The Revolution of Openness: Experiencing Grief and Loss in a New Era
The concept of grieving the loss of loved ones as a journey allows human beings to understand the healing process in stages, with accompanying tasks and with needs that are both universal and unique. Yet there are many faces to grief and many ways of expressing it. Since the global pandemic, grieving as we once knew it has changed in innumerable ways. As we continue to move into this new era of living, our experiences of loss — both as individuals and in communities — have been incredibly impacted. This compels us to recognize our emotions and reflect on our experiences to heal and move forward in empowered ways. And, in solidarity with each other, we can take steps toward openness to the powerful transformation these losses and our grief work can lead us to.
Join us for this one-day retreat as we gather together for listening, dialogue, and other meaningful exercises as a means of ritually expressing our grief. Various resources will be offered to uplift participants on their journey as they consider their respective stories and navigate personal and communal landscapes of loss. Attention will also be given to some of the sacred tasks inherent to grieving the death of loved ones as well as other significant changes and transitions. Please bring along a journal for use during the retreat. Lunch is included. Guided by Gordon Creamer.
Gordon Creamer, MA, creator of the Mission Bridge, currently serves as Program Director at Well for the Journey, a spiritual wellness center in Lutherville, Maryland. He has held leadership roles in healthcare programming and operations since 2001 at various assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice communities. He earned a Master of Arts in Spiritual & Pastoral Care from Loyola University and a Master of Arts in Theology from the Ecumenical Institute of St. Mary’s Seminary & University. Currently, he is a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry Program at the Ecumenical Institute. Gordon has facilitated numerous retreats and workshops that focus on creating opportunities for participants to explore and enhance their spirituality and well-being through various media and formats. He also participates as a peer group leader in the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Transforming Community Program. His passions include uplifting the journey of adults, individuals with memory impairment, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as fostering support groups and programs for caregivers and those who are grieving losses. Trained as a spiritual director/companion, end-of-life doula, and Reiki practitioner, Gordon welcomes all in discovering the spiritual life as a means of healing, expanding, and flourishing. For more information, visit TheMissionBridge.com.