Cacao & sound | Women circle: to grieve

Dearest women,

Around this exact date my body chooses a day to go in a state of grief. I will take a day off to tell my body: 'On this day you get to grieve'. When I was 10 years old, my family lost our father abruptly. Life had broken his heart, and he had to go. So he made his permanent choice. About 8 years later I was able to face the biggest part of my process, after I was able to bring in compassion next to my anger. After I dared to open up to my family about what was keeping me in resentment for years.

Now, 19 years later, I look back on everything that happened with so much love. This took a lot of work, and it returns every year in some way. So the work continues. This work has shown me how you can experience grief. And give it an outlet. It comes up more often then loss of a person. It's a natural emotion that comes looking around the corner organically every now and then anyway. It is part of the emotional spectrum and has many forms. It is not something that you can just process, and be done with. You grow with it, you grow from it. And once you are ready to deepen, it will come around once again.

Sometimes it feels like a heavy weight on my chest, sometimes I freeze completely or I can only cry. And other years my grief journey makes me feel completely empowered and I make big life decisions (like quitting my job last year on the passing day). Anyway, the body remembers and space needs to feel.

So this circle is an invitation to every women, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, niece, that has experienced grief. It doesn't matter if you have lost someone, simply, if you recognize your grief, be welcome to step into the space to dedicate some time to it.

For the first time I like to open the space for the younger sisters from 10-18 years old, accompanied by their female parent or legal guardian. It's important to me that the new generation learns about the different forms of grief. To me, grief, still feels grandly misunderstood within Western society and even taboo sometimes. Let's change that.

What to expect?

- A tender, intentional and loving circle

- Sharing

- Learning about the different forms of grief

- A cup of heart-opening cacao

- Gratitude prayers

- Dedication to your lost one(s)

- Gentle movement practice to help the body process

- A sound journey with crystal bowls, flute, singing and more

What to bring?

- Wear a warm, layered, comfortable outfit

- A journal and pen

- Your favorite, vegetarian snack

- An item or small picture of your angel on the other side

If this is you, be welcome to step into the space where all of your experiences are okay, there are no rights and wrongs about this topics. Feel free to reach out privately via email ([email protected]) if you have any concerns or questions.

Warm hug,

Maartje

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Disclaimers ✨

1. This circle is not therapy or professional mental health care. It is a communal, ceremonial space of sharing and connection.

2. If you are currently in acute crisis or require professional support, please reach out to a trusted therapist, doctor, or crisis service alongside joining.

3. Everything shared in the circle stays confidential. Each participant is asked to honor the privacy and stories of others.

4. Participation is voluntary; you are always free to step aside, rest, or leave the circle if something feels too intense.

5. The practices offered (cacao, movement, sound journey) are gentle and optional—please listen to your own body and only join what feels supportive. Some medications don't go well with cacao. Please reach out beforehand if you are taking anti-depressants or blood-thinning Medic*tion. Also, if you have an allergy of any kind, please let me know so I can adapt the cacao recipe accordingly.

6. For younger sisters (10–18), presence of a female parent or legal guardian is required.

7. By attending, you agree to take self-responsibility for your own well-being throughout the gathering.

8. Cancelations within 48 hours of the event are non-refundable.

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Host or Publisher Maartje Brand