Aware of the incredible toll that comes with providing care to others, The Uplands Center’s Caregiver retreats offer space for respite, healing and renewal for groups working in service of others.
For health care workers, grief counselors, social service providers or anyone for whom going to work involves providing care, Uplands retreats support healing, processing and a recharge of vital energies. From the plush cushions of the living room to the gentle, meandering Wellness Walk, The Uplands is designed to soothe overstimulated souls and regulate nervous systems.
“There is so much peace here. I just feel it take over my whole body. Usually […] I have to watch my back. This is the first day in my whole life when I woke up with a feeling of peace. I feel safe.” – participant, Newark City Street Team
Wellness practices like gentle yoga and playful art projects offer opportunities for processing and healing. An infrared sauna, heated pool and outdoor hot tub help relax the body. Nourishing garden-to-table meals are enjoyed while gazing upon sweeping landscapes under expansive skies. Connections among people deepen during quiet fireside chats and cups of tea.
“Your retreat center provided me with an enormous amount of well-needed rest, connectivity, and recuperation. The insight you provided me will go a long way. The beautiful nature and surroundings were so restorative.” – participant, Ohel
Often, groups of care workers will use the space to deepen collective reflections, assessing their programs, identifying organizational priorities and conducting trainings or workshops. Sometimes the very notion of rest is centered as a programmatic activity in its own right, as guests at times will engage in collective napping sessions or deep, meditative rest in the yoga studio or a grassy knoll near the guest house.
A sense of illumination accompanies a scenic stroll through a meadow to the Vista shed. Later, once the sun has set, tensions release into a fire burning bright inside a grove of cherry trees, under starlit skies, where new intentions are embraced, before a night of deep rest.
“I’ve never been so far away from home but so close to myself” – participant, PREA
For those who work in service of others, space to process, contact with nature, deep rest, creative play, connections with like-minded folks and guided wellness practices can enable healing and a recharge of energies, fortifying committed caregivers for the work ahead.
“[A]n incredible sacred space for healing. A place where smiles are shared, joy is promoted and hugs are welcomed – Anonymous guest
