Honey Grief
A Conversation into Heartbreak and Sorrow while Breathing Life into New Possibilities
Alternating Saturdays
June 5 & 19
Drop-in Group
10:00 am – 11:30 am Mountain
All Genders Ages 18+
The Well of Grief
Those who will not slip beneath
the still surface on the well of grief
turning down toward its black water
to the place we cannot breathe,
will never know the source from which we drink, the secret water, cold and clear.
nor find int the darkness glimmering,
the small round coins,
thrown by those who wished for something else.
~ David Whyte
Come join us for a deep, ongoing conversation into exploring the understanding of what we are feeling in our bodies in this time of the unknown. Together we will open the gates of healing and renewal of our soul’s freedom when we are able to feel the grace of grief each in our own sacred way.
This invitation acknowledges the mystery of grief, the painful truth of unimaginable losses of life and suffering have caused our living being planet and each other as we have been taken over by the violent sides of loneliness and despair. As Joseph Campbell learned from the study of our ancestors, until one “feels sorrow as the greatest energy in life, then one will then be able to feel kindness as the other great energy of life.”
We know that only in a heartfelt container, that each moment of being safe in the feeling of grief, loss, life and emptiness shared, becomes a drop of sacred water and welcoming, a belonging to be home in ones luscious beauty and existence. These are our composted experiences made into healing nourishment for the blooming of the next season of our life, to be welcomed, cherished and celebrated.
We welcome you to join us as we step into the unknown, it is the most important time of all to grieve our losses, feel our tears, welcome all regardless of color or gender to express our beauty and love.
Guides
Jeffrey Duvall is a co-founder of The Men’s Leadership Alliance. He has guided men’s retreats for over 30 years in celebration of personal mythology, creative expression, healing, and world peace. He is a wilderness rites of passage guide and works on the staff of the School Of Lost Borders Youth Programs in addition to his work with MLA. Jeffrey is author of “Men, Meaning, and Prayer: The Reconciliation of Heart and Soul in Modern Manhood”. A devoted husband and father, he lives with his wife in Eldora, Colorado.
Major Brad Gallup, USMC, USAF (Ret.) served 4 years as an Enlisted Marine Mechanic and 17 years as an Air Force Fighter Aircraft Maintenance Officer. His healing journey started 24 years ago after returning from Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm; in severe emotional pain, he attempted suicide. Through processing his own grief, he discovered he had the capacity to be supportive, empathetic, and present for others who were suffering over losses of life. He became a certified Grief Facilitator via the non-profit Tragedy Assistance for Survivors (TAPS). Brad has worked with TAPS for 19 years, counseling military children who had lost loved ones. In addition, he is a trained Shadow Work Facilitator, an Inner King Senior Staff Member, a 4 Gateways Coach, co-founder of the Warrior Storyfield and is a certified Equine Guided Education (EGE) Facilitator. He has been part of MLA for the past 22 years and has staffed numerous training events around the country. Brad’s life’s passion is to help people discover their inner genius by accessing their deep wisdom through interaction with horses.
Alys-Lynne West is a longtime member of the women’s group Earth Mothers, and belongs to Wise Women, a circle of elders. The latter part of her working career was spent as the administrator of a marriage and family therapy clinic/University Master’s level training program where she was known as the “therapist to the therapists.” She is an avid creator in gardening, cooking, baking and writing, and finds re-creation in yoga, meditation and walking. Alys-Lynne helps guide MLA’s Honey Grief circle. A wife, mother, step-mother and grandmother, she lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada with her husband Steve.
Steve West has been participating in and helping guide men’s circles and retreats since 2006. In 2017 after retiring from a 40-year career in the private sector and government, he set an intention to live, write and move more. He is a keen cyclist, writes about music on a daily blog, songoftheday.ca, is the host for MLA’s Poetry circle, and helps guide the Honey Grief circle. A husband, father, step-father and -grandfather, Steve lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada with his wife Alys-Lynne.Registration
Registration is required ahead of the first time you join in order to receive the zoom contact information. You will not need to register after the first time.
With whatever group is present each group we will weave together a confidential listening container for all to bring whatever is true and real. All people and all emotions are welcome.
Investment
These Circles are a FREE service to the community. And, if you would like to make a donation to MLA to help us continue making our circles, courses, retreats, and trainings available to everyone, you can make your tax-deductible donations here: PayPal.me/mensleaderalliance/
Contact
jduvall@mensleadershipalliance.org
