Softening with grief: sharing circle

"Grief is not a problem to be solved, but an experience that needs to be witnessed."

- Francis Weller

Grief, in its many forms, is a universal truth that every one of us will experience throughout our lives. We can sometimes feel very alone with grief, choosing to avoid or hide it, as our modern western culture lacks safe containers for us to fall into the arms of others, to feel held as we meet our grief with open arms.

I intend for this sharing circle to provide a dedicated space for us to sit together in restful reflection, bringing awareness and compassion to grief in a supported way, hoping we feel a little more seen, held and restored by the end of our time together.

Please note that the session is longer than displayed and the space is open a total of 2 hrs 40 mins; I'll be welcoming people into the space from 6.45 pm to allow people to settle themselves before the session starts, with the circle beginning at 7.10 and ending at 9, last leaving time is 9.25 pm.

I have 1 ticket on hold for those who find themselves unable to pay due to circumstances, yet would benefit from attending the space - if you would like to access this ticket, please email me at [email protected].

Running order -

6.45 - 7.05 arrive and settle with a cup of tea

7.05 doors close

7.10 - 7.40 welcome, poem + check in

7.40 - 8.00 meditation + energy work

8.00 - 8.20 journal prompts + oracle card

8.20 - 8.50 sharing circles (in groups of 3 or 4 people)

8.50 - 9.00 grounding

9.00 - 9.25 chat + leave

Who is this for -

All kinds of grief are welcome in this space.

This space is open to all folk over the age of 18, who desire rest, reflection and sharing within a community space. This is an LGBTQA+ safe space which welcomes all genders. There will be a maximum of 12 people, plus myself, within the space. Please see below for accessibility information.

What to bring -

Please bring a journal, pen, comfy layers, your favourite mug, and a snack if you would like. There will be tea available, but you're welcome to bring your chosen drink too.

(Please note this is a sober space)

Accessibility + additional notes -

The main space is up a flight of 16 stairs - there are good handrails and even levelled steps. We will be sitting on yoga bolsters on the floor, there are also 8 folding chairs available, with many additional props for extra comfort. There is a street level reception area with a seating area, a small library, a kitchen, a changing area with bag storage, and a large accessible bathroom. Montgomery St Lane is cobbled, and tucked away behind Elm row shops.

As this is a yoga studio, shoes will remain downstairs with bags and coats; the main door is locked during the session, so you're belongings are safe. I ask that any phones or tech are left switched to silent in bags to not distract the circle space. Mine will be present for music and timekeeping only - it will be in aeroplane mode during the circle.

This session is sat down, though you are welcome to move as you need to throughout. Expressions of grief are welcome in this space. The energy work I offer for the group is optional and is offered as hands-off only - there will be consent cards in place.

The room will be set at about 21 degrees; there is a de-humidifier and there are windows we can open.

There will be some gentle music playing in the background, no loud noises are planned for this session. If you do need to bring ear defenders for comfort, please do so.

If you have any further questions about accessibility, please do ask.

Your facilitator -

Jasmine Kate Wickens (she/her) | Website | Instagram | Newsletter

Forever a work in progress, I am a self-defined weaver of energy, words and symbols that stir, soothe and support the soul. My curiosity reaches into the realms of spiritualism, mysticism, grief tending, deep ecology, holistic health and nourishment, poetry and beyond.

I identify as a Queer, white British, disabled, neurodivergent, cis-gendered woman.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Ashtanga Yoga Edinburgh & Hillside Yoga Collective, 3A Montgomery Street Lane, Edinburgh, United Kingdom