food of love, play on" ~ William Shakespeare 

There is nothing more nourishing to the soul than the sound of people sharing a good meal, breaking bread together and laughing. Mealtimes are sacred to us.We aim to provide tasty, nutritious meals that promote healthy living, nourish our bodies, and delight the palate. 

Engaging in meditation and intentional movement practices plays a vital role in maintaining our connection to the present moment and our physical bodies, allowing us to achieve a sense of inner calm. The practice of yoga empowers us to embrace contradictory emotions and thoughts, enabling us to navigate feelings of grief and simultaneously fostering a space where we can feel grounded in the present. Moreover, yoga serves as a powerful tool for self-care, supporting overall well-being and balance in our lives.

At each retreat, we aim to incorporate various crafts and activities to help people explore self-expression and gain personal insight while developing coping skills. While creativity isn't a magic cure for grief, it plays a significant role in the healing process. It provides an outlet for the emotions, thoughts, and memories that come with grief. Creativity offers a way to acknowledge and embrace the pain while also celebrating the enduring beauty and love.