Facing Loss, Healing Grief

with Alvina Cassidy & John Douglas
Friday 15 November, 7.30pm to Sunday 17 November, 1pm 2024

Grief is a natural response to the ongoing loss we experience when someone close to us dies. In this retreat, using meditation and reflections, we will explore ways to be with our sorrow and to understand change and impermanence.

The shock of separation and bereavement is often accompanied by feelings of intense sadness, distress or anger. Although we will never forget, we can heal the pain of grief.

This workshop is not recommended for those whose loss is less than three months old or for anyone who might be pregnant.

To ensure the best support for all who attend ‘Facing Loss, Healing Grief’ the number of places are restricted, so please book early.

Content

  • Exploring our relationship with our grief
  • Identifying things that make it harder to mourn our loss
  • Healing Unfinished Business
  • Small Group Sharing
  • Larger Group Support
  • Guided meditations
  • Creative expression including writing
  • Time for rest, gentle movement and enjoying nature

Location

The retreat will be held in the Spiritual Care Centre meditation room, a bright ecumenical space with beautiful views.

You can sit on a chair or on a zafu cushion on the floor, wherever you are comfortable. None of the sessions involve difficult postures or complicated techniques.

Catering

Delicious two course vegetarian lunches, with soup and bread in the evenings. Cooked with love at Dzogchen Beara, using homegrown and organic ingredients whenever possible. Tea and coffee.

Accommodation

Rooms are reserved for participants in the Care Centre and our cottages providing a safe and supportive rest place for those attending this workshop. Participants are advised against staying in the hostel for this event. Participants often choose to spend more time in this supportive environment by arriving a few days earlier, or staying a little longer to get the most out of the weekend.

Fee €310
Concession €255

Dzogchen Beara has a policy of not turning anyone away for financial reasons.
Please contact scc-admin@dzogchenbeara.org to discuss flexible payment options or to request assistance from our spiritual care bursary fund.

Limited accommodation is available on-site. Book early!
A list of hostels, B&B’s self-catering accommodation and hotels in the local area is available here.

Vegetarian lunches and light evening meals are provided. The cost is included in your fee.

Please use this Expression of Interest form to apply.

Enquiries by email or + 353 (0) 27 73370

To view our visitor information, please click here.

Bernie Jeffery
Bernie Jeffery
Bernie Jeffery is an accredited member of The Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy who works in private practice and with individuals and groups through the work of The Social and Health Education Project.
Her background is in nursing and midwifery. She also trained in Therapeutic Massage.
For several years she has co-facilitated Rigpa Meditation courses in Cork and she is an Educator in the Spiritual Care Education Programme.
She is also a founder member of Educate Together National School in Cork.
Alvina Cassidy
Alvina Cassidy
Alvina Cassidy is an accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist and Mindfulness Teacher (MBSR/MBCT). She has practiced meditation for 29 years. As the National Spiritual Care Programme Coordinator at Dzogchen Beara from 2001 to 2011, she event managed and facilitated Meditation and Compassion based courses; Loss and Grief and Deep Listening.
John Douglas
John Douglas
John Douglas first became interested in Buddhist Meditation in 1990 and moved to West Cork in 1994 to become part of the Dzogchen Beara community. As a Senior Meditation Instructor and Spiritual Care Educator, John is one of Dzogchen Beara’s main facilitators on a range of courses and workshops including Facing Loss and Healing Grief, Deep Listening, Self Compassion and Healing Relationships.

John is a Counsellor & Psychotherapist, accredited with the IACP, working in private practice in Castletownbere and with ARC Cancer Support House in Bantry, as well as being part of the care team supporting guests at the Care Centre in Dzogchen Beara.