Grief tending practices help us to navigate our grief by facilitating emotional release and helping us make space to heal.

“Grief tending is creating space for the shared intention of being with grief. It is a facilitation journey that includes a series of practices, including a grief process, where grief may be invited to be present, without focusing on solutions. This is usually done in a group, and known as grief tending in the community”.

-Source, Grief Tending in Community

The Grief Circle Experience

  • Building Community

    We start by creating a supportive environment for participants. We introduce ourselves and build a sense of community.

  • Stirring

    We start to bring grief to the surface. We share personal stories and participate in activites that warm up our bodies and hearts.

  • Expressing and Witnessing

    We are intivted to express ourselves however feels best. We may share memories, stories and emotions. We may listen to music, share poetry or draw. When we witness each other, we listen with compassion and respect. It is a “no advice” zone.

  • Returning to a Grounded State

    We transition to calming and grounding ourselves. This may include relaxation exercises, song, or guided meditation to soothe emotions and provide stability.

  • Integrating

    We have the chance to integrate, or “make space for” the experiences and emotions we have experienced during our time together. We may reflect on our insights, find meaning in the our emotions, and identify ways forward.

  • Connecting

    We express gratitude and acknowledge the support received from the group. Most often we eat together and celebrate what we have learned and released.

“As a beautiful emotion, sadness tells us that something needs to be released. When it’s let go, we invite new possibilities.”
— Unattributed

Through our grief circle offerings, we find a web of connection and relationship that is deeply missed in modern Western culture.