About this Event
Overview
Grievers' Night Out is a curated social gathering for people who feel like grief is the loudest thing in their lives right now, but would like to try getting out and finding a little fun and reconnection with life. This feels especially poignant during the holiday season, which can add another level of challenge.
Even if the desire is there, grief can make socializing complicated. Whether it's the limited bandwidth, a fear of bringing down the mood, or the exhaustion of masking what's really going on to be in spaces that while lovely, just weren't built for grief.
There's something really special about being in the company of people who get it. Those who understand that sadness and laughter can exist in the same conversation; that you might be able to appreciate some time our in the world while missing someone terribly, and that neither experience needs to be explained away.
The intention is to create an evening where our grief can be present alongside laughter, curiosity, connection, and the possibility of enjoyment, too.
What to Expect
For about two hours, we'll combine facilitated conversation and experience with time to socialize and enjoy the beautiful venue inside Plant Bar.
Guests are invited to bring a meaningful object or memento that honors their person or loss to place on a shared altar for the evening. We'll begin with a guided meditation and reflective writing followed by small-group conversations with thoughtfully curated questions about loved ones, loss, and the lives we're continuing to build.
There will be music and breaks to order drinks, mingle, and connect more casually, with time for personal reflection before wrapping up.
Participation is always optional, and guests are welcome to engage at their own comfort level. Please note that this is a facilitated social gathering, not group therapy or a clinical grief-support program.
The Spirit of the Evening
Getting out into the world to begin again is a courageous step. Maybe you'll laugh, or cry or meet someone who understands your experience without much explanation needed.
Being willing to be pleasantly surprised is enough.
Because we are still here, and there is more to live.
A broken heart can still be an open heart.
And an open heart can find its way again.
About Your Host
Hi, I'm Alee. As a healing practitioner and facilitator of events and retreats for two decades, I've spent much of my life bringing people together for meaningful experiences and supporting people through major life changes and loss. I'm also someone who loves socializing, meeting new people, and enjoying life. Having experienced the loss of most of my immediate family and other beloved people, I know firsthand how complicated it can be to navigate the social world while grieving.
I created Grievers' Night Out for all of us who find ourselves members of a club everyone joins at some point. Welcome in!
Alee Reina Hoffman is an Akashic Records guide, healing artist, transformational mentor, and author of Dark Times Catering, a memoir exploring family loss, rebuilding a life, and creative rebirth with the support of the Akashic Records.
Through Dark Times Bring Light, an ongoing reading circle and series of gatherings inspired by the memoir, Alee brings people together to explore grief, change, and the lives they're continuing to build. Grievers' Night Out extends this work into a more casual, social setting.
Find Alee on social platforms at @aleereina.
Grievers' Night Out is a facilitated social gathering rather than group therapy or a clinical grief-support program. No previous experience with meditation is necessary.
Event venue & nearby stays
Plant Bar - Coffee and Tea, 32 Banks Avenue, Asheville, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.