Ecological Grief and Community Resilience
“The times are urgent. Let us slow down.” Bayo Akomolafe
It takes courage to face the times we live in. I facilitate groups where we uncover and share our feelings about what is happening in the world around us. I guide group processes that deepen our connections to one another, build community resilience, and help us cultivates the courage to live with open eyes and soft hearts during these painful times. We explore hope and purpose in the face of loss and ultimately orient our lives toward creative, meaningful action.
“Grief and love are sisters, woven together from the beginning. Their kinship reminds us that there is no love that does not contain loss and no loss that is not a reminder of the love we carry for what we once held close.”
Francis Weller
“Working with Kristan and witnessing the other group participants’ experience was life-changing. What was especially unique was the depth and openness of the conversations and how, over time, our dialogue supported me in taking better care of myself and adjusting the direction of my work to meet the challenges of the polycrisis. I finished the group work with both greater peace of mind and a revitalized sense of purpose. Kristan was an immensely skillful and authentic group leader.” - Good Grief Participant
“ Every single minute I spent focused on this work was a minute so well spent. Life changing, really.”
- Good Grief Participant
The Good Grief Network offers a 10-Step program to help dissolve isolation, promote resilience and lead us toward community healing. Small groups meet 2 hours/week for 10 weeks for heart-centered process work supported by journaling, poetry, guided meditations and well-curated resources.
I host workshops, classes, webinars, ongoing support, professional development trainings, keynote speeches, eco-grief rituals, and nature-based retreats. I work specifically with scientists, climate professionals, parents, as well as the general population. I have years of experience facilitating for The Good Grief Network, The Work that Reconnects, Climate Psychology Alliance - North America, and the Climate Emotional Resilience Institute. I work independently as well and love to tailor programs for organizations.
The Work that Reconnects draws from Buddhism, systems theory, and deep ecology. Through a series of creative exercises, we deepen our sense of belonging to the web of life, transform our despair into vitality, and enrich our sense of community empowerment. I offer workshops of varying lengths and am happy to tailor one to fit the needs of interested parties.
Testimonials for Kristan’s group facilitation
“Kristan is a woman of strength, great awareness, and caring. I loved hearing all that she shared about her kids and family, her lovely tears, smiles, warmth, and open heart. The poetic words and phrases with which she consistently chose to express herself delighted my creative spirit.”
“When I began the 10-Step program, I was in a state of overwhelm. The issues are massive, incredibly complex, and I felt nearly paralyzed by my anxiety around them, especially as a parent who not only has to reconcile my place within this crisis, but also that of my children. Connecting with the others in the group and listening to their perspectives, all under the caring framework provided by our facilitators, I finally began to organize my own thoughts and process my own feelings. The issues are no smaller, but I feel my ability to face them, for myself and my kids, has been greatly enhanced by this experience. I am very grateful!”
“For 15 years I've been talking and learning in public about all aspects of the climate emergency. GGN's 10-Step was a precious chance to listen first and then talk in private with highly-skilled facilitators and non-judgy listeners. A couple of the media resources really advanced my understanding of intersectional issues in ways that will inform my work. I really got a lot out of this.”