Cacao & Grief Song Circle Gathering & Fundraiser

You are invited to join in the practice of presencing both joy & grief that are so entwined amidst our individual and collective experience of being human in this world.

Join in this nourishing heart centered journey to connect through your own body and soul in community as we honor the wholeness of life; the loss and grief as well as the abundance and joy at this changing time of the harvest. This gathering will be a fundraiser to support the upcoming Grief Ritual Training that Hilary has been helping to organize and will be attending along with other local leaders, Mindy Taylor and Deb Hansen, to bring collective grief rituals to our local community.

During this gathering, we will begin in an intentional circle with ceremonial cacao, an organic ethically sourced plant medicine that opens the heart and expands consciousness, which will be optional (there will also be tea available). Ceremonial cacao is served as a warm beverage, and is a gentle healing ally. After being with the cacao with mindful awareness, participants are invited into a trauma informed somatic meditation practice to feel and be present with our bodies as we honor the wholeness of our experience.

We will then bring a number of circle songs that can support us to feel connected and share our voices amidst the reality of grief at this often challenging and dynamic time of change and loss. Mindful movement and song can help us to metabolize, feel uplifted and united as we move through the reality of our individual and collective experience. This will be a taste of what’s to come as we prepare to offer more spaces for transforming our grief together as a result of attending the Grief Ritual Training with Shauna Janz a couple weeks later. This will be a taste of what’s to come as we prepare to offer more spaces for transforming our grief together as a result of attending the Grief Ritual Training with Shauna Janz a couple weeks later. Here’s more info about the training and our fundraising efforts.

There will be an opening circle and guidance throughout the evening to cultivate a conscious, nourishing, supportive space for inner exploration and safe connection with others as well as a closing circle. Please plan to attend for the full two and a half hours if possible. We will “close the doors” at 4:10pm to begin the gathering. You’re welcome to arrive up to 15 minutes early to get settled into the space and your body.

The gathering will be held in an eclectic events barn with smooth gym floors on a beautiful organic farm. We will be able to move between being inside and outside at our choice. We will bring some blankets and cushions and we invite you to bring whatever will help you to feel comfortable: layered clothing, your own blanket and or cushion, plenty of water and a journal are highly recommended and an altar item if you’re feeling inspired.

We will also have a potluck after the gathering so if you’re called to stay bring a dish to pass and we’ll get to enjoy the farm together.

Come as you are, all are welcome: people of all sizes, shapes, ages and abilities – no prior experience is needed.

Investment: All proceeds will go towards the Grief Ritual Training beyond $10 which covers the cost of cacao and the use of the space.

Below is the link to sign up and pay the $10 and you can add whatever feels appropriate to you there or pay via venmo to @Hilary-Lake or directly on the GoFundMe.

Location: Dhaseleer Events Barn, 15794 Paddock Rd, Charlevoix, MI 49720

Guidelines: You are invited to take care of yourself and honor your body’s needs in the space. There is no expectation to move in any particular way or follow anyone else’s direction. All verbal guidance is an offering to invite deeper personal exploration and discovery while in community. Feel free to reach out to Hilary with any questions or concerns at hilaryjlake@gmail.com.

Co-facilitator Bios:
Mindy Taylor (she/her) grew up in Bliss, Michigan along the shores of Nmewiikwewaa, (Sturgeon Bay) where she spent her childhood bouncing between the lakes, forests and gardens. She is an enrolled citizen of the Bahweting (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe) of Chippewa Indians and is a first generation descendant of the Waganakising Odawak (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians). Mindy is a weaver of community with roots in social work, Reiki, Compassionate Communication and all things that honor the sacred space that is life. She enjoys holding healing circles, women’s circles, blessing ways and being in community with others. She believes that grief work is an act of love and mourning is an essential ingredient of life.
 

August Srdjak (they/he) is a committed community artist co-creating Earth centered spaces in which to heal and connect. They have many years of experience engaging in collaborative community projects with plants, food, arts activism and sustainable building practice. With a BA from University of Michigan in Personal, Social and Global Change and depth of experience with spiritual embodiment practice, they enjoy being a part of collective efforts to heal and evolve one moment at a time.