Autumn Grief Circles at Shanti Bee

We all carry grief, you don’t need to be bereaved to attend. If you are grieving an ending, regret, challenging diagnosis, unrealised hopes, climate damage, world events/injustices or any other kind of loss or life change you are also warmly welcomed.

Join North East death doulas Beth Coverdale, Charlotte Willoughby, Gloria Ferguson and Karen Parry as we hold these special and intimate spaces three times throughout the darkening autumn, to share, listen and witness our sorrow in community with others.

A grief circle is a community space and group process to tend to our heavy hearts. Grief comes in many forms, it may be in response to a bereavement or varied life experiences of loss. Each person’s grief is unique, and there isn’t always an obvious place to express it. Our welcoming gatherings offer a supportive & compassionate environment to share experiences, and express our grief together without trying to 'fix' each other.

In September and November we will follow the trees' lead and lean into the season of letting go, gathering to acknowledge and release some of the stories and emotions that it can be difficult to find a home for.

It isn't always easy to talk about endings, loss, and the ordinary pain of being human - but when we do, we invite an unexpected kind of alchemy which can ultimately bring us to more wholeness and acceptance.

** Please note ** Although the process may feel therapeutic, the circles are not psychotherapy or counselling, and are not a subsitute for those kinds of support.

What to expect:

The circles will each open and close with a grounding meditation, and we'll set boundaries together for a safe and welcoming space. There will be an opportunity for people to speak about their experiences, leading up to a simple healing ritual and release of what we've heard & shared. Afterwards we can signpost to further support for anyone who needs it.

Dates:

The dates of the circles draw on the energy of key moments in the season (these are not 'themes' as such - just offering natural punctuation points in our journey through the last part of the year). Each circle stands alone, but together they represent an opportunity to build an ongoing grief-tending practice - so you are welcome to attend any one or two circles, or all three.

Saturday 20 September (2-4pm) - Autumn Equinox - hosted by Beth & Charlotte

Saturday 1 November (2-4pm) - Festivals of the dead(Samhain/Hallowe'en, Dia de los Muertos, All Souls' Day) hosted by Beth & Gloria

Saturday 29 November (2-4pm) - Transition into winter - hosted by Beth & Karen

Additional information:

Suitable for adults aged 18+

Please treat yourself self-responsibly, with care and compassion, and only join if it feels right for you - consider whether talking or hearing about grief is likely to negatively impact your mental health.

If you're unsure, or have any other questions, drop Beth from Robber's Daughter a line at [email protected] or 07474228176 (leave a message).

The space:

Located on Algernon Road, Shanti Bee offers a cosy, tranquil setting for reflection and conversation. The space is wheelchair accessible, and the toilet is gender neutral. There is plenty of free on-street parking around the building.

We will be in the main workshop area, with a choice of cushions and chairs, and there is a smaller room which is available as a breakout space should anyone need it.

Shanti Bee has a range of herbal teas available for an optional donation, and we will also provide a few biscuits or cakes, including vegan options (let us know if you have any allergies or other dietary requirements).

What do I need to do/prepare/bring?

Arrive 5-10 mins early, giving yourself plenty of time to grab a cuppa/use the loo and settle into the space for a prompt start at 2pm.

Please do feel free to bring anything additional you need to be comfortable - comfy clothes, woolly socks, a pre-filled hot water bottle, blanket, your favourite type of tea etc.

You are warmly invited (not obliged) to bring a token, memento, photo etc. that represents, or makes you feel connected to, the person or life chapter/situation you are grieving.

Come as you are - no need to be 'fit for company'. All of you is welcome.

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