Community wellness and healthy living are integral to being a member of the YMCA. This program on "Understanding Grief"  presents grief as the healthy response to loss, providing images, tools and insights to participants. Grief is our companion, our "ally," when we face any type of loss. If we learn to welcome and "work with" our grief, our healing and recovery is a realistic goal. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions and buy Lisa's new book, "Grieving - the Sacred Art: Hope in the land of Loss."

An opportunity to talk with author, Lisa Irish, about her new book, "Grieving - the Sacred Art: Hope in the Land of Loss." Books will be available for purchase and signing, along with the welcoming resources of Russell Library.

Alone in Your Grief Too often, our losses are not understood or shared by others. Loss of a pet, a break in a relationship, divorce, losses from long ago, and other life experiences, send us into the Land of Loss along with the death of loved ones. We find ourselves stranded in grief without traditional sources of support. Without the community’s recognition and validation, our grief becomes “disenfranchised.” Together, we will honor all of our losses, explore the concept of conscious grieving and identify tools to “enfranchise” our grief. This day of reflection will include the support of community, prayer, ritual and quiet - each valuable resources for healing a grieving heart.  

 Losses weave their way throughout our lives, influencing the next path we take. Grief is our built-in response to loss, our ally in traveling the confusing, painful and transformative Land of Loss. This program gently supports those with recent loss and provides us all with a template for the losses yet to be. Tangible ideas will be offered to help navigate the Land of Loss, with key reminders about our path toward healing. Current bereavement teaching and spiritual wisdom are shared, affirming that grief is, indeed, a sacred journey.