Grief-tending Gathering: Weekend Retreat 

Facilitators: Sophy Banks, Rohan Narse and Amie Roberts

A two-day grief-tending gathering that honours the sacred space of sorrow and remembrance, both personal and ancestral. This work draws on the teachings of Sobonfu and Malidoma Some of the Dagara of West Africa, Joanna Macy and the guidance of Francis Weller, particularly as shared in his book The Wild Edge of Sorrow and the Grief Tending in Community practices developed by Sophy Banks. The wisdom from these traditions form the foundation of our shared work.

About the Day

We will come together in a space held with warmth, care, and shared intention. Through guided rituals, gentle practices, and shared silence and song, we will meet the many layers, expressions and sources of grief, those we carry individually, communally, and through our lineages.

The journey gives time to build trust together, help grief to surface, express and witness grief, and integrate, to be ready to return to our lives. We will include rest, nature connection, and shared meals. The gathering will close by 4.30 PM on the second day. All practices are invitational and held within a confidential circle.

Practical Information

Times: 

Saturday 27th September: 10.00am-5.30pm, with optional shared meal and fire in the evening

Sunday 28th September: 9.30am- 4.30pm

Joining the Gathering:

If you feel drawn to join, please fill out our application form  https://www.shiningdarkness.com/application/ . This step is part of the care protocol to ensure we are best placed to support all who gather in this space. Upon its receipt, we will ask for payment to confirm your place. 

Contribution

To support accessibility, we offer a sliding scale for contributions:

– £125, £160, or £195, depending on your means.

Spaces are limited to maintain intimacy and depth and we advise booking early. If cost is a barrier, please get in touch with us directly.

Food: Meals can be booked separately with Emerson College through bookings@emerson.org.uk or you are welcome to bring your own. 

Accommodation: Available at Emerson College through bookings@emerson.org.uk

See more about Sophy’s work to develop shared Grief Tending practices here, and about her journey on this page https://grieftending.org/about-us/

If you have any questions about the gathering, please feel free to get in touch with us at support@shiningdarkness.com.