Community. What's Happening In Edmonton and Beyond

“Community… Somewhere, there are people to whom we can speak with passion without having the words catch in our throats. Somewhere a circle of hands will open to receive us, eyes will light up as we enter, voices will celebrate with us whenever we come into our own power. Community means strength that joins our strength to do the work that needs to be done. Arms to hold us when we falter. A circle of healing. A circle of friends. Someplace where we can be free…” Starhawk

It’s easy to feel isolated and alone in our grief, and often times, the effort required to reach out can feel overwhelming.  However, there is something so healing about sharing your story with people who truly listen and share sacred space to hear your deepest sorrow.  There is great power in connecting with others who allow you to feel supported and honoured exactly as you are – with all your hurts, fears, pains and joys.  Compassion begins to blossom when we see how rampant suffering and loss is in our society…and how much people want to talk and share the stories of their loved ones who have died, and their experiences surviving their deaths.

Today’s blog post is about various avenues of support, and various communities that have grown around Alberta and the world.  The following are current and upcoming workshops/seminars/groups/discussions related to life, death, and grief.

• The Edmonton Bereavement Center offers multiple group grief support programs, and speaking from personal experience, they are transformational.  Information can be found here: Edmonton Bereavement Center Programs
• Pilgrims Hospice in Edmonton – Provides multiple family support programs, including:  Expressive Arts for Grieving Children Teens and Families , HUGS Family Program , HEARTS Baby Loss Support Program, and Compassionate friends.  See their poster for the fall here: Expressive Arts Poster for 2011 – 2012
• Hospice Calgary provides numerous programs for the bereaved, and are a wealth of support and information.  See their poster here:

• Did you know that every year suicide kills more people than car crashes and murders combined?  These stats are staggering, and it’s hard to believe that such suicide prevention gets minimal funding and attention.  During the week of October 3rd, Canada AM will be devotion special attention to the issue of suicide, leading up to a special edition on October 6th.  There will also be a online component with web chat on October 6th.  To find out more information, and to read more about the topics that will be covered can be found here: Speak Out On Suicide
• There is an online, 3 day workshop being offered by Pema Chodron on Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change. Pema is an exceptional, down-to-earth and practical meditation teacher. This online workshop will discuss how to live skillfully with upheaval and change.  Pema has much wisdom to share, and if you can spare the time, and $85.00 registration it may be encouraging.
• I am teaching a one day Yoga for Grief Support Workshop in Wainwright Alberta on October 22nd from 9:30 am to 4pm.  The cost is $75.00.  This workshop is for anyone with loss in their life; loss of a loved one, a friendship, a marriage, a career, or the loss of a pet.  To register contact Jennie @ 780-842-4009 

And, last but not least….

• I came upon this wonderful facebook group called: Transcending Loss: Understanding the Lifelong Impact of Grief.  It’s a wonderful forum to read of other’s experience and to share with a community that is trying to live after the death of a loved one, and to understand grief’s impact.