Getting Comfortable with Grief

If you are grieving a loss or if you have ever struggled with knowing how to respond to someone else’s loss, this workshop is a gentle conversation about grief. Joyce’s connection, kindness and understanding holds space for people in all stages of grief with validation and reassurance that they are not alone. Some of the topics discussed in this conversation will include:

·       Societal attitudes about grief

·       How we can find healing in grief

·       How we care for children experiencing grief

·       How we address pet grief

·       How to work with our guilt and regret

·       Practical suggestions for providing compassionate support to others who are grieving

Joyce’s book, Sincere Condolences: What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say, was included in Fr. Ron Rolheiser’s top recommended books for 2022 as an honourable mention. At the end of his article, Fr. Ron wrote:

That’s ten books, but there’s an honorable mention: Joyce Aitken, Sincere Condolences: What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say. Aitken lost her husband to suicide and found that, in its wake, many people found it awkward to talk to her about it, even though that is exactly what she, in her grief, needed. The book is insightful and practical. Don’t we all find ourselves in situations that leave us awkward, not knowing what to say? As well, commenting on her inability to prevent her own husband’s suicide, she adds a line that needs to be heard by anyone who has ever lost a loved one to suicide: ‘The Will to save a life does not constitute the Power to prevent a death.’

Access to the recording of this workshop will be sent to all who register.

Photo credit: Photo by li hao on Unsplash