Grief and Loss: Journey through the Dark Passage
Aug 22nd, 2022 - Aug 28th, 2022 | Wild Mountain, Colorado | Nancy Jane, Bettina Straub
The land around us (and within us) teaches with each passing season, and with each flood, drought, fire and storm, that out of change, crisis and a dying to what was, there appears a new story of form and adaptation. And that how we respond and integrate change into the fabric of our ongoing story colors the character of what comes next.
Meredith Little, co-founder, School of Lost Borders
Death and loss are powerful agents of transformation and come in many forms. A loved one’s passing, a family member’s suicide, a life-changing health crisis, or physical or emotional trauma plunge us into the disorienting territory of profound grief that may last for years.
The raw vulnerability inherent in such experiences needs more than just the passage of time for us to heal. We need community and supportive relationships. In addition, deep in our ancestral memory, we know that ceremony within the context of wild nature can help us move us through such dark passages into a state of renewal and restoration.
Perhaps a major loss from years ago remains unexamined or incompletely digested. Perhaps you sense in your bones that the ordeal of loss or death has opened in you the possibility of a new life. Together, within safe community and immersed in wild nature, we can open the door to new strengths, gifts, grace, and even gratitude.
Program Overview: This 7-day program provides an opportunity to explore grief and loss within a safe, ceremonial space. We invite you to join us if you feel ready to fully grieve and honor your losses, whatever the cause. The framework of the Four Shields, along with other rituals and practices, will support this dark passage. On day five, participants will undertake a 24-hour solo with optional fasting. Upon return participants will share their stories and have them mirrored by the guides.
Program Questions Contact: Nancy Jane at [email protected]
Pay program deposit
This deposit signifies your commitment to the program and is deducted from the tuition balance. This is a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit that is required for enrollment.
Submit enrollment form
Once you have paid the program deposit, please fill out and submit the enrollment form below. After your enrollment form is complete, please submit all health and liability forms.
Submit Waitlist form
This program is full; however, you may add your name to the Waitlist by clicking the Waitlist button below.
Additional course details & Materials
Our location is private land bordered by National Forest at 9000’ in central Colorado: vistas, rocky outcrops, and stillness. We encourage people to arrive at 9:00am on August 22. The ceremony will end by noon on August 28. More logistical info will be sent when you register for the program. ADDITIONAL FEES: Land Use Fee $80 to be collected at or before the time of the program.
You will be responsible for bringing your own food and equipment, though we can provide some gear if needed. We ask everyone to come prepared to live self-sufficiently. You will need to bring shelter and clothing suitable for a full range of inclement weather.
To address safety concerns during the pandemic, please contact us regarding our current Coronavirus protocols as well as any current travel restrictions. These protocols may affect how you are able to travel to the program.
All participants must submit the required health and liability forms.
Following enrollment, please submit the Letter of Intent. We ask that you write a letter of intent at least a month before the program, stating your reasons for enrolling and what is calling you to attend.
If you have questions about the enrollment process contact us at [email protected] or call 760-938-3333.
A recommended reading list will be provided.
Wild Mountain is land of the Tabeguache Ute people and other Indigenous tribes who traveled through this area of the Colorado Rockies. The Ute lived and hunted in this abundant land of elk, buffalo, deer, and bear before white settlers came and forced them onto reservations in southwest Colorado and Utah.
To learn more about our commitment to regenerative relationships please visit Cultural Relations.
