Dear Reader,
There are so many messages we receive about grief and what we're supposed to do after someone we love dies. We're told that we need to let go, find closure, move on, and somehow learn to live without the person who has died. Ugh.
I've come to question much of that advice, especially the idea that healing requires us to let go of the people we love.
One of the most meaningful shifts in my own relationship with grief has been discovering that I can continue to have a relationship with my loved ones, even though they are no longer physically here.
There's actually a name for this: continuing bonds.
For me, these connections often live in the simplest of moments. Talking to my loved ones (oh we have great conversations!), saying their names, lighting a candle, or including them in rituals and everyday life. These small acts of remembrance have become meaningful ways of honoring the love that remains.
Of course, I would give anything to have them here in the flesh. Continuing bonds don't take away the longing or the pain of their absence. But they have helped me recognize that death changes our relationships without necessarily bringing them to an end.
I recently recorded a short reflection about continuing bonds and why I believe we need to reconsider some of the cultural messages we've inherited about grief.
Watch my short video on Continuing Bonds
I'd love to hear from you, too. Are there ways you continue to feel connected to someone who has died? Perhaps through a ritual, a favorite song, a conversation, a place in nature, or something entirely your own?
I'd love to hear about it. Simply reply to this email.
Upcoming Events + Circles + Services
December 12, 2026
Day Retreat: Tending Grief through the Holidays
For those in the Twin Cities area, the holidays can be especially tender when you're living with grief. Join me for Tending Grief Through the Holidays at Healing Roots Wellness Center for a nourishing day retreat offering rest, reflection, gentle movement, restorative sound, connection, and ritual.
Together, we'll explore ways to care for ourselves and our grief through the season while creating a personal Holiday Grief-Tending Kit to take home.
All forms of grief are welcome.
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Several dates occurring Fall 2026!
Tender Days Virtual Grief Circles - FREE
We all know of those certain days on the calendar that are just really tender. These virtual circles are specifically designed for those tough ones. They are always free and open to all.
FALL CIRCLES
Honoring Ancestors Circle
Sibling Loss Circle
Caregivers Circle
Suicide Loss Survivors Circle
Holiday Grief Circle
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Appointments Available Now
Reiki for Grief Support and Grief Guidance
I recently completed my Reiki master training with a dear soul, and I am giddy about beginning to offer Reiki for those moving through grief. I also offer both in-person and virtual grief guidance sessions. I love hearing your stories, getting to know your person or pet that has crossed or about a life ending that needs witnessing and tending. Interested in both?! I have you covered with an integrated session that includes both Reiki and guidance.
Complimentary conversations available!
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Tuesday Evenings (7 - 8:15pm)
Community Grief Circles: Healing Roots Wellness Center
Every Tuesday evening, we gather in community to tend to the grief that we are carrying. This circle is for anyone - any loss - no matter how long it has been. Our format is simple: we light a candle at the beginning of the circle, there is a topic for the evening that is aligned with the rhythms of Nature, a grief-tending practice, and optional sharing. We close each circle with silence before extinguishing the flame.
Please try to sign up ahead of time, but you are more than welcome to make a game-time decision (I get it)!
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