Imbolc Workshop & Ritual

Imbolc is a cross-quarter holiday marking the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. We are still in the dark time of year, but the light is gradually returning more and more each day. Life is beginning to stir underground, in new buds and rising sap. This is a time of potential, transformation and healing - in the landscape and in our bodies.

At our grief circle on February 1st, we will gather to welcome the shift in seasons through meditation, Qigong and ritual. Recognizing that many of our hearts are heavy with grief for those who have lost their lives to ICE, genocide, white supremacy and misogyny, we'll also make space for whatever is most present on our minds and hearts. Our Imbolc ritual will focus on individual and collective healing.

What to Expect

Special guest Marcus Tenaglia is returning to lead us in some Qigong practices aligned with the energetics of the season. Qigong is the art and practice of affecting the movement and quality of energy. This ancient Chinese healing art combines meditation, controlled breathing, and movement exercises to cultivate and harmonize the qi (or "life energy") for improved physical, mental and emotional well being.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, this time of the year is the cusp of when the densification power of Metal (Lung) gives over to the rising Yang of Wood which can no longer be contained. It's the moment just before the burgeoning of Spring, when our power is just below the surface, ready to reconnect with the world but not yet fully expressed outwardly. Through Qigong, we will work with both Metal and Wood energy in preparation for this transition from contained to expressed.

Our Imbolc ritual will honor this shift toward Spring as well as the land, the water, and collective healing. Participants will be invited to plant seeds for future growth and collective thriving as we move toward toward the lighter, more expansive time of year.

This event is part of a series of Grief Circles happening this winter on the first and third Sunday of each month. Come to one or all, as you feel called. Grounded in The Work That Reconnects, these grief circles provide a space to gather in community, honor our grief (both personal and collective), make sense of the moment we’re in, and dream into our role in building a more just and liberatory world.

Space is limited - registration in advance is required.

No prior experience necessary.

Sliding scale monetary contributions will cover the costs of the space, supplies, and some of the facilitators' time. 20% of all funds raised will be donated to Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Accessibility and Health Information:

The Friends Meetinghouse is ADA accessible.

There will be air purifiers running. Masking is not required but is very welcome.

If you've been exposed to anyone who's sick or you're experiencing symptoms, please stay home.

Contact springcreekherbs -at- gmail.com with any questions.

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About the Facilitators:

Abigail Singer is a facilitator, organizational development consultant, and grief worker. She’s been active in movements for social and environmental justice since the late 90s, and has come to see grief work as a necessary and powerful tool for healing and transformation on personal, community and societal levels. In this workshop series, Abigail draws from many years of experience practicing group facilitation, mindfulness meditation, holistic medicine, and Earth-based ritual. She's been facilitating grief work in the tradition of The Work That Reconnects since 2017.

Marcus Tenaglia is a Qigong and Medical Qigong practitioner whose own healing journey with those arts has inspired him to share their deep value with others who are interested.

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