Honoring Our Grief

11 E. Allison,Seattle WA 98102

25 March, 2023

Description

Given the emergent climate crisis and its impacts – the extinction of species, the COVID pandemic, and the unrest and turmoil within human societies – the burden of grief that we are carrying as individuals is increasing exponentially. There are, however, very few spaces where we are invited to experience and express this complex grief in community. This one-day workshop will utilize Francis Weller’s “Five Gates of Grief” to connect participants to their distinct and multifaceted experiences of grief and guide them in shared micro-rituals. The day on Lake Union will be facilitated by experienced grief mentors who have apprenticed in the grief ritual tradition of the Dagara tribe as brought to the U.S. and shared by Malidoma and Sobonfu Somé. We have been oriented to this tradition through our work and training with Francis Weller and others. Participants will be guided through chanting and movement, poetry, teaching, periods of solitude, small group sharing, and micro-rituals. All participation is invitational; nothing is "required" beyond being present with and sharing the griefs you are carrying, to the best of your ability. COVID Precautions We ask that all participants utilize a rapid test the morning of the workshop and communicate negative results to the organizers. Any who test positive at that time will be issued a full refund (less processing fee). Masking is welcome, for those who would be more comfortable with such additional precautions, but not required. Fee: $75. If this presents a barrier to your participation, please let us know. Registration Deadline: Saturday, March 18 Facilitators Peter Jabin, M.Div., LMHC is a pastoral psychotherapist in private practice in Seattle. He is also a Diaconal Minister in the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church. Currently, his clinical work is focused on the intersection climate crisis, the legacy of colonialism & systemic racism, and grief. Peter has facilitated group spiritual direction and grief process groups, in addition to his work with individuals. Jean Berolzheimer, MS. In addition to her professional work with children with a variety of special needs, Jean has done extensive personal grief work and has a depth of knowledge and teaching experience in the field of bereavement and healing. She received lay ordination as an Interfaith Buddhist Chaplain from Roshi Joan Halifax in 2016. Cristina Manzoni, MA, CCC is a Palliative Care/Hospice Chaplain. She holds a Fellow in Thanatology: Death, Dying & Bereavement and certifications in Compassionate Bereavement Care, Spiritual Direction, End of Life Doula and as Clinical Chaplain. She offers spiritual counseling and grief support services in Port Townsend.