Grief and Gratitude

Greetings mga Kasama and Friends,

As I write this newsletter from Southern California, I acknowledge and honor the original and current caretakers of this land, water, and air: the Tongva (Gabrieleno), Cahuilla, Payómkawichum (Luiseño), and Serrano peoples and all their Ancestors, Elders, and descendants of the past, present, and future. I am grateful to have the opportunity to live and work on these homelands.

In this month’s newsletter I share insights about grief and gratitude while working in higher education. I provide a list of community resources on healing and wellness; Native American Heritage Month; and ways you can support community organizations.

We are in the giving season and winter holidays which is a time for connection, renewal, and joy. And, with this time of the year it may bring up feelings of heaviness and mixed emotions. Many are coping with grief from the loss of loved ones, unhealed trauma and suffering, or experiencing unmet basic needs.

The author Pixie Lighthhorse writes, “grief is a wise elder who needs visitors to their little house out in the wooded countryside away from the rest of humanity. Neglect of their results is missed opportunities to gain understanding and wisdom, just as it does when we fail to sit at the feet of the grandparents to listen. Making the pilgrimage with grief is ultimately strengthening.”

Grief may feel all consuming, and it comes in waves which can serve as a reminder to pause, feel, and reflect. From grief I draw strength to appreciate resilience, and practice gratitude of the possibilities for healing and hope. This season I am filled with gratitude, hope, and appreciation for my family and friends, and to be among a community of like minded healers and social justice leaders working for change.

I hope you find value in this month’s newsletter.

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Maraming Salamat Po!

In community with you,

Claire