Are you carrying a sadness you can’t quite explain? A sense that something is missing, or unfinished? Are you grieving the loss of a loved one, the ending of a relationship, or a life that didn’t unfold as you hoped? Perhaps there are old wounds asking for your attention or a quiet heaviness at the state of the world. Do you long to feel more joy but it feels out of reach?

We are at the beginning of a new year. Many of us are considering what we would like to be different, how we would like to shape our lives. We would like to invite you to try a different road… to join us in our communal grief tending ritual where we come together in our exploration of how we can metabolise grief, and to begin to turn towards joy.

In these times of great change, many of us are carrying unspoken grief. We grieve the loss of loved ones, the breaking of relationships, the fading of health or youth. We grieve for the state of the world, for our fragile ecosystems, for wars and injustices, for the unraveling of culture and community. We grieve for dreams that never took shape, for the care we needed but never received.

So often these sorrows are minimised or silenced. We are told to “move on,” to stay strong, to carry our pain in private. Yet grief unexpressed does not disappear. It lodges in the body, dims our vitality, and leaves us feeling disconnected from ourselves and from life.

When grief is welcomed in community, something profound happens. Sorrow reveals its hidden twin: love. Our hearts open. We remember that we do not carry our burdens alone. We discover the medicine of shared humanity, of being witnessed, and of returning to the village our souls have longed for.

Some grief has a name. Some does not. All of it deserves care because unprocessed grief can cause us to numb out- with sugar, netflix, consuming of all kinds.

You are welcome here. You do not need previous experience of grief work to join us. All that is required is your willingness to come with an open heart.

What You Can Expect

This is a gentle and supportive afternoon, where you are invited to pause, feel what’s already there, and be in the company of others doing the same.

We will gather in a simple, welcoming way. There will be warmth, music, quiet moments, and clear guidance throughout, so you’re never left wondering what to do.

During our time together, you’ll be gently invited into:

• Simple writing and reflection
  You might jot a few words for yourself. No one will read it unless you choose to share.

• Listening to music, poetry, and song
  Catherine will offer live music to support the space. You don’t need to sing unless you want to. Listening is enough.

• Gentle movement
  This could be as simple as standing, stretching, or moving your body slowly. You can also remain seated at any time.

• Deep listening and presence
  There will be moments of sharing in pairs or small groups, as well as time together as a whole group. You are always free to pass, to speak briefly, or to stay quiet.

Nothing is forced. There is no pressure to cry, to talk about your past, or to “process” anything in a particular way.

This is about making room, not digging for answers.

We’ll close in a soft, grounding way, with warmth, tea, chocolate, and a shared moment of gratitude. This helps everyone leave feeling settled and supported rather than raw or overwhelmed.

A few important things to know

• You don’t need to have experienced a recent loss.

• You don’t need to understand grief to be here.

• You don’t need to share personal details.

• You don’t need to believe in anything spiritual.

Everything offered is invitational. You are always in choice about how deeply you engage.

Many people arrive unsure, nervous, or not knowing why they came, and leave feeling lighter, more spacious, connected, and more at home in themselves.

You are welcome exactly as you are.

"With words and music, Tanya and Catherine sensitively created a beautiful, shared space where - without any sense of pressure - we could safely offer any experience of grief we were carrying. I found it to be a profoundly healing time that will long remain with me". Geoff

Ritual Details

Date: TBC

Time: TBC

Venue: St Nicolas Church & Community Centre, 33 Sutcliffe Ave, Earley, Reading RG6 7JN

Giving Back

We are proud to donate 10% of our profits to Humanitet, a small but mighty humanitarian organisation delivering rapid, grassroots aid to communities affected by war, displacement, and disaster. Run by a husband-and-wife team, Humanitet works directly with local partners to provide food, water, medicine, and essential supplies where they’re needed most, ensuring transparency and dignity every step of the way. With minimal overheads and a deep commitment to integrity, their work restores hope in places where it’s needed most. By supporting us, you’re also helping them, extending the reach of compassion, one act of care at a time.