Between hosting retreats, Soma Ranch owners, Joe and Helen Terry are currently devoting many hours to the careful restoration of fence lines across the property. Now is indeed the time to be actively cutting out the overgrowth, pulling off stubborn vines, pruning the trees to encourage healthy growth, and weeding out the unwanted plants that have taken over.
As we settle into a monotonous groove, selecting one particularly daunting area to focus on, keeping our heads down and methodically tackling one branch at a time, the entire process becomes a deeply healing meditative experience. What keeps coming to mind during this time is the thought, “This is the Best Grief Therapy ever.” Pulling out the old and unwanted, being immersed in the beauty of nature, achieving something truly beautiful, creating space for new life, and having the dedicated time to reflect on loved ones, are all part of this chore which becomes a transformative journey.
““Clearing Fences is the Best Grief Therapy ever.””
We are seriously considering the creation of specialized grief retreats, where guests have the opportunity to come together specifically to “move their grief” through a variety of engaging activities, including dance classes, tapping and authentic movement experiences. In addition to these expressive sessions, participants will also engage in meaningful service on the land, which includes practical tasks such as clearing fence lines and other communal projects. One intriguing tagline we are currently entertaining for this initiative is “Soup for Service for the Soul,” which highlights the nourishing and restorative aspects of the experience.
Let us know if this is something of interest to you.