Shea Darian, a grief theorist, educator and founder of Doing Grief Community Healing Project in Sun City, will present an ongoing grief education series, “Mourning Light Cafe II: Building Your Skill Set for Healing the Grief of a Lifetime,” this fall at The Healing Project, located in the Interfaith Chapel for Healing–Church of the Palms, 14808 N. Boswell Blvd.

An introduction for newcomers and review for past participants will be 9-10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 27, with ongoing sessions Oct. 25, Nov. 8 and 22 and Dec. 13. The series is hosted by Darian’s spouse, Dr. Andrew Darian, a lifelong educator and board member for Doing Grief, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that makes the Healing Project possible.

“We often think of grief as an emotion to be expressed, but grief is more pervasive than that,” Darian explained. “You can experience grief in your body, mind, and spirit. It’s a whole-person experience.”

Doing Grief programs and services are not just for people who experience death-related loss. Common sources of grief-related pain include broken relationships, immobility, isolation, disability, addiction, progressive or terminal illness and the demands of caregiving responsibilities, among others. The Healing Project offers a variety of programs to nourish holistic (mind-body-spirit) healing.

“We also offer grief support groups where we talk, but ours are intimate small groups,” Darian said. “Healing circles of four or five, story circles of seven or eight. Everyone has a chance to speak, and everyone listens and supports the others. So, yes, we talk sometimes. We also listen, learn, play, laugh, cry and create our way to healing together.”

Grief education classes are intended for those who seek a mindful understanding of the grieving process–to gain balance and a sense of direction in the wake of loss. Arts programs like drumming, wood chip carving, needlefelting, and watercolor painting allow participants to engage soulfully through artistic creation. Spiritual enrichment and mindfulness programs are offered to foster meaning, compassion and inner peace.

“I’ve spent most of my teaching career being a champion for children and youth to learn in ways that nourish head, heart and hands,” Dr. Darian said. “I so believe in Shea’s work. It’s needed in all sectors of society, for all ages.”

Doing Grief Community Healing Project programs are for those of all faiths and philosophies, or none.

RSVP for Healing Project programs at 602-315-8480, Connect@DoingGrief.com or fill out the RSVP form at DoingGrief.org. A suggested donation can be made online or at the door. All are welcome regardless of an ability to pay.