Sacred Grief: A Workshop & Ritual
Facilitated by Lauren Samay and Geoff Cox
When: November 5th from 1-6 PM
(actual end time may be earlier than this depending on the length of the rituals)
Where: A private home and small retreat center in Afton, VA
30 minutes from Charlottesville
Cost: $60
Be it through the death of a loved one or a living loss like: a relationship, an identity, climate crisis or the anguish of a war-torn world, Grief is continually present in our lives. Its weight can feel unbearable, and when Grief gets stuck or blended with shame, despair, or resignation, it often leads to withdrawal and ambivalence toward life. Yet Grief is latent with lessons and incomparable beauty of what you may find remaining in its wake.
Ritual and community support allow our Grief to heal us, open us, and lead us to new shapes of wholeness and aliveness. This is hard, necessary work, and it can be difficult to give ourselves permission and time to Mourn. Within the sacred, supportive Grief Circle, you will have the opportunity to lighten the load of your soul by allowing emotions to surface, be held and released, while witnessing your Grief and the Grief of others. You may give voice to as much or as little as you would like, as the collective circle serves as a vessel for you to pour your sorrows.
The flow of the event:
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In the first half of the afternoon, we will reflect on our relationships with Grief and explore ways of moving through Grief in a life-giving way. We will create a table of remembrance, share intentions, engage in meaningful dialogue and learn about ways to support healthy Grief
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We will have a break to walk the land, eat meals or snacks that you have brought and prepare for the rituals
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We will then transition into two Grief rituals centered around the healing power of the elements of water and fire. Weather permitting, these will be outside by a creek and conclude with a fire ritual
We welcome you as you are. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Some participants may be moved to share a lot and let a lot of emotion move through. Others may be in more silent, inner contemplation around Grief.
Please email Geoff at geoff@geoffcoxhealingarts.com if you would like to attend but are unsure it this program is appropriate for you
Lauren Samay
Lauren is a Life Coach with a focus on Grief, End of Life, and other Transitions. She is based in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of central Virginia yet supports individuals worldwide facing loss who want to mourn well and use their Grief as a catalyst to live better, fuller days.
She says: "I wouldn’t be perpetually striving to serve those navigating the many turns, weights, and colors of Grief, or reach a new normal, without having walked the unknown steps myself. Especially through the death of my mother, I have realized the truest depths of Love and growth, that bittersweetly only Grief can cast light upon. Life *is* possible after profound loss– I am living proof. And you don’t have to go through it alone."
Learn more about Lauren @ laurensamay.com
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Geoff Cox
In addition to being an Integral Facilitator and Integral Professional Coach, Geoff is a licensed acupuncturist, somatic trauma bodyworker, meditation teacher, and conflict mediator. They have been facilitating retreats and workshops related to emotional resilience, meditation, conflict, and intimacy for 15 years.
Geoff also teaches about facilitation, leadership, qi gong, and emotional resilience at the University of Virginia.
Learn more about Geoff here.
COVID Protocols: We require that folks have a negative COVID test within 24 hours of the beginning of the event and that you let us know if you have any symptoms or have a known exposure prior to the event. Masks are optional.
Cancellations/refund: You can cancel with a full refund by 9 AM on October 22nd. If you test positive for COVID, have clear COVID symptoms, or have a known exposure that included close contact, you can cancel with a full refund up until the start of the event. Space is very limited, so please do not use the COVID cancellation unless it is genuine.
Note on Cost: We have the ability to offer a few individuals a reduced rate for this workshop. Please email Geoff at geoffcoxhealingarts.com to see if this option is available if it would allow you to be able to attend.