Going to the Lonesome Valley: An Eight Week Online Course on Skillful Mourning

Grief is one of the primary emotions we are collectively experiencing right now. It is related to loss and the transition we are all going through due to the pandemic and our anxiety about the future.

This new online course, arising out of the expressed need of students wanting to go deeper into grief and mourning practices, will provide a structured space and guidance to do this important work. 

Open only to students who have participated in a past Love and Rage Course, this offering will guide us through the transformative grief and mourning practices that Lama Rod developed based on his lineages of Tibetan Buddhism, Kali Natha Yoga, Black Southern Liberation Theology, Queer Theory, Indigeneity, and their praxis.

Practice will center on mindfulness meditation while incorporating a contemplative view of music, movement, and visual art. 

This course will be more intimate as we are capping registration to accommodate small group work, with an emphasis on creating safe spaces for practice and discussion.

There is also an option to choose a tantric practice track for those interested in exploring those teachings. We will use the tantric Medicine Buddha and Tara practices to help us process and move through the energy of grief.

Course Themes:

• Understanding the internal and external processes of grief and mourning
• Connecting to sadness and loss
• Creating space to channel mourning
• Working with various kinds of grief
• Buddhist teachings and practices on grief
• Finding joy amidst grief
• Making self care a part of our everyday life
• Identity (race and class) and grief
• How to grieve and mourn
• Exploring The Labors: Emotional, Spiritual, Ancestral

Practices & Exercises:  

• Live Sessions twice a week
• Group Discussion
• Movement and Restorative Practices
• Pre-recorded Videos Talks
• Guided Audio Practices 
• Live drop-in group practice sessions
• Journal and Contemplation Prompts
• Live sessions with Lama Rod, including Q&A

Live Sessions:

Live Wednesday Practice Sessions 

Week 1: July 28th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 2: August 4th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 3: August 11th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 4: August 18th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 5: August 25th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 6: September 1st from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 7: September 8th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 8: September 15th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Weekly Live Friday Gatherings

Week 1: July 30th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 2: August 6th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 3: August 13th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 4: August 20th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 5: August 27th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 6: September 3rd from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 7: September 10th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Week 8: September 17th from 7:00-8:30pm ET

Closing Ceremony and Celebration

September 20th from 7:00-9:00pm ET

FAQs

What if I cannot attend the live sessions?

Live sessions will be recorded and posted on the course platform for you to watch later.

Is there a refund policy? 

Full refunds are available prior to the start of the course on July 26th, 2021. Once the course has begun we are not able to issue refunds.

Is there financial assistance available?

Through the support of those who give at the Pay it Forward level, we have a limited amount of scholarships available. Email [email protected] if you are in need of financial assistance. If you are able to contribute to our ability to offer scholarships, your generosity by choosing the Pay it Forward supports our ability to offer more financial support. 

How long will the course materials be available once I register?

All course modules will be available indefinitely.

Other Questions?

For any other questions about this course, please contact [email protected]