9.13.25 | Elemental Grief | A Different Kind of Grieving
One of the biggest elements of the work we do at the farm is grief. It is the cornerstone of our practice and an essential part of living in Right Relationship. Many of us have known the deep pain of losing loved ones as we navigate the difficult journey of saying goodbye to family, friends, and our beloved animal companions. This is why we’ve chosen to blend our Elemental Grief Workshop with aspects of the Euthanasia workshop originally planned for June. These two aspects of grief naturally complement each other, and together they create a holistic and deeply meaningful approach to such a tender subject.
In the morning, Diane will walk through the tender process of caring for our animals at the difficult but sacred threshold of end-of-life care. The decision to euthanize a pet is never easy. Overwhelming emotions often prevent us from seeing what may be needed or being asked for. We want to prevent suffering, but it is a huge decision to end a life. Our work at the Animal Soul has shown us how important planning for the inevitable is. Even if death is sudden, there are ways to prepare and care for yourself and your family as death comes. Being conscious and clear about what you want, and most importantly taking the time to be with your animal even after death, is vitally important. The more we understand the ritual behind the processes of euthanasia and cremation, the more we can move with the intensity of death, our deep love, and why it hurts so much. Most times we are never given that validation.
In the afternoon, we will turn toward the larger framework of Elemental Grief, working with Fire, Water, Earth, and Air to understand grief as a natural and transformative force. One of the reasons we work so closely with the elements at the farm is their ability to reorient our spirit and root us in the power of nature. As Malidoma Somé teaches, “Our souls do not like stagnation, they aspire toward growth.” The ritual of grieving elementally allows us to face death with total presence. It shows us the raw strength the power of death brings, allowing us to grow our soul, spirit, and energy. We are born knowing how to grieve. Grief is a normal and natural process, part of maturing, and a way of developing our human capacity for kindness, courage, and love. We invite you to join us along with the Fire, Water, Earth, and Air.
By bridging these two pathways, this workshop offers both the practical and the sacred, the personal and the universal. Together we will honor the sacred bond between humans and animals, and learn how to move with grief in a way that is healthy, healing, and rooted in the love we share.
