HEIDI DARR-HOPE

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The Upward Spiral of Grief

Creating a Visual Memorial

Two all day bereavement retreats are held each year.

One in the spring, in-between the Spring Equinox and Easter.

One in the fall, just prior to All Saints and All Souls Day.

Art in a tin box
Participant at retreat
Grief box creation

Loss of a loved one creates a deep, often unexpected, schism in our life's journey. Because of our culture's discomfort and disengagement with the reality of death, we lack sufficient resources to properly heal. Unaddressed, unresolved grief has far-reaching implications that affect our spiritual and physical well-being.

The process of creating a visual memorial allows us to be fully present with the beauty and pain of loss. We can finally release internalized or avoided emotions, anguish, and judgments from self or others. The presence of a group of similarly courageous individuals grappling with death creates a nurturing environment that fosters trust, understanding, and lends much needed support.

“The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing… not healing, not curing… that is a friend who cares.”

— Henri Nouwen