Ritual for Metabolizing & Grounding Grief

We live within a flavor of modernity terrified of emotional intensity, whether that be elation or sorrow. As a result, the gorgeous energetic spells we are mandated to harvest through the gift of grief often calcify instead, creating numbness and anger. The intention of this ceremony is to create a collective space to move, raise, and ground our grief, rooting in song, movement, and a container facilitated by unflinching love. We would love to practice this with you.

Grief is a vessel for joy, and joy is a vessel for grief. The two cannot live without the other. 

This ritual is based on the bones of ritual shared by Laurence Cole and Therese Charvet, both of whom studied deeply with Sobonfu and Malidoma Somé of the Dagara people. 

While you will be invited to share your story at times, the heart of the ceremony will be non-verbal, centered around singing, dancing, and grieving at the altar. This is to say: the body is welcome to express itself however this expression arises.

Here’s a short interview with Maris Harmon sharing more about the upcoming ceremony.

This space is here to support you, to be witnessed and to witness, to learn how to hold what needs holding, move what needs moving, tend what needs tending, and release what is no longer in service to your wellbeing or your lineage.

If you’re feeling curious but unsure what to expect, this video offers a deeper look into the intention behind the work and what the ceremony will hold.

Learn more and hear from Maris

This ceremony is co-ed and nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Arrival:

• Arrive to Rootstock (1429 Beach Hill Road, West Glover, VT) between 5:30-6:00pm.  Head to The Belly, our 30′ yurt upon arrival. Please arrive on time and allow space to settle in so we can begin promptly at 6:30 PM.

Who this is for: 

• Anyone with a beating heart and a soul still knocking on the door. If you carry individual griefs, if you carry collective griefs, if you carry planetary griefs, they are welcomed and belong. 

Materials needed: 

• Altar items: symbols of your grief, your rage, your longing, your love, your guardians, your helpers
• Comfort items: blankets, pillows, stuffed animals
• Journal & pen
• Any snacks or hydration you need to tend yourself well

Overnight Accommodations:  Accommodations are available for folks wanting to spend the night with options ranging from $40 bunks in the Belly to private, off-grid cabins.  Upon registration you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to reserve accommodations.

Preparation: Maris & Avery have prepared a wonderful invitation to prepare for this work that includes songs to listen to and learn, some reading and videos and, upon registration you will receive that info.

There is much to grieve in this strange world we’re inhabiting and we’re looking forward to learning new ways to tend that grief in community.  We’re looking forward to welcoming you here.

If you feel called to this gathering and cost is a barrier, please reach out to hi@rootstockretreat.com. Sliding scale pricing is available, and we’re happy to work with you to find a way to get you here.