Grief Circle with White Tara

"Grief and loss touch us all. When we gather in community for a grief ritual, the many tributaries of sorrow flow into the room. They swirl around us, touching everyone in the circle. We listen as the faces of loss are named: the death of a partner, a child, a marriage; the suicide of a parent or sibling; sacer and its rapacious consumtion of life; a home lost through foreclosure; broken childhoods filled with alcoholism, violence, and neglect; the lingering scars of those who fought in wars; chronic illnesses that depress and debilitate; lives lost to addiction; and a prevailing sorrow for our struggling world. As we come to the end of the sharing, there is a dawning recognition that this is our shared sorrow, the communal cup from which we all drink. It is ours to hold and gradually empty. We do this together as we enter the healing ground."  

                                                                               - Francis Weller, The Wild Edge of Sorrow

White Tara

In both Hinduism and Buddhism, Tara (which means "star" in Sanskrit), is a representation of the Divine Feminine. In Tibetan Buddhism, she takes form in 21 different emanations, in an array of different colors. In this tradition, White Tara is considered to be the Mother of all Buddhas, and she holds all who walk this earth in love and compassion. She is always swift to act whenever she is called upon, and is therefore known as "The Wish-fulfilling Wheel". She is known for compassion, long life, healing, and serenity.

Chanting

Chanting can be a healing experience for a multitude of reasons, including psychological, physiological, and spiritual aspects. It involves both breath control and resonance/ vibration, which promote healing through decreasing stress and lowering blood pressure, as well as increasing endorphins  (the body's natural painkillers).  

It can also help to express emotions, that may be difficult to articulate in words because they are stuck deep within our bodies. This release can be therapeutic and can provide relief from grief, stress, or anxiety. 

In the context of this gathering, the repetitive nature of the chant, combined with its spiritual significance, allows participants to connect with their grief in a safe, supported environment. The chanting provides a structure for focusing attention and expressing emotions, facilitating healing through emotional release, building community, and spiritual connection.

Objectives of the Gathering:

• To provide a safe, supportive environment for individuals to share and process their grief.
• To introduce and practice chanting to White Tara for healing, wisdom, and compassion.
• To offer a space for silent meditation, fostering a deeper connection with Self.
• To foster emotional connection, community, and belonging among the participants.
• To offer tools and practices that participants can utilize in their ongoing journey of healing.

Who is it for?

This workshop is open and beneficial to anyone who is experiencing grief or has experienced it in the past. This could include individuals who have faced the loss of a loved one, ended a relationship, missed out on opportunities, or even lost a part of their self-identity. It can also apply to those experiencing a sense of loss related to societal issues like the climate crisis or other global events.

The workshop can be particularly meaningful to those seeking a spiritual or meditative approach to healing, as it incorporates Tibetan Buddhist practices and teachings. However, it is not restricted to persons of any particular faith or spiritual background.

From absolute beginners to those experienced in meditation or chanting, all are welcome. The focus is on creating a supportive, shared space for expressing, understanding, and working through grief. The key requirement is an openness to engage with one's feelings and to explore new methods of healing and personal growth.

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Details

Date: Sunday, 05 November 2023

Time: 18:30 - 20:30

What to bring:

• Mala beads (no worries if you don’t have any!)
• any sadness, pain, or worry that is resting on your heart
• a notebook and pen, for journaling and/or drawing
• an open mind and heart

Rough timeline for the gathering:

     18:30 - Welcome and introduction + Opening the circle

     19:00 - Sharing circle

     19:30 - Chanting + silent meditation     Break

     19:45 - Journal-writing + reflecting circle

     20:15 - Closing the circle

     20:30 - Parting ways

**This experience will be led in English, though you are welcome to share på norsk**

About Laura

I am a yoga teacher, reiki master, and shamanic practitioner, channeling universal life-force energy (reiki) through sonic vibration and healing touch. Together with my spirit guides, I bring healing to my clients both energetically and with practical advice and modalities.

I believe that true healing comes from within. My holistic approach to wellness and well-being is centered around mindfulness and meditation, reiki, and sound healing. Having studied and practiced these disciplines for many years, I understand the power of these ancient healing methods and the transformative effects they can have on one’s life, because I have experienced it first hand, and with my clients.

I invite you to join me on a journey of transformation, healing and self-discovery. Through my teachings, I strive to help you to find balance, peace and joy in your life. . . and beyond.

Learn more about me and my offerings for individuals at laurawhitebeyond.com Find and follow me on Instagram @laurawhitebeyond

Read my writing and experience more reiki-led journeys and meditations on Substack