Circles at nursing retreats
Harmony Hill, once a brick-and-mortar retreat center in Union, Washington, has merged with CancerLifeline and brings to that nonprofit its beloved in-person retreats for cancer patients and their loved ones. It also brings its “Harmony retreats” for healthcare professionals.
Healing Circles Global volunteer Beth Light helps facilitate these healthcare retreats. A board-certified nurse practitioner and holistic nurse coach, she has more than 50 years of nursing experience across clinical, educational, and leadership roles. She also has decades of experience in hosting circles, which she first learned from HCG foremother Christina Baldwin, author of Calling the Circle.
“Harmony Hill’s nurse retreats gave me an opportunity to work with my fellow nurses,” Beth says. “The nurses who come bring with them a depth of experience, strength, and compassion. But they’ve given a lot to others, and the retreat offers them an opportunity to nourish themselves. There, they have the time and space to breathe, to reconnect with their purpose, to learn some self-care techniques,
and to remember that they’re not alone.”
Harmony retreats offer more than rest—they offer renewal. “They give nurses a pause from the constant giving, a chance to connect with others who understand, and an opportunity to explore practices that support their well-being,” Beth explains. “Mindfulness becomes an anchor—not just to manage stress, but to return to themselves.”
The heart of the experience lies in healing circles. “In times of quiet, through deep listening and honest sharing in a safe and supportive environment, nurses tap into their own inner knowing,” Beth says. “They rediscover what nourishes them and gain strength through the presence of others who care deeply. It’s a gentle, powerful space that reminds them of who they are—and the importance of caring for
themselves as they care for others.”
The retreats are deeply meaningful. In post-retreat evaluations, one participant wrote, “Listening to each other share stories in a safe place provided me with so much peace, comfort, and empowerment to continue what I do.”
Beth says, “It’s such an honor to sit in circle with these amazing nurses. Through stillness, shared stories, connection, and simple mindful practices, they get a chance to catch their breath, remember why they became nurses, and reconnect with the importance
of self-care and self-compassion. It’s beautiful to witness that kind of renewal.”
The retreat offers a sampler of practices, like a buffet of appetizers that invites participants to explore different ways of reconnecting with themselves.
“We focus on helping them tune in to their bodies and recognize how stress manifests and affects them. Through this process, they rediscover their inner grounding, which leaves them nourished and more connected to who they truly are.”
“Supporting these nurses is a profound privilege. Witnessing their courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to caring for others is both humbling and inspiring. They carry the weight of healing, not just for their patients, but for all of us.”
written by Petra Martin
Please note
At Healing Circles, the foundation of our circles is built on the authenticity of those who host them—with each host bringing their unique voice, personal perspective, and lived experience to the space. Healing Circles hosts and guardians are independent circle organizers. Their statements, opinions, and impressions are their own and do not represent the views of Healing Circles Global or Commonweal.
