





“Grief has never been private, it has always been communal. Subconsciously, we are awaiting the presence of others, before we can feel safe enough to drop to our knees on the holy ground of sorrow. For the most part, grief is not a problem to be solved, not a condition to be medicated, but a deep encounter with an essential experience of being human. Grief becomes problematic when the conditions needed to help us work with grief are absent.” - Francis Weller
Our primary association with grief is the loss of a loved one but there are so many kinds of losses that don't have formal ceremonies that are important to honour. Unprocessed grief can accumulate in weight, dulling our senses and capacity for aliveness.
Inclusive Grief Circles are a safe, supportive space for all shapes, sizes and textures of grief- for the loss of our loved ones, for the childhood we did not get to have, for the parts of ourselves that have been rejected and exiled, for friendships and relationships with ambiguous endings, for opportunities we hoped for and miss, for homes and communities we are distanced from and yearn, for the suffering of the world and our fellow beings.
This inclusive grief circle is also an advocacy for compassionate and attentive grief work, for reshaping our understanding of and relationship with grief. It is a holding space, a container, a time and a deep permission to acknowledge our emotions, our connections, the ways we have been touched and transformed, and our humanity.
Check out when the next circle is here.
Testimonials
-
"For anyone experiencing the kind of sorrow this life can bring, with it's many disappointments and deeply felt tragedies I can only say this:- I have had a kind of quiet desperation hanging around my life for a while. I took my sadness and vulnerability to this group. We sat down, a group of strangers and made art. I worked furiously, and channeled as much of my pain into one piece, then made another to represent what I wanted to renew in my life. We then gathered for the ritual that I have needed for so long. We bought to each other much that is unsaid and unseen. I was listened to and received the gift of others stories of sadness and longing . I was astonished that these strangers were so like me. The whole time we were witnessed and kept safe by Xeia with such kindness and skill. I still feel the comfort and connection I found there and know that the healing continues to sink in. So if you have grief and have an urge to go to this process, know that you will be treated with kindness and care. I am so glad i took part in this wonderful experience. Thank you Xeia I hope to return again.".
Kim
-
“It’s truly a gift to take part in this facilitated grief circle practice with Xeia. Going in, I wasn’t too sure what to expect, only that I may feel sadness and come out having exposed some part of myself. However, any sadness felt was so cared for, and I left feeling much light. These rituals are a reminder to return to ourselves, our community and our humanity to heal not only our wounds, but nurture others. Thank you to Xeia and all present who held space to listen, and had trust to share those delicate matters close to the heart. Each story, a reminder that we are never alone in the universal experience of grief. Each story a reminder that where there is grief, there is a person with love.”
Gabrielle
-
“I recently attended Xeia’s grief workshop and found it to be a deeply moving and beautifully held experience. Xeia created a gentle and safe space for us to explore and honour our grief and her presence throughout was grounding and compassionate. The use of natural elements and candlelight added a calming, peaceful atmosphere which made the experience feel magical. I felt a genuine sense of connection with the others in the group and appreciated the opportunity to create meaningful art that allowed me to express myself in a healing way. Xeia has a remarkable gift for facilitating these spaces with care and intention.”
Alexandra
-
“The session was very therapeutic. As it was my first time attending something like this, I felt quite stumped expressing myself at some points so it was really eye-opening to hear a group of strangers share about thoughts that are so personal to them. I feel less alone today, knowing there are so many similarities (and also differences) in the ways we grieve and the dilemmas we face. It was a great experience and I appreciated the way Xeia had carried out the session. Thank you for inviting me to join.”
Vivianne
-
"This grief circle taught me the value of ceremony and community. It made me not afraid to express my emotions in a public space."
Darcy
-
“Having the space to allow and explore grief really support me and my life journey. Hearing others sharing about their own grief experience also helped me make sense of my own too.”
David (pseudonym)
-
“It was an insightful process. It helped me to have a space to slow down and turn off my brain in a group setting. Art has a way to fill in gaps that we might have trouble expressing after all. Bringing pieces of nature and making art together reminded me that we are connected: both in our grief, our expressions, and our inhabiting of this earth. Very grateful to Xeia for facilitating this session!”
Artemis
-
"The experience felt patient, regarded and healing. Although coming into quite anxious, the acceptance of the space created let that feeling slowly be replaced by mediative, emotional contemplation. Leaving just enough room for new thoughts to come, whilst also being able to think on old ones too. My feelings on grief were supported by what felt like an inclusive community of people going through the same thing as me, although at completely different stages and from different perspectives. "
Jack
-
"My experience in this workshop was beautiful and I'm so grateful for it. Xeia curated a wonderful space and gently guided us to explore what grief is, what grief we are holding and how to be vulnerable with this in a sharing space. I very much appreciated the experience of being able to open up a internal box of pain, touch some of it, and a sense of calm acceptance to be able to close the box again. To see everyone else in the group do the same and hold space for each other was remarkable."
Trish
-
"I enjoyed the experience. I felt listened to, acknowledged and seen by all in attendance. I left with a feeling that what I was grieving became more legitimate through having it represented physically and through having that art seen by others."
Coby (pseudonym)
-
“I really love this grief support circle that Xeia had organised. It gives us all a space to share our experiences and to be there for each other, even for a little while. I feel the compassion and care from others, even though we are online and we were virtual strangers. I think in this day and time, it’s very hard to find people who actually care about what you are going through so today was a blessing indeed just to be in this grief circle. I feel many of us do not know how to process grief on our own, so it really helps for us to be in such a kind and compassionate circle where everyone’s voices are heard.”
Ida