It's times like these
when hopelessness can creep up and threaten to close the doors of our hearts.
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It’s times like these when we could shore up our longings and decide it’s safer just to be alone.
It’s times like these when we need community space to honor the full spectrum of being alive more than ever.
There are many reasons
to carry a broken heart today. Whether it’s from losing a loved one, experiencing illness, addiction or separation from ourselves due to the overwhelming life experiences we’ve endured, or from witnessing the destruction of our planet and continued oppression of its people.
If our hearts are hurting, it’s because we care. We are not meant to carry this alone.
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​Studies now prove that when we don’t grieve, we get ill. As Francis Weller says, “grief and love are sisters.” If we love, we can expect that grief will be essential to our staying well.
You are prepared
for these times. Even though most of us have lost our ancestral connection to communal grief work, it lives in our bones. Indigenous peoples from around the world, including the Gaelic people of the Celtic Isles, practiced grieving in community because they understood that it was essential to the wellness of the village.
Our intention for this ceremony is to tend to the grievances we carry, remember that we are not carrying them alone, and restore the natural balance of praise for the gift of being alive on this incredible planet.
Our practices include...
Council
Movement
Wailing & rage ritual
Song
“Imagine the feeling of relief that would flood our whole being if we knew that when we were in the grip of sorrow or illness, our village would respond to our need.
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This truth has been acknowledged in many studies. Our immune response is strengthened when we feel our connection with community. By regularly renewing the bonds of belonging, we support our ability to remain healthy and whole.”
Francis Weller
The Wild Edge of Sorrow
Who this is for:
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Adults who value a brave space to connect with the medicine of their grief & gratitude
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You do not have to be actively grieving to come! Sometimes grief shows up in many ways including apathy, numbness, anger or disconnection.
The shoulders we stand on...
We are grateful to the wisdom keepers and elders who have paved the way for communal grief work including:
Malidoma Patrice Somé
Sobonfu Somé
Francis Weller - The Five Gates of Grief
Laurence Cole
Nala Walla
ahlay blakely
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We give thanks to our grief literate ancestors who are guiding us in each ceremony, and the sacred lands who inform us how to connect with them in a reciprocal way.
What you receive...
Two days of held ceremonial space
Healthy, nourishing meals
Soulful connection with our community
Integration support
Reciprocity:
Please self-select your payment tier based on your personal/family financial access:
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$400+ = higher income
(comfortable meeting basic needs, own or rent higher end housing, have access to expendable income, savings, healthcare)
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$300 = middle income
(might stress about meeting basic needs but are able to, employed with access to healthcare, have some expendable income, might have access to savings)
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$200 = low income
(qualify for government assistance, no access to savings, unstable housing or rent lower end properties)
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Payment plans are available.
We have a few partial work trade position available. Please inquire with registration.​
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You will be invited to add a donation to the Dagara people in Berkino Faso onto your contribution, to support the lineage that sparked the reemergence of communal griefwork.
Meet Us
Ready to join?
Reach out here if you have any questions.