Event Details

Grief Ritual in Bend, Oregon

Apr 17 - Apr 18, 2015
Bend, Oregon

baby shoesApril 17 & 18 – Bend, Oregon

“Darkness deserves gratitude. It is the alleluia point at which we learn to understand that all growth does not take place in the sunlight.”
― Joan D. Chittister

We all experience grief in life – from death, divorce, abandonment, illness, conflict, the loss of dreams, and much more. Because of this, we must have ways to release our pain and regularly cleanse ourselves, or our grief begins to smother our joy, our creativity, and our ability to connect with others.

This weekend, Sobonfu Somé shares one of the most important rituals of her people –The Dagara tribe of West Africa. The Grief Ritual is a soul-cleansing rite that clears away lingering clouds and festering wounds, lightens your soul, and helps you find your way back to wholeness, peace, and self acceptance.

Dagara rituals offer profound healing, making spirit tangible by preparing mind, body and soul to receive the spirituality that surrounds us.

Who should attend?
– People feeling grief for the loss of a loved one, a pet, or job
– Anyone stuck in unhealthy relationships or emotionally unhealthy situations
– People in transition of any kind, whether through divorce, illness, or disappointed dreams
– Front line workers such as therapists, educators, nurses, social workers, hospice caregivers, police men or women
– Veterans
– Those feeling the collective grief of a violent world, or the environmental harm of the earth
– Anyone with sadness and pain to release

Sobonfu-Somé bwAbout Sobonfu
Sobonfu’s destiny was foretold by village elders before her birth, as is the custom of the Dagara tribe. Recognizing she possessed special gifts, her elders named her “keeper of the rituals,” knowing she was destined to teach the ancient wisdom, rituals and practices of her ancestors to those in the West.

Sobonfu travels extensively throughout North America and Europe, conducting workshops on spirituality, ritual, the sacred, and intimacy. Her work has moved African spiritual practices from the realm of anthropology to a place alongside the world’s great spiritual traditions, with a message of profound significance and practical application in the lives of Westerners.

Filled with grace and eloquence, Sobonfu possesses a charm and modesty that enables her to touch her audience deeply. Her message about the importance of spirit, community and ritual in our lives rings with an intuitive power and truth that Alice Walker has said “can help us put together so many things that our modern western world has broken.”

She has written three books, “The Spirit of Intimacy” (William Morrow), “Falling Out of Grace” (North Bay Books), and “Welcoming Spirit Home” (New World Library). Learn more about Sobonfu at www.sobonfu.com


Event Details
Friday, April 17th 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Saturday, April 18th 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM*
Early Bird Pricing (before March 27th): $190
After March 27th: $230

The Grief Ritual will be held indoors on a Tumalo property (located between Bend and Sisters) surrounded by sagebrush, ancient juniper trees, and views of the Cascade Mountains. Directions and additional details will be provided upon registration.
*Lunch included

REGISTRATION
Register early as space is limited. Your non-refundable tuition payment confirms your registration.

To Register online go to:

http://www.redballoonproject.com/events/

Checks can be made payable to:
Red Balloon Consulting
1537 NW Baltimore Avenue
Bend, OR 97701
If sending a check, please provide your first and last name, mailing address and phone number. Thank you.

Questions? Contact:
Jennifer Houston
541-410-1280
jhouston@redballoonproject.com