“There is a deep longing among people in the West to connect with something bigger — with community and spirit.”
One of the foremost voices in African Spirituality
Event Details
Grief Ritual in Bend, OR with Sobonfu Somé
Apr 01 - Apr 02, 2016
Bend, Oregon
“Darkness deserves gratitude. It is the alleluia point at which we learn to understand that all growth does not take place in the sunlight.”
― Joan D. Chittister
We all experience grief in life – from death, divorce, abandonment, illness, conflict, the loss of our dreams, and much more. Because of this, we must have ways to release our pain and regularly cleanse ourselves, or our grief begins to smother our joy, our creativity, and our ability to connect with others.
This weekend, Sobonfu Somé shares one of the most important rituals of her people –the Dagara tribe of West Africa. The Grief Ritual is a soul-cleansing rite that clears away lingering clouds and festering wounds, lightens your soul, and helps you find your way back to wholeness, peace, and self-acceptance.
About Sobonfu
Sobonfu travels extensively throughout North America and Europe, conducting workshops on spirituality, ritual, the sacred, and intimacy. Her work has moved African spiritual practices from the realm of anthropology to a place alongside the world’s great spiritual traditions, with a message of profound significance and practical application in the lives of Westerners. Learn more about Sobonfu at www.sobonfu.com.
Sponsored by: The Good grief guidance
EVENT DETAILS
Friday, April 1st – 6pm to 8pm*
Saturday, April 2nd – 9am to
www.redballoonproject.com/events. Contact: jhouston@redballoonproject.com or 541.410.1280.
REGISTRATION
www.redballoonproject.com/events. Contact: jhouston@redballoonproject.com or 541.410.1280.
Questions? Contact:
Jennifer Houston
541-410-1280
jhouston@redballoonproject.com
What past participants say about the Grief Ritual:
“Quite simply, the Grief Ritual changed my life. There is a powerful experience that happens when people come together to release old pains and support one another. It is a non intellectual event – an experience of the soul and heart. It is a reminder, a return to the ways of connection that has been easily thwarted in our fast moving high consuming time. I wish everyone could be held in such grace and love as this experience can offer.” – Hillary
“In the eight years since my mother’s sudden death, not a day went by without tears, guilt, and immense pain for the things left unsaid. I had a hole in my heart that would not heal. I can honestly tell you that the Grief Ritual is perhaps the most moving, soulful experience I have ever had in my life. The feeling of love, friendship, and knowing that everyone there was there to overcome loss made it comfortable to listen and be active in the grief healing process. This is a gift from Sobonfu that she shares with all. The past year since I attended has brought me more peace and joy than I have felt in many years.” – Lynn
“The ritual gives you a safe and sacred space to grieve without needing to talk it through. Years of therapy never did what this ritual did for me. It was such a relief to just feel my way through my grief, through tears or silence, or whatever showed up. I felt held by the collective grievers and by Sobonfu’s strong and beautiful presence.” – Jennifer
“The Grief Ritual with Sobonfu Somé was soul healing medicine for me. Through her compassion, she inspires participants to let go of their pain, anger, and fear. And to understand the blessings behind their grief.” – Robert
Watch and Listen:
Sobonfu Somé on grieving and recovery
Ancient African Teachings in the Ways of Relationships...