Grief Songs – Day of Song
Saturday, November 14th, 2026
10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Join us for a day of holding our grief in song and creation. 

Building upon our monthly Grief Songs circles, we will take our time as we honour and sing to each gate of grief: acknowledging the many faces of loss—personal, collective, and ecological. We will sing to the grief we hold in our hearts, to the grief we carry for those we have loved, for the Earth, and for the world in which we live.

Here, we create harmony in vulnerability. Through song, we give voice to the unspoken—to what we carry, to what we have lost, and to what is yet to be healed. We come together not to fix or erase the grief, but to allow it space to be heard, felt, and expressed.

Throughout the day, there will be the option to engage in simple, contemplative art-making offerings as part of the singing. Materials such as watercolour, beeswax, weaving, and charcoal will be available—each connected to a different gate of grief. Participants are also welcome to bring their own handwork or art projects in process, as well as a journal for writing. These offerings are unstructured and self-directed—an invitation to create as you sing, to follow whichever medium calls to you, or to simply rest in the sound. You may also wish to bring a yoga mat or blanket, in case you feel drawn to lie down or move gently as the day unfolds. All of these elements are available for you to engage with—or not—as feels right for you in the moment.

Structure of the Day

Arrive by 10:00 a.m.
Settle in, fill your tea cup, and find your place.

10:15 – Welcoming and introductions
Opening the circle and grounding together.

10:30 – 12:00 – Singing and art-making
Entering the first gates through song and gentle creation.

12:00 – 1:15 – Lunch
Bring your own lunch and enjoy time for nourishment and rest.

1:15 – 2:15 – Singing and art-making
Continuing our journey through the gates.

2:15 – 2:45 – Quiet integration
Time for rest, writing, or personal reflection.

2:45 – 3:45 – Singing and art-making
Closing the circle in song and community.

3:45 – 4:00 – Closing
A gentle return and farewell.

Inspired by Francis Weller’s teachings, we will sing—gate by gate—to all the gates of grief:

• Personal loss: For those we have loved and lost, whose absence lives in us, in our bodies and hearts.
  
• Places that have not known love: For the grief we may not have known how to name, for the unacknowledged pain that lingers beneath the surface.
  
• The sorrows of the world: For the Earth, war, injustice, and separation.
  
• What we expected and did not receive: Community, belonging, a joyous welcome of our gifts.
  
• Ancestral grief: The unacknowledged and untended sorrow of those who came before us.

This circle is for all voices—whether you are a comfortable singer, a shy singer, or someone who simply needs to be held in song.

*Light snacks, tea and coffee will be available throughout the day.  Participants can either bring a lunch or go out for lunch (there are several options nearby).

**Please note: this is not a dialogue circle, no one will be asked to share personal experiences, all songs will be facilitated by Jordan and Kate. 

About the facilitators:

Jordan Topp:  Jordan is a grief tender/counsellor, group facilitator and community song leader. To learn more visit www.jordantopp.com.

Kate Keenan: Kate is an expressive arts therapist in training at the Create Institute, group facilitator, and community song leader. Learn more at www.torontoarttherapyforkids.ca.

Space is limited, please pre-register.

Cost: $135 – if finances are a barrier, please let us know in the form.