You're Invited: COVID Integration Ceremony

Please join us September 14 and/or September 18 for storytelling, sharing, and ritual

This week, I’ll have a couple extra posts. This first one, to update you on this invitation. We’ll still have our usual Tuesday post. Last, on Thursday, our Lectio Sweetgrass group that is an optional discussion/prayer group with the book Braiding Sweetgrass. We’ll return to our regular Tuesday schedule next week.

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A few weeks ago, I reached out to see if there would be interest in sharing a virtual ritual space to process our experiences with COVID. I was not the only one feeling the need for this, and in fact, I think we probably will have enough folks to host one weekend (Saturday, September 14) and one weekday (Wednesday, September 18) session. I’m still in the planning process, but here is what I know so far.

I’m creating a day-long, pay-what-you-can online ceremony to help people who feel the need to have their struggle and suffering during COVID witnessed and explore how they have transformed and the new roles they fill going forward. As of now, I imagine this ceremony would include: 

• A community ritual

• Storytelling

• A talking circle (about the struggles and suffering that still weigh on us),

• We will then break away from our computers for time away in nature and creative exploration

• After the break, we will return to share any wisdom gained in nature or the fruits of our creative labor

• We will finish the day with one more talking circle (about how we’ve transformed because of COVID) and a closing ritual.

We will start at 9:30 am Central Time (US) and finish at 3:30 pm.

This ceremony could be beneficial for: 

• Those grieving the deaths of loved ones due to COVID

• Those grieving the loss of friendships or family relationships as a result of the pandemic or choices made during it

• Those grieving separation from loved ones at key moments of life

• Those grieving missing out on important life events like graduations, weddings, and funerals

• Those who were repeatedly asked to do impossible things like educators, parents, and healthcare workers

• Those who were wounded by their isolation 

I want to acknowledge that COVID is not “over” for many people, but I do think we have reached a phase in our journey with COVID where the collective experience is splitting off into individual experiences that look very different from one another.

If you do not feel comfortable speaking, don’t worry; there is no need to share more than you wish to say or anything at all. Your presence and the fact that you’re simply listening will be so meaningful to those who do wish to speak. If you feel intimidated by the possibility of creating something, please don't. This is not about creating something “good” or “important,” it is about expressing things in a new way. 

This retreat is not for folks who have fully moved on from their COVID experience, feel people should “just get over it,” aren’t willing or able to respectfully listen to COVID experiences that are different from their own, or aren’t open to time alone outdoors (or as close as you can get) or trying to express themselves creatively.

This experience is not designed to specifically appeal to children or teens, but if it is of interest to any children or teens you know, they are more than welcome to participate.

If you know someone who you think may be interested in participating, I’d be honored if you would share this information with them. If you are interested in participating, please fill out this form, so I can contact you with links and other information as we get closer.