Community Grief Ritualtending our hearts and souls together
In the words of Sobonfu Somé, “Communal grieving offers something that we cannot get when we grieve by ourselves. Through validation, acknowledgement and witnessing, communal grieving allows us to experience a level of healing that is deeply and profoundly freeing. Each of us has a basic human right to that genuine love, happiness and freedom.”
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Grief and all that goes with it, is a completely natural response and emotion to feel. It can be tough living in our world-heartbreak is real and it knows no boundaries! But we don't want it to be the glasses we see the world with. The world is full of magic, beauty, and love too.
It's easy to distract and numb ourselves so we don't have to feel those uncomfortable feelings- especially when injustice can be found everyday.
It's not about "getting over it" or "moving on" - but there is a shift that happens in our body, mind, heart, and spirit, when we acknowledge how our hearts are hurting and allow ourselves to fully feel the pain of life- with others present and in support.
Tending to our grief in community is a powerful antidote to our death and grief phobic culture. The idea of sharing and getting messy in front of others can be scary- yet is can also be incredibly freeing and connective -it is something all humans share!
It's easy to distract and numb ourselves so we don't have to feel those uncomfortable feelings- especially when injustice can be found everyday.
It's not about "getting over it" or "moving on" - but there is a shift that happens in our body, mind, heart, and spirit, when we acknowledge how our hearts are hurting and allow ourselves to fully feel the pain of life- with others present and in support.
Tending to our grief in community is a powerful antidote to our death and grief phobic culture. The idea of sharing and getting messy in front of others can be scary- yet is can also be incredibly freeing and connective -it is something all humans share!
This ritual calls upon the healing elements in nature -even if we have to be indoors because of intense weather. Since the beginning people have returned to nature and its elements to help with healing of tensions brought on by life's challenges.
This grief ritual is led in gratitude for Malidoma and Sobonfu Some, whose life mission it was bring these ancient teachings to this continent so that this culture can reconnect. It is being done with permission. Much gratitude for all the other indigenous teachers that shared and are still sharing their teachings for the healing and health of the planet.
May we connect with ourselves and each other in love and grief for the health and the wholeness of all of life.
May we be like the water that moves easily and freely over and around obstacles, feeding and bringing peace to all those it gently touches and cleanses.
May we connect with ourselves and each other in love and grief for the health and the wholeness of all of life.
May we be like the water that moves easily and freely over and around obstacles, feeding and bringing peace to all those it gently touches and cleanses.
This weekend ritual is not just a simple ritual, it is also a sharing space where teachings are shared about grief from an indigenous lens, ritual and how it works and what it does, how to do it safely and what to do when you leave, and so much more.
There is no sorrow to small or too big. All can be transmuted and released from our systems. We will still know it exists and is there, but it won't have hold on our hearts in the same way.
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"Denied an outward expression, grief grows stronger and organizes itself like a hurricane that can rise up and sweep us away. In my village, emotion is ritualized because it is seen as a sacred thing. If addressed within a sacred space, the emotions of grief can provide powerful relief and healing." Malidoma Some
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Community Grief Ritual
November 7 & 8, 2026 10am-10am
Location: Soulcraft Bloomington
For: All Adults Wlecome
Cost: $75-$125 sliding scale, work trade available
There will be teachings shared, time alone to journal and process, creation of the ritual space, the ritual itself, and then a closing. Being present for the beginning and end of things is important -it closes the bundle and demarcates time and space for our spirits.
We STRONGLY recommend spending the night. When we enter a ritual space, we are letting go of the logical mind and allowing our heart to come first, along with our spirit. We want to listen to our body, and our heart, setting aside the judgements and analyzation that our logical mind brings. It is much safer to not drive a car after deep ritual. We also recommend having an easy Sunday planned. Your body and heart will be tender and want to rest. DO things that are nourishing and not stressful! Let your heart be soft for a while. This doesn't mean being alone- it can be- but perhaps going on a picnic with family or watching a fun movie with kids can be nourishing.
As a way to keep costs low we ask that you bring food for the weekend-a lunch for yourself, a dinner to share potluck style, and a breakfast for the morning.
You will be sent a welcome letter and gear list once you register!
We ask that you please share with us if you believe yourself to be in a mental health crisis, and if so, what support you have available. Grief Rituals are tremendously healing, and can also expose and open traumas and past wounds. We care deeply that this is an appropriate choice for all who attend.
***Grief Rituals are not a substitute for therapy or mental health care.***
Register Here
Feel free to email to ask questions! [email protected]
Location: Soulcraft Bloomington
For: All Adults Wlecome
Cost: $75-$125 sliding scale, work trade available
There will be teachings shared, time alone to journal and process, creation of the ritual space, the ritual itself, and then a closing. Being present for the beginning and end of things is important -it closes the bundle and demarcates time and space for our spirits.
We STRONGLY recommend spending the night. When we enter a ritual space, we are letting go of the logical mind and allowing our heart to come first, along with our spirit. We want to listen to our body, and our heart, setting aside the judgements and analyzation that our logical mind brings. It is much safer to not drive a car after deep ritual. We also recommend having an easy Sunday planned. Your body and heart will be tender and want to rest. DO things that are nourishing and not stressful! Let your heart be soft for a while. This doesn't mean being alone- it can be- but perhaps going on a picnic with family or watching a fun movie with kids can be nourishing.
As a way to keep costs low we ask that you bring food for the weekend-a lunch for yourself, a dinner to share potluck style, and a breakfast for the morning.
You will be sent a welcome letter and gear list once you register!
We ask that you please share with us if you believe yourself to be in a mental health crisis, and if so, what support you have available. Grief Rituals are tremendously healing, and can also expose and open traumas and past wounds. We care deeply that this is an appropriate choice for all who attend.
***Grief Rituals are not a substitute for therapy or mental health care.***
Register Here
Feel free to email to ask questions! [email protected]