Activity 1: Grief Associations and Experiences

Activity time: 30 minutes

Invite participants to brainstorm words that they associate with grief and mourning. If after a little while there is a pause in the brainstorm, wait it out by keeping silence for a minute or two. This may allow space for unspoken ideas to come forth. Allow ten minutes for this part of the activity.

After you have finished brainstorming, invite participants to sit in silence for two minutes and reflect of which of the words listed resonates with their personal experiences. Then invite participants to share their reflections in groups of three as they are willing and comfortable. Allow ten minutes for this part of the activity.

Then invite participants to add more words to the brainstorm list. Lead a large group conversation, asking:

  • What common experiences and feelings did your small group share regarding grief and mourning?
  • What insights did you gain from the brainstorm and conversation?