Grief can be a painful and lonely journey. At the same time, grief offers us the opportunity to connect more intimately to ourselves, our communities, and the profound teachings of loss.
On Saturday, July 2nd, join grief counselors and mindfulness and meditation teachers Brian Stefan and Karen Redding for a shared exploration of grief in a safe, supportive group setting.
The Grief Journey
Most of us know it’s unhelpful to avoid or suppress our experience with grief. But we may not know how to best acknowledge and embrace grief as a natural and necessary process. It’s common to wonder if we’re doing it ‘right.’
Mindfulness, movement, and community are supportive for grief because they assist us in being present with this moment. By learning to recognize how grief shows up in our mind, body, and heart, we can soften to pain instead of feeling defeated by it.
Who is this half-day retreat for?
This half-day retreat is for anyone who is ready to experience grief not only through the lens of loss, but as a journey with great meaning and purpose.
Everyone is welcome to join, including beginners. The mindfulness, meditation and movement practices on this retreat will be suitable for all levels.
Where is this retreat located?
This event will take place in-person at the Benedict Canyon Retreat House. Find directions, information on what to bring and more on this link.
Please note: In keeping with the principles of the dharma that underlie our activities, primarily non-harming, we are requiring that all attendees be fully vaccinated in order to attend in-person. Masks are optional as all attendees are fully vaccinated. Attendance is limited to allow for social distancing.
About Brian Stefan
Brian is a Grief Therapist in private practice (individual and grief groups) and a professor at the CSULA School of Social Work where he trains new therapists in modern grief therapies and theories. He is the co-founder and co-facilitator of the InsightLA Mindfulness and Deep Suffering Practice and Affinity Group.
Brian has studied and practiced Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at InsightLA and Spirit Rock Meditation Center. Learn more about Brian here.
“Brian is a courageous and compassionate advocate for healing, community connection, and creative solutions.”
-Elizabeth Nails, Co-Chair, LA Suicide Prevention Network Youth Advisory Board
About Karen Cryer
Karen Cryer has been helping clients through integrative bodywork, muscle therapy and Eastern healing practices for over 17 years. Her educational background includes emphasis on studies in bio-mechanics, exercise physiology, and yoga therapy.
Karen has completed a Yoga for Seniors program at Duke University Integrative Medicine with an emphasis on supporting specific medical conditions. She also completed a certification program in Yoga for Osteoporosis with Dr. Loren Fishman and Ellen Saltonstall. What began as a personal journey developed into teaching the Sacred Movement class at Insight LA, honoring the traditions of her teacher Sifu Matthew Cohen and Sacred Energy Arts.
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Volunteer for InsightLA
We are recruiting one volunteer for set up and moderation on-site. If you are interested please fill out the form here.
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Exciting News!
InsightLA is running a Food Bank Program to offer our community the opportunity to support the Westside Food Bank and help folks dealing with low-income living and/or experiencing houselessness. To participate please click here.