Author: Anne Shepherd

Our culture doesn’t teach us how to surrender to grief. It is heartbreaking, devastating, and life-changing. Anne knew, intuitively, that she had to go within and tend to the healing that was calling to her. She dedicated herself to telling the stories of her beloved son while bravely doing her own inner work.

With incredible courage, Anne wrote a book filled with heartfelt stories about Nolan, including her powerful journey to Japan to release his ashes, just as he had requested. Now, she is offering a healing retreat to create space for collective healing—for others who are navigating this unspeakable pain.

Anne offers a process and a way through. She is a powerful group facilitator, having led many healing retreats—including Walking Off the War for veterans working to recover from the wounds of combat.

You can trust Anne with your tender heart. She is a woman of deep compassion, forged in the fire of her own grief. Don’t miss this opportunity to walk alongside other brave souls through a journey of profound, heartfelt healing.

Jude Simmons, MA Marriage and Family Therapist

First, I have to thank Bozeman Hot Springs for inviting me into this space. Bozeman Hot Springs has been a personal anchor for me since I first visited Montana State University with my children over five years ago. It was our place to camp, soak, retreat, and recharge. BHS holds a special place in my heart, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share it with our retreat participants.

Sharing the things that have supported me over the years creates the foundation for both retreats. In the weeks, months—now years—since I lost my son, I have moved through many different seasons and layers of grief. During the early season, I simply had to keep moving. On my most desperate days, this may have been my strategy to outrun the pain, but on good days, movement was a way to remember all the ski races, bike rides, and mountain and desert adventures I shared with Nolan. And when I was brave enough to be still, I could hear his voice on the wind. Movement was a huge part of my early recovery. Because of this, I have woven many opportunities for participants to move their energy in the physical realm: yoga, walking meditation, breathwork, and plenty of time to wander the BHS campus.

As my healing progressed, writing, artwork, sound, and spiritual exploration became modalities that helped ground me in new ways. Rather than run, I needed to learn how to integrate my senses beyond physical survival. Because of this, I have been deliberate about introducing participants to more mental, emotional, and spiritual approaches—not in any way that is prescriptive, just a gentle offering of what has supported me: writing, soul paintings, sound healing, intuitive healing, prayer, and flowers. Always lots of flowers.

Finally, I have had to learn how to integrate the disparate parts of myself, because healing is not linear—it happens in fits and starts, with setbacks and small steps forward. Learning to meet myself with compassion each day and give myself the support I need has been both the greatest hurdle and the greatest victory of my grieving “practice.” I will share with you some of the most talented practitioners in Bozeman to help you integrate the parts of yourself that might feel quite shattered. Each of them has faced their own losses, so rest assured—you are in good hands.

All of this is carefully wrapped in a special container of private cabins, gourmet meals, and a balanced mix of quiet time and active programming, allowing you to take what you need from the experience.

In the coming days, I’ll be introducing each of our partners. It will be such a pleasure to share them with you, and I am so proud of the amazing circle I have gathered for this special event. We have yet to meet you, but we want you to know: We love you, and we are with you as you walk this winding road.

In the meantime, if you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out at 970-318-0885 or fall7rise8llc@gmail.com.