Staff report
“Grief is an essential part of the human experience, but one that’s too often hidden or buried rather than processed and healed,” a recent press release began. As such, True Nature Healing Arts is hosting a workshop from 4 to 6pm on March 15 for those seeking healing.
The $28 ticket includes sound bowls, a brief cacao ceremony and intro to breathwork techniques with Danielle Klein, and a facilitated discussion with local authors Gary Gleason and Jessica Lockwood. Gleason and Lockwood will be joined by Pathfinders grief counselor Robyn Hubbard as they share their personal experiences of navigating grief with courage and care.
“I share my story, and my journey, hoping to foster connection and healing for anyone in the throes of grief and isolation,” Lockwood said. “I wish to illuminate the power of empathy, which has guided me through the profound loss of my brother and of my husband. With an open heart, I believe we all have the power to mend and transcend.”
Lockwood recently completed a riveting autobiography, “8 Days,” which chronicles her life path — including the loss of her husband, Chason Russell, just eight days after their nuptials. Russell was a 41-year-old professional adventure guide who died kayaking the Crystal River on June 17, 2021.
Last June, Gleason and his life partner, Carolyn Golbus, completed their first book, a spiritual coffee table book titled “Meeting Your Magnificence: 111 Ways to Live from Your Higher Self” with Brown Books Publishing. While Gleason and Golbus rode their bikes to a Fourth of July parade last summer, someone opened their car door without looking, taking Golbus out. She never regained consciousness, casting Gleason on a journey of grief, spiritual exploration and the unexpected path of launching their new book solo.
“Jessica and I will each tell our stories, and I hope that this may be helpful,” Gleason said. “It is easy to feel like we are alone in our loss. Grief is sneaky, and nonlinear, so we also want to talk about how to survive ‘the moments’ when grief overtakes us. Importantly, we want to focus a bit on the silver linings and golden threads that can accompany loss. I think honoring these is a huge part of our healing.”
On March 15, the authors will be available from 3 to 3:45pm for a book-signing and meet-and-greet in the True Nature Gift Boutique (100 North Third Street in Carbondale). The presentation will begin at 4pm in the Kiva, a state-of-the-art events center in the heart of the True Nature property. At 6pm, following the presentation, participants will be provided candles with which to walk the stone labyrinth beyond the Kiva walls while reflecting on the evening. True Nature Healing Arts, host to the event, is an intentional sanctuary providing an inspirational setting for connection and transformation.
In a nutshell:
What: Grief talk
Where: True Nature
When: March 15, 4 to 6pm
Tickets: $28, www.bit.ly/TNgrief