Grief is a deeply personal experience, and for those who are navigating its difficult waters, seeking connection and understanding can be a vital part of the healing process. The upcoming Grief Experience Summit by Hearts2Heal promises to be a beacon of hope and healing for those grappling with loss. Attendees can expect a wealth of both holistic and clinical resources designed to foster a supportive community as they share their stories and process their emotions.
One of the core components of the summit will be the opportunity to engage with others who have faced similar losses. Connecting with fellow participants is invaluable, as it can help individuals clarify their feelings and start to make sense of their grief. Activities such as sound bowl sessions, meals to reflect on the day’s experiences, and a “happy hour” for connecting and unpacking emotions will enrich the journey of attendees, allowing for a space to breathe and decompress.
The summit will feature a keynote address by Marissa Rivera, a local therapist whose own experiences with grief have shaped her passion for helping others. Marissa’s unique storytelling, coupled with her professional insights, is sure to inspire attendees as she navigates the complexities of loss.
The Heart Behind the Summit: A Personal Journey
The inception of this summit is rooted in founder Maria Brown-Spence’s own journey through grief. After the loss of her grandmother in 2012 and the passing of her boyfriend in 2018, she found herself grappling with profound sorrow. The establishment of H2H (Hearts2Heal) in 2019 emerged from a desire to help others facing similar heartaches. Utilizing social media to share her story, she discovered a supportive community that resonated with her experience. It took nearly six years for her to rise above the depths of her grief, realizing that masking her pain with unhealthy coping mechanisms would not lead to true healing.
Fundamentally, H2H represents a gift to the world, born from the Maria’s journey of navigating grief. Although funding has become more accessible in recent years, she initially self-funded the project with the hope of creating a sanctuary for those in need.
A Balanced Approach to Grief
While one might associate a grief summit solely with tears and sorrow, attendees can expect a diverse tapestry of emotions. The event will include moments of joy alongside moments of sadness, allowing individuals to share fond memories of their loved ones. Strangers will come together, forming connections through shared experiences of grief, over communal meals, and supportive interactions.
To support this holistic approach to healing, the summit will provide private rooms for reflection and co-working, enabling attendees to engage in personal processing as needed. For those seeking immediate support, clinical therapists will be on-site offering free therapy sessions, an initiative that H2H regularly extends to its community.
Highlights and Speakers at the Summit
Participants will be enriched by a variety of speakers, including Marissa Rivera of Hola Wellness, and Latronda the Artist, who will provide unique perspectives and insights into the experience of grief.
One session that has generated excitement is Latronda’s discussion focused on working with veterans. As someone deeply connected to the veteran community, Latronda will address the multifaceted nature of grief, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic. The session will explore various forms of loss and the resilience required to navigate through them, affirming that grief is not a linear process but rather a journey that can span many dimensions.
Join Us
The upcoming Grief Experience Summit offers a compassionate space for those affected by loss to gather, connect, and heal together. By engaging with others on a similar path and embracing a blend of emotions, participants can expect to find solace, understanding, and a renewed sense of hope as they embark on their healing journey. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or a loved one, this summit promises to be a transformative experience in the pursuit of healing from grief.
Register for the Grief Experience Summit, scheduled for Friday, Sep 27. Also, learn more about the discounted and free services provided by Hearts2Heal.
