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The Courage to Bloom: Healing Heartache & Grief Retreat for Women

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The Courage to Bloom: Healing Heartache & Grief Retreat for Women

July 16 - 19, 2026

Dickerson, United States

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Hosted By

Esther B

722 followers

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3 nights, 4 days

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7 person retreat

Highlights

  • Small group designed for personalized attention and intimate connection

  • Led by a licensed psychotherapist with 20+ years experience

  • Open to all women, we will be centering the experiences of Black women

  • Private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms

  • Chef prepared meals in luxury estate home

Details

When was the last time you allowed yourself to be held while your heart was hurting? This retreat is for the woman carrying quiet sorrow — the grief of a relationship that ended, the loss of someone you love, or the slow, unspoken exhaustion of always being the strong one. It’s for the part of you that is tired of “pushing through” and ready to be met with something gentler. Over four days in the soft bloom of spring in Dickerson, MD, we’ll explore how to tend to your own heart with patience and reverence. You’ll be guided through practices that invite rest, emotional release, and the courage to feel again. Here, healing is not rushed. Grief is honored. And blooming is still possible, no matter how many times your heart has been broken. You'll practice what it means to mother yourself: to offer the tender care, fierce protection, and unconditional presence you may not have received but deeply deserve. You'll learn frameworks for holding grief without being consumed by it, for staying open even when heartbreak has taught you to close down. And you'll do it in community with women who understand that healing isn't linear, that strength isn't the absence of vulnerability, and that blooming after heartache is one of the most courageous things we can do.

Location

Dickerson, United States

Nestled near the scenic banks of the Potomac River and surrounded by lush agricultural land, Dickerson is characterized by its rural charm and peaceful environment. The area is known for its proximity to significant natural landmarks and parks, such as Sugarloaf Mountain, a popular hiking destination that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Dickerson is also close to the Monocacy River and the C&O Canal, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and biking. The community itself maintains a quiet, small-town feel with a mix of historic homes, farms, and modern residences. Despite its rural setting, Dickerson offers convenient access to larger towns and cities in the region, making it a serene yet connected place to live. The area is appreciated for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and its tranquil, laid-back lifestyle.

Venue

Private Estate near Washington, DC

Reviews

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Seven Oaks is dedicated to offering guests top-notch amenities in a luxurious yet rural setting, aiming to provide an escape from daily stress in a serene environment. The facility boasts seven bedrooms, each featuring a private full bath. It also offers spacious indoor and outdoor gathering areas, a gourmet kitchen, and a large dining table that accommodates 18 people, with additional seating available.

A/C in Rooms

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Free Wifi

Garden

Garden

Hot Tub

Hot Tub

Laundry

Laundry

Towels

Towels

Kitchen

Kitchen

Free Parking

Free Parking

Bathroom

Bathroom

Accommodation

Private Room

3 Rooms Left

Private room for 1

$5,040 USD total

Double Room

2 Spots Left

2-person shared room

$3,600 USD / person

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Beautiful and serene estate home on a working horse farm. The home offers spacious rooms for group activities and meditation alongside cozy corners for journaling and reflection. Our private chef will prepare daily meals and snacks in the gourmet kitchen while you can enjoy quiet time by the fireplaces or on the front porch. All bedrooms include their own private bath and welcome amenities. The large outdoor patio includes a firepit and fireplace where we will spend time.

Meals

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Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan · Vegetarian · Halal · Kosher · Gluten-free · Dairy-free · Organic · Paleo Friendly · Keto Friendly · Diabetic Friendly · Nut Allergy Friendly

Every detail of the retreat is designed to nourish you - body, mind, and heart. Our private chef will prepare meals and snacks to meet the dietary needs and preferences of every guest. After registration, you will receive a comprehensive dietary questionnaire to ensure that allergies, preferences, and health-related dietary restrictions are honored.

Schedule

We will ease into and out of retreat with leisurely arrival and departure. Here is a tentative schedule: - Thursday 3-4 pm arrival - Friday & Saturday schedule as shown below - Sunday 1-2 pm departure We will have a fluid schedule that evolves based on our time together. Allow yourself to be open to the experience of rest and reflection.

Testimonials

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Like the exhale on a Jill Scott song... the retreat was restorative, supportive, and energized the parts of me that needed healing and attention.

Sara, United States

As a woman of color, I often feel alone navigating this world. On retreat, I had this awakening of just how much I needed connection. All this self-doubt is not unique to me but most of us carry it. I am still in awe of how masterfully Esther held space for me and the other women.

Juliet, United States

This is a place of belonging. After having it I can't, I can't really imagine not having it in my life. I am grateful for the way the Collective continues to stay very connected between retreats.

Jessica, United States

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Host

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Esther B

Washington D.C., DC, USA

Esther Boykin is a licensed marriage and family therapist, meditation teacher, coach, and retreat host committed to creating spaces for people to feel seen, heard, honored, and supported in their jour...

1 language

English

Teaching for 4 years

Joined Insight Timer in May 2021

What's Included

Accommodations

All meals

All activities

Not Included

Travel to and from the venue

FAQs

Guest requirements

  • You will be asked to complete a retreat intake questionnaires and a retreat agreement prior to attending

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 60 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 60 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 60 days before the retreat begins.