Healing and Support for Your Journey
The Weekend Workshop
The grief tending workshop is a nurturing space designed to support individuals navigating the complex emotions of loss. Participants are invited to share their stories, reflect on their experiences, and explore healthy ways to process grief in a compassionate environment. Through guided discussions, creative activities, and mindfulness practices, attendees learn to honor their feelings while fostering connections with others who understand their journey. The workshop emphasizes that grief is not a linear path but a personal journey, encouraging participants to find solace, resilience, and hope as they move toward healing.
About the Retreat
Dates: November 8, 9 and 10, 2024
Location: Private Residence in San Anselmo, CA
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Event Schedule
Friday: 5:30pm- 8:30pm
Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am-1:00pm
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About the Workshop:
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Grief is not just a reaction to death; it is a response to loss in its myriad forms. Whether you have experienced the passing of a loved one, navigated a profound life transition, or mourned the life not lived, this workshop offers solace and companionship along your journey. The adage that, "there is no one right way to grieve" is accurate, as each of us will have our own journey to walk. That said grief and loss are universal to being human, and it is important, especially in a culture like ours that doesn't support it, to find places for us to gather and honor those places within all of us. Throughout the weekend we will gather in communion to turn towards and honor the sacred space that grief opens within each of us.
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Please Note:
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This event is a non-residential retreat held at a serene private residence in San Anselmo, CA. Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodations if needed.
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Saturday Lunch: Please bring your own lunch; snacks will be provided.
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Who Should Attend:
This workshop is for anyone who carries the weight of grief in their heart. Whether you are seeking solace, companionship, or a deeper understanding of your own journey, you are warmly welcomed into our circle of care and compassion.
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Cost:
Our commitment is to make this healing space accessible to all. Therefore, we offer tiered pricing based on financial needs- Tier 1: $175, Tier 2: $275, Tier 3: $375.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Please reach out if you require financial assistance.
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Let us walk together, hand in hand, as we tend to the sacred terrain of grief.
The Gates of Grief
The "Gates of Grief" is a framework developed by Francis Weller, a psychotherapist and author known for his work on grief and healing. In his book The Wild Edge of Sorrow, Weller outlines these "gates" as pathways through which grief enters our lives, emphasizing that grief is not limited to personal loss, but touches various aspects of our existence. Here's an overview of each gate:
1
Everything We Love, We Will Lose
This gate represents the most familiar form of grief: the loss of loved ones, relationships, and cherished things. Whether it’s the death of a family member, the end of a friendship, or the loss of a home, this gate reminds us that loss is a natural part of life. Everything we love and hold dear is subject to change and, eventually, loss. Facing this kind of grief helps us acknowledge the impermanence of life... Learn More
2
The Places That Have Not Known Love
The second gate involves grief connected to parts of ourselves that have not been fully loved or accepted. These might be aspects of our personality or life experiences that have been rejected, ignored, or wounded, either by ourselves or by others. This gate is often about the pain we carry from not being seen or valued, and it invites us to mourn the neglected or unloved parts of our being... Learn More
3
The Sorrows of The World
The third gate is grief related to the larger world—environmental degradation, social injustice, suffering, and violence. This grief stems from feeling the weight of the world’s pain, from witnessing the destruction of the natural world, and from the injustices that exist within society. This gate challenges us to remain compassionate and engaged, even when the scope of suffering feels overwhelming... Learn More
4
What We Expected and Did Not Receive
The fourth gate is about unmet expectations and the loss of what we hoped for but never received. This could be in relation to our childhood, relationships, careers, or any area of life where things did not turn out as we had envisioned. It acknowledges the gap between what we needed or wanted and what actually happened, and encourages us to grieve these unfulfilled longings... Learn More
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Ancestral Grief
The fifth gate involves the grief we inherit from our ancestors. This grief is passed down through generations and can involve unresolved traumas, losses, or unfinished emotional business from the past. This gate reminds us that we are not only shaped by our own experiences but also by the history of our families and communities. By honoring this grief, we begin to heal generational wounds... Learn More
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Trauma
The sixth gate stands as a significant gate of grief, embodying the deep emotional scars that arise from overwhelming experiences. Whether stemming from personal experiences, such as abuse or loss, or collective trauma faced by communities, this gate invites us to confront the raw pain that can often feel insurmountable. Trauma not only disrupts our sense of safety but also leaves us grappling with feelings of isolation and despair. Acknowledging this grief allows for a deeper understanding of how past events shape our present behaviors and relationships. By exploring trauma, we create pathways to healing, enabling us to process and integrate these experiences into our narratives, ultimately fostering resilience and connection... Learn More
7
The Gate of the Body
The grief associated with the harm we inflict upon ourselves and others can be profound and multifaceted. This gate compels us to reflect on our actions and their consequences, fostering a sense of accountability and awareness. It brings to light the feelings of regret, shame, and guilt that can linger when we recognize the impact of our choices on those around us, as well as on our own well-being. Acknowledging this grief is crucial for personal growth, as it encourages us to seek forgiveness and make amends. By confronting the harm we have caused, we can cultivate compassion for ourselves and others, transforming regret into opportunities for healing and deeper connections...Learn More
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Anticipatory Grief
Anticipatory grief encompasses the fears and anxieties that arise when we confront potential loss before it occurs. This gate invites us to acknowledge the uncertainty and dread that can accompany major life changes, such as illness, the end of relationships, or even societal shifts. Anticipatory grief is often characterized by a complex mix of emotions, including sadness, fear, and helplessness, as we grapple with the realities of what may come. By facing this grief, we create space for honest conversations about our fears, allowing us to process our emotions and prepare for the inevitable. Embracing anticipatory grief can ultimately lead to a greater appreciation for the present, fostering resilience as we navigate life’s uncertainties... Learn More
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