“The great secret of death, and perhaps its deepest connection with us, is this: that, in taking from us a being we have loved and venerated, death does not wound us without, at the same time, lifting us toward a more perfect understanding of this being and of ourselves.”
Description:
Grief tending is the practice of consciously making space to feel, express, and move through grief in a compassionate and communal way. Grief is not something to be fixed or rushed, but something to be tended to through care, presence, and ritual. This intimate gathering offers a supportive space to honor grief and loss, explore emotional healing, and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones through sacred ritual and mindful self-care.
Who This is For:
This workshop is for anyone navigating grief and seeking a gentle space for honoring those we love, not just by mourning them, but by continuing to feel their presence. All grief is valid and worthy of remembrance, reverence, and ritual. Some examples of grief and loss include: the death of a significant person, the death of a pet/animal companion, pregnancy loss, the loss of health, the loss of an identity, the loss of dreams, the loss of home, country, or community, divorce or breakup, loss of a loved one to incarceration, ecological grief for the planet, and many other forms of grief and loss.
What to Expect:
Through guided practices and simple yet meaningful rituals, you'll be invited to gently process grief and create pathways to meaning-making and self-care. You will journey through heart-focused breathing, SoulCollage®, sound healing, and the Japanese art of kintsugi. We will create a courageous container for both solitude and connection, where you can slow down, feel held, and tend to your heart.
What to Bring:
SoulCollage®
We will make a Community Suit SoulCollage® card to honor a beloved person, place, pet, or possibility. All SoulCollage® supplies will be provided. Items to bring with you: images that carry your beloved's essence—for example, photographs (either original or printed is OK), pictures that remind you of their character, spirit, passions, and values. We will also create an altar, and you are welcome to bring any personally meaningful and energetic items/treasures that you would like to use for your altar.
An example of a community SoulCollage® card Tierra made of her precious pup, Max, on his death day <3
Sound Bath
A sound bath is an immersive, meditative experience where you are "bathed" in sound waves produced by various instruments such as singing bowls, rain sticks, chimes, and crystal pyramids. These therapeutic sound frequencies help facilitate deep presence and potentially promote healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. To prepare for your sound bath, please note the following:
Items to bring with you:
️2 medium sized, non-slip (not too thick) blankets. We will have a limited amount to borrow.
1 sweater or light jacket (to keep warm if you get cold during the event)
1 pair of socks (to keep warm in case you get cold during the event)
1 eye pillow (only if you have one that you like to use)
1 bottle of water with a lid (to stay hydrated)
Special reminders to make it comfortable:
️DO NOT eat at least 1.5 hours prior to class. You can have a light snack about an hour before. You want to give your stomach time to digest before class.
Please do not consume alcohol prior to the class.
Wear comfortable clothing so you are relaxed in each pose.
If you wear a bra, please try to not wear a wire bra—this can be uncomfortable in some of the poses.
️Reach out to Jessica Garcia, your Sound Bath Facilitator, prior to the class if you have any questions, concerns or limitations.
Kintsugi
Inspired by the Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, kintsugi is a way to honor the truth in our brokenness and the resilience in our healing journey. All kintsugi supplies will be provided. If you have a preferred broken item (e.g., teacup or bowl) that you would like to repair, you are welcome to bring it.
About Your Guides:
Tierra Ortiz-Rodriguez is a certified SoulCollage® Facilitator who is passionate about helping people get in touch with their deep soul wisdom through expressive arts and right-brain play. Tierra offers SoulCollage® workshops for individuals and groups, online and outdoors, incorporating love of nature, mindfulness, and creative modalities. Tierra also integrates SoulCollage® in her work as a Licensed Professional Counselor and mind-body therapist.
Jessica Garcia is a certified Yoga Instructor, Sound Bath Facilitator, Retreat Host and Women’s Circle Space Holder. She loves to share healing through mindfulness, meditation, breath work, sound and body movement. She teaches Yoga and facilitates Sound Baths throughout Houston to all ages and strives to make everyone feel welcomed and loved.
Register for Grief Tending:
This event is held in Houston, in a private residence in West University Place. Upon receipt of payment and email, you’ll receive confirmation, location address, and helpful information. Please email Tierra Ortiz-Rodriguez with any event questions.
tierra@pathwaystomindbodysoul.com