‘Medicine for the soul’ helps with grief, healing

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2016 was a challenging year. It was a time when I was experiencing the loss of one of my closest friends; my daughter was dealing with the loss of two of her friends while I was also struggling with the continuous loss of life in my work in elder care.

That year felt like there was hardly any time to mourn one loss before another came. My heart was very heavy, to say the least. I began to realize how out of touch I had been with the true process of grieving, honoring someone’s life, facing this inevitable part of our journey, and respecting my own need to allow myself time to properly mourn.

Then came the Death Faire ... which was incredibly healing for me.

To dive into a taboo subject the way the Death Faire has is true medicine for the soul. I learned about dealing with grief, ancestral healing, different cultural rituals, participated in the community altar, and was moved beyond words by beautiful song, dance, drumming and fire. These were powerful blessings that opened my mind, lifted the pain, and filled my heart. I realized how important it is to talk with our loved ones about these things. I began experiencing comfort in stepping out of the anxiety and fear surrounding death. I believe Death Faire has given me a much greater sense of peace in dealing with loss of life and has educated the community on the celebration of one’s life. I would encourage anyone, of any age to attend this valuable community offering with an open heart and mind.

If you’re going

Death Faire 2020

  • The fifth annual event will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31; for more information, go to abundancenc.org/death-faire.
  • Location: The Plant at 220 Lorax Lane, Pittsboro
  • Featuring keynote speakers Dr. Tashel Bordere and Godi Godar Moteke Molanga, live music, meditation, interactive altars, story/prayer circles and much more.
  • Tickets: abundancenc.org/death-faire (children free; adults $10-$75, sliding scale)
  • COVID-19 regulations (masks, social distancing required) will be observed