Grieving Together

At the end of the workshop, each participant held a bowl of water, symbolizing their tears of grief. They were invited to take a step forward with their grief or to remain standing and simply hold their bowl gently.

Using art, conversation, guided imagining, and ritual, I facilitated a virtual time of grieving for the team at Foster the Bay last week. They are a non-profit that equips and supports foster families through a network of faith communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Many are also foster parents as well, an amazing, challenging, heartbreaking call to love like no other.

There is so much to mourn, over the arc of history as well as in this present moment. A stealthy virus continues to upend society and take lives around the world. Racial divides are loud and clear. Lives are being needlessly lost to violence. How can we listen to each other better? How can we see the sacredness of each human being more clearly? Let us weep, yes, for that is what is needed. And let us walk with our grief into this new world unfolding before us. May our tears birth in each one of us deeper compassion for others, and actions that protect the vulnerable and lead to justice for all.

"This was a healing, life-giving time for our team. We are grateful for the thoughtful preparation, the guidance through the activities, and the gentle way Wendy led the session. It was powerful, vulnerable, moving, and authentic."

— La Né Powers, Director, Foster the Bay

Please message me if you have a team or group who would be helped by a creative and safe space to sit with grief.