Journeying in Grief Through a Spiritual Lens: A Day-long Retreat in Autumn (In-Person Program)

“And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, in fact, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what the storm’s all about.” — Haruki Murakami, Kafka on the Shore

With a spiritual lens, grieving the losses of one’s life as a journey allows human beings to understand the healing process in stages, with accompanying tasks, and with needs that are both universal and unique. Yet, there are multiple faces of grief and diverse ways of expressing them. Since experiencing the global pandemic, grieving as we once knew it has changed in innumerable ways. And, as we continue to emerge into this new era of living, our engagement with loss — both as individuals and in communities — has been incredibly impacted. This can, however, empower us to acknowledge our emotions and reflect on our experiences spiritually, so as to heal and move forward in healthy, positive ways. In solidarity with each other, we can take steps toward expanding our openness to the powerful transformation that these losses and our grief work can lead us to.

Join us at the Well for this day-long retreat as we gather together for deep listening, dialogue, and other meaningful exercises. Autumn is a season in which we often shift our awareness to our interior lives, as our senses and spirits bear witness to a pronounced time of dying, emptying, and releasing. So, with the framework of journeying and utilizing a spiritual lens, this retreat will invite you to ritually express your grief in the presence of community. Various resources will be offered to uplift participants as they consider their respective stories and navigate personal and collective landscapes of loss. Attention will also be given to some of the sacred tasks inherent to grieving the death of loved ones as well as other significant changes and transitions.

Please bring a bag lunch and journey with us through the spiritual lens of grief.

DATE: Saturday, November 22, 2025

TIME: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM ET

COST: Please choose the option that works best for you! (see registration link)

LOCATION: Well for the Journey – 120 W. Seminary Ave, Lutherville-Timonium, MD 21093

REGISTRATION is required; please register here.

IMPORTANT: You will receive an email from programming@wellforthejourney.org at least 24 hours in advance of the start of your program. If you are unable to find the email, please check your SPAM or JUNK email folders. This email will include details to help you prepare for your program including any pertinent handouts, location information, and the ZOOM link for online programs. Please be sure you have received and read this email a minimum of 24 hours in advance of the start of the program. Thank you!

FACILITATOR: Gordon Creamer

FACILITATOR BIO: 
Gordon Creamer, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, Maryland. As a contemplative and creative builder, he has held leadership roles in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice communities. He earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute.

Gordon has facilitated a diversity of retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and formats. He also participates as a peer group leader in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Transforming Community Program. His passions include uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as a spiritual director/companion, end-of-life doula, and Reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, expanding, and flourishing.