A New Kind of Grief Hike This Month
On Thursday, October 22nd, I’m going to be leading another grief hike at the Saltese Uplands. I’ve hosted/led maybe a dozen of these kinds of hikes so far. As a naturalist, herbalist, and general nature nerd, I want these hikes to welcome people anywhere in the grief process to focus on our natural world for awhile. Yes, we talk about why we’re there and share where we’re at in our grief. Feeling resilient enough to show up is a big first step - so any level of participation is welcome. This month, however, a new element will be joining the team. A licensed grief counselor will be joining me!
Grief Hikes at the Uplands are a way for people of all ages to come together to hold and/or process grief - and let nature do the rest. We'll begin with an opening circle at 4:00 pm by the sign with the map at the Saltese Uplands (in the large parking lot, across the street from the Doris Morrison Learning Center).
Herbal tea will be served! Sharing is not required, but we would like to introduce ourselves and offer gratitude.
NOTE - Steep hills are possible! We'll go at the pace of the group, but expect light cardio. Potentially steep, rocky terrain. (Keep an eye out for future Grief Walks at the Saltese Wetlands - no hills required!)
We'll hike for an hour, take a break, and then have one more circle before heading back to the parking lot. Hopefully, we will see natural mysteries to stop and adore - or learn from each other - and encourage wonder along our walk.
Please bring - water bottle (possible bag to carry it in), good shoes, hat if you want it, layers, and check the weather for rain.
All ages welcome. Dogs welcome. Vulnerability is also welcome :)
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About your guide Patty Sonneland, Grief Counselor:
Patty is a therapist specializing in grief process and supporting people after loss. Through her story and years of work as a counselor, she's joining this hike to hear people's stories. This is not a formal counseling service, but rather a chance to walk and talk with someone who has supported people through the very same process you are going through. And walking and talking is part of the medicine!
About your guide Sarah Liljegren, Naturalist:
I am a nature connection facilitator with experience teaching at forest schools, outdoor education programs, herbalism classes, and the monthly Spokane Home Ec Club. I am a naturalist, herbalist, and teacher with a passion for moving in nature. In our death-phobic, isolated culture, I believe people need more space to be supported in processing their grief, and sometimes we need help remembering we are not alone. Nature is the healer; and we can support each other through it. Slowing down to find beauty, awe, and wonder is the medicine - and I hope to share about natural cycles and species we spot along the way.
This guided hike is a chance to meet new people willing to acknowledge things that are hard to talk about and be supported in community and nature to find the healing we all need.
