Grief Ritual Preparation
Please Read Thoroughly
Opening to Darkness: Community Grief Ritual
We are so glad to come together to feel, move, write, immerse in nature, drum, dance, sing, and create a village together to honor and transform our grief into the next season of its journey.
Please read the information below carefully. It is important to prepare and bring all the items listed, as they are key to the success of the ritual. Be tender with yourself as you prepare. For many of you the ritual has already begun upon your registration. (Please take note of the video shared below, and take this in sometime before the ritual.)
Please confirm that you've read and understood this preparatory material so we know you have everything you need to create a powerful experience together.
We look forward to coming together. Come exactly as you are. All of you. Your grief is medicine. Your presence is celebrated!
With Love and Good Grief,
Mikyö Black-Wangmo
Ritual Preparation
What to bring
For the Ritual:
Flowers or greenery in a vase (important as offering of beauty)
Photographs of loved ones including ancestors, pets, yourself, your childhood, beloved places, meaningful symbols
Special and cherished items to place on altar
Handkerchief-sized fabric of your choice (something non-synthetic, as this will be burned in the fire ceremony)
Drums and rattles (optional)
Veil or shroud (optional)
An offering of dry staple foods that kept your ancestors nourished for our mandala. We have used beans, wheat, rice, lentils, seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, corn, etc.), nuts, favorite spices, honey, and soon.
For your Journey:
Journals and pens, pencils, markers
Cushion, Blanket, Slippers, Socks, and anything else to support your comfort - Water bottle, mug, travel mug
Lunch ( Saturday & Sunday)
Any special food items and snacks that are important to you
Comfortable and ceremonial clothing
Bathing suit and towel (optional for river bathing)
Walking shoes
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
Umbrella, rain shoes, rain jacket:
SACRED PREPARATION AND INTEGRATION
Ritual Preparation Call: Saturday March 15th 10am-12pm pst, on Zoom. This call is important as we orient toward the ritual, especially if this is your first time. If you are not able to make it at that time please make about 75 mins in your schedule to watch the recording before the ritual.
Intake Form: Please fill out this intake form before the ritual for so that we may get to know you.
Please create sacred time (about 70 minutes total) of stillness to receive this powerful teaching before Friday the 21st by Martin Prechtel, Grief & Praise (3 part series) if you haven’t heard it already.
Ritual Integration Call: Saturday April 5th, 2025 9:30-11:15 am pst on Zoom
The Ritual is the beginning. It is important to make time in the week to 10 days post ritual to rest, integrate, ground, and have spacious time to reflect. If possible please schedule some integration time for yourself during that period.
Logistics
LOCATION: Highlands Park Senior Center: 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA 95005
SCHEDULE:
Saturday March 15th 10am-12pm pst - Ritual Preparation Call (virtual)
Friday, March 21st, 5:00 pm – 9:15 pm
Saturday, March 22nd, 9:15 am – 5:15 pm
Sunday, March 23rd, 9:15 am – 5:30 pm, followed by sacred fire at Seabright Beach (optional and highly encouraged -- loved ones and family welcomed)
Saturday April 5th, 9:30 - 11:15 am Ritual Integration Call (virtual)
*To support the integrity of the container and the journey, we ask for your full attendance for the entirety of the event.
COVID SAFETY: Please do not come if you are feeling ill, or have had any known exposure.
LOGISTICAL PREPARATION: Weather can fluctuate so be prepared for a range of temperatures and potential rain. Dress in layers and clothing that will allow you to move, stretch and breathe easily during the weekend. Consider wearing clothing that is beautiful and feels ceremonial to you.
LUNCH, BREAKS, SNACKS:
We typically take 45 min lunch breaks each day around 1pm. Please bring a lunch for yourself each day. There is a refrigerator available for our use.
There will not a place to heat up your food, so bring food in containers that will keep it warm.
We have a short morning and afternoon break Saturday and a break in the morning Sunday. Feel free to bring snacks to eat at these times and for the sacred fire on Sunday evening.
Please bring a reusable, closed-top water bottle and/or mug. Tea will be provided.