The Art of Loss: Letting Go with Grace

Where there is a loss, there is a gain. Endings become new beginnings.  Join Gloria Baraquio and Lydia Hwang for a weekend of healing, contemplation, and ritual.
Loss and endings can happen in different ways.  It may arrive as a breakup, the passing of a loved one, a shift in identity, or the quiet letting go of something we once held dear.  Even when loss is a natural part of life, it can feel so disorienting—challenging the ways we understand ourselves and the world around us.
At Ratna Ling, nestled among the redwoods and held by a sense of stillness and care, you can slow down enough to gently turn toward these experiences and sit with the difficulty. Together, we will explore what it means to accept impermanence—in our roles, our relationships, and our most cherished dreams. Rather than resisting change, we can choose to meet each moment with openness, allowing life to move through us with greater ease.
On the weekend of Halloween and the Day of the Dead, this retreat provides a space for you to reflect on what you have lost, and begin to recognize the gift that is emerging. Through quiet contemplation and shared inquiry, we will ask: What has this experience revealed? What have I learned? What is ready to be released, and what is waiting to unfold?
This weekend is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself—gently, honestly, and at your own pace. As we listen inwardly and to one another, a deeper sense of clarity, resilience, and peace will begin to arise.
Throughout the weekend, we will be supported by practices that invite both grounding and insight, including:



Presence-based yoga


Meditation


Reflective journaling


Time in nature among the redwoods


Sound healing and deep relaxation


A beautiful ritual for letting go, including color and flower essences


In community and in silence, we begin to discover that loss is not only an ending, but also a doorway—one that can lead us into a more spacious, compassionate way of being.
COVID POLICY: For your safety and ours, we require that all guests be vaccinated against Covid and provide proof of a negative covid test result within 48 hours of arrival.  We wish to provide peace of mind for all of our residents and guests.
Schedule (Subject to change):
FRIDAY


3pm Check-in
4:30pm Grounding Yoga
5:30pm Dinner
6:45pm Opening Session

SATURDAY


8am Silent Breakfast
9am Discussion and Meditation: The Sweetness of Grief
11am Yoga
12:15pm Lunch
1pm Temple Tour (optional)
1-4pm Free Time, Nature, Journaling
4pm Ritual for Acceptance & Letting Go
5:30pm Dinner
7pm Sound Healing

SUNDAY


8am Yoga
9am Closing Circle
10am Brunch

For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421
Accommodations are beautiful lux cabins


ADDITIONAL DETAILS


Transportation to/from Ratna Ling is NOT included - carpooling encouraged
Payments are nonrefundable and transferable to a future Ratna Ling stay or retreat
Each cottage includes TWO private rooms with queen beds, large dining & living area, gas fireplace, spacious deck, jacuzzi tub, linens/towels/hand soap, kitchenette with tea & coffee, complimentary wireless internet. 
5 vegetarian meals are served during our weekend together.
For directions to Ratna Ling - Ratna Ling Retreat Center 35755 Hauser Bridge Rd Cazadero, CA 95421

All bookings are NON-REFUNDABLE. Should you wish to cancel your stay with us, Ratna Ling Retreat Center requires 30 days' notice for your full credit to be TRANSFERRED to a future retreat within 1 year of original booking.

What people are saying about this program:
"The leaders were amazing, the blending of words, scents, music, sound and touch was perfect."

"I so appreciated being with these beautiful, nourishing caring women - and the food was amazing."

"I was nourished body, spirit and heart  - the food was wonderful nourishment helping ground our experience."

"The leaders were amazing, the blending of words, scents, music, sound and touch was perfect."