The Alchemy of Presence: An Embodied Grief Ritual for Freedom and Levity

Grief lives not only in our hearts but also in our bodies, our energy, and the collective field we all share. In this workshop, we will gather in sacred space to name, witness, and release what we are carrying—both our own grief and the grief we may unknowingly hold for others. Together, we will explore the alchemy of grief as a doorway to presence, healing, and levity.

We begin by entering in silence, smudging and grounding ourselves in meditation, and opening the circle through simple practices of naming what we carry. This act of being seen and witnessed in authenticity creates the foundation for deep trust and presence.

From there, we move into embodiment practices designed to help us discern what is truly ours and what belongs to the collective. With teachings on shadow work, guided body awareness meditations, and gentle somatic movements, you will be supported in releasing energies and grief that are not yours to carry. Through journaling and reflection, you will deepen your awareness of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies, reconnecting with your inner clarity and wisdom.

As we continue, we invite the presence of the sacred. Through guided energy practices, we “plug back in” to Source, remembering that we are not alone and that divine presence is always available to refill, empower, and support us. In this space of surrender, you will experience the safety and freedom that comes when we allow grief to move through rather than harden within us.

The heart of the workshop culminates in a Collective Grief Ritual—a shared space to honor what has been lost, to release together, and to invite joy, levity, and connection back into our lives. With music, movement, and meditation, we close in blessing, carrying forward a renewed sense of presence, lightness, and trust in the journey.

Participants will walk away feeling:

• More embodied and grounded in their own presence
  
• Freer from carrying grief that does not belong to them
  
• Connected to both their higher self and the collective field of healing
  
• Lighter, more open, and safe to access levity amidst grief
  

This gathering is for anyone who wishes to honor grief as sacred, release old energies, and experience the alchemy of presence. Together, we create space for both sorrow and joy, heaviness and lightness, silence and song.

Please bring a journal and pen (we will have extra paper and pens available) and an open and curious heart.

Host or Publisher Wendy Black Stern