Written by: Nicole Murray, SWC, MSW
Grief is a part of the universal human experience—it impacts each of us differently and yet,
there is often much we share with others when experiencing grief. Most commonly associated with the passing of a loved one, grief can be experienced with many forms of loss including the ending of a marriage or relationship, losing a job, children transitioning out of the home, or receiving a significant medical diagnosis. Regardless of the cause of grief, grief is complex, and many people experience a range of painful emotions associated with loss including confusion, denial, anger, sadness, and loneliness. Grief can be brief or it can seem to stretch on and on permeating into all aspects of our lives for quite some time. The grieving process is also not linear—the grief of a loss that occurred many years ago can resurface unexpectedly and bring one right back to when the loss was new and raw.
August 30th is National Grief Awareness Day to recognize the myriad ways folks process grief and loss. It’s a day that seeks to bring an uncomfortable subject into the light and bring awareness to the time it can take to heal from loss and that closure and integration can take many forms.
In a culture that rarely slows down for any reason and provides folks experiencing a loss a handful of days to “take care of things” and get back to work, grief can be profoundly isolating and lonely. We feel this is an important area for Medicine Horse to provide a resource for folks in our community experiencing grief so we are reintroducing our program Connecting Through Grief specifically designed for those processing grief. This paid support group program is for folks at least 6 months post-loss of an important human or animal in their life as we understand the powerful connection folks can have with a non-human animal and want to provide a space for folks processing this commonly disenfranchised experience alongside the more socially recognized grief of losing a person close to you.
In group, participants have the opportunity to share space with others processing grief and
loss which can be profoundly healing to learn you are not alone in your experience. Whether the loss you are grieving has 6 months or many years ago, this group is for you. Our therapy team will help to guide participants in understanding and moving through their grief alongside others on their own journeys in the presence of our wonderful and accepting horses who have a profound way of providing insight and connection. As a participant, you will spend time in discussion with other group members, participating in guided mindfulness exercises, and getting to be a part of our herd.
Our first Connecting Through Grief program begins on October 11th and space is limited:
About the Program:
· Duration: 6 weeks
· Start Date: Friday, October 11th - Friday, November 15th
· Time: 2:30 - 4:30 PM
· Cost: $450
· Eligibility: Adults 18+ who are six months out from their loss
If you feel this group is a good fit for your or someone you love who is experiencing grief please find more information about the group and how you can purchase tickets:
We invite you to come find healing and connection at the ranch during a profoundly challenging yet human experience. No one should have to grieve alone, so we hope to see you soon.
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