What Is a Grief Circle?

In many cultures throughout history, grief was held by the community. People gathered to tell stories, remember, or sit in silence, to remind one another that loss is part of being human.

This circle seeks to reclaim some of that wisdom, by creating a facilitated gathering of people coming together to share, listen, and reflect.

Our intention here is not to offer advice or find solutions. We are creating a powerful space to be present in all that is, for ourselves and others. Let’s honor each other, accepting the present moment, as it shows up in each of our lives.

When grief has a compassionate witness that leaves judgment at the door, transformation is possible. We feel less alone, knowing that our longing to be seen and accepted for exactly who we are, no matter the emotional state we are in.
We discover that sharing our true self with others is a gift of compassion,
met with empathy.

We can be reminded that sorrow need not be a private isolating experience,
but should connect us to our community; herein lies the strength and magic of
our shared humanity.

This circle serves as a place where our stories become a part of the communal record, an oral history that holds space for what is true in each of us. Our personal loss is felt by others who grapple with their own struggles and they are seen by us. Together, we explore these emotional waves crashing down in our own unique way, at our own pace- whether it is with silence, tearfulness, laughter, listlessness, or even anger. We strive toward gratitude for being here in the present,
with our hearts open.

When grief has space to exist, it can become a source of understanding, wisdom and compassion. The discomfort we experience will change us, creating a catalyst for growth and ultimately a deeper connection to life.

The strength of the Circle lies in our respect for each other. No pressure, just the core principles that cultivate trust: commitment to confidentiality, non-violence, punctuality, and respect for boundaries.