Walking With Grief
We are often tricked into believing that grief is reserved only for those experiencing the death of a loved one. Grief comes into our lives in various forms, often shape shifting as it moves through our bodies
Francis Weller speaks of The 5 Gates of Grief:
All that we love we will lose
- The first Gate of Grief reminds us that change is universal.
The places that did not receive love
- With the second Gate we identify places inside of us that may have been neglected, rejected and were never touched by love.
The sorrows of the world
- The third Gate is where we feel for global causes of suffering, eco-crisis, war, suffering, division.
What we expected but did not receive
- With the fourth Gate, we face our disappointments and loss of the dreams we held
Ancestral grief
- The fifth Gate helps us to recognize the pain that we carry for those who came before us and the untended sorrow that accompanies it.
Grief is not something to be fixed or hurried through—it is a landscape we must walk through slowly, with care. In our society, sorrow is often silenced or hidden, yet unexpressed grief has a way of weighing down the body and spirit. This walking group offers a space to be with our grief, rather than push it away. When we acknowledge and move gently with our sorrow, we allow it to soften, to breathe. Grief becomes less of a burden when it is witnessed by others who understand, and by the natural world that holds us without judgment.
Grief comes in all shapes and sizes and the more of it that we add to our heart, the more congestion we will experience in our body.
Grief is not something to be fixed or hurried through—it is a landscape we must walk through slowly, with care. In our society, sorrow is often silenced or hidden, yet unexpressed grief has a way of weighing down the body and spirit. This walking group offers a space to be with our grief, rather than push it away. When we acknowledge and move gently with our sorrow, we allow it to soften, to breathe. Grief becomes less of a burden when it is witnessed by others who understand, and by the natural world that holds us without judgment.
Nature has a way of absorbing what we cannot carry alone. Trees, rivers, wind, and sky have been holding human sorrow for millennia. The quiet path, the shifting light, the sound of leaves underfoot—all these offer a kind of tenderness that speaks directly to the soul. As we walk together, we experience communitas: a deep, wordless bond formed through shared experience and mutual knowing. Here, among others who understand and in the embrace of the natural world, our grief can find its rightful place—not as something to escape, but as something to walk with.
Our walks will take place, watched over by the wisdom of the trees at Westonbirt Arboretum. We will meet for 2hrs and move at a leisurely group pace. There will be plenty of moments to pause, wonder and lay down the load that sometimes feels just too heavy to carry.
The walk will be led by Richard Tyler, an experienced therapist and grief tender. His gentle spirit will hold the group firmly as he prompts you to reflect on certain questions and themes, offering both food for thought and medicine for your soul.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Where do we meet?
Our walks take place at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS. There is plenty of free parking (including disabled bays). Once parked, make your way to the entrance gate where we will gather as a group.
2. What amenities are there at Westonbirt and is it accessible?
Yes it has everything you could need; toilets, a café, ice creams, mobility scooters (need to be pre-booked) and accessible pathways and parking.
3. Is there anything I need to bring with me?
Bring some water, wear comfortable shoes for walking, clothes for our British All seasons in one day weather and if you know you like to capture thoughts, a notebook and pen.
4. Can I take photos?
Westonbirt is stunning and I imagine you will want to capture whatever steals your heart. Just please no photos of other people in our group, without their permision first.
5. How long will we walk for?
We meet for 2hrs and in that time we will walk, pause, rest a while and walk some more. This is not an endurance test. We will move at a leisurely pace. Please arrive 15 mins before the start time of the walk, so that we can gather together.
6. Can I bring my dog?
Even though Westonbirt allows dogs, we are not inviting them on our walk. Some members of the group might be scared or allergic to them and we want you to be solely focused on yourself and not be distracted by your dogs needs.
7. Do I need to register before the event?
Yes please, we don’t accept registrations on the day. We have a maximum number of 12 places.
8. You say it is free, really?
We are always seeking funding to help to run these experiences for free and we welcome a donation for the experience which can be gifted on the booking page. We also include your entrance fee to Westonbirt Arboretum which is between £12-16.
9. How do I know if this is right for me?
Grief is grief, no matter how large or small it may feel. If left untended, it becomes a heavy load to bear. We welcome everyone no matter what stage of grieving you are at or what you are grieving from, come and let the trees embrace you.
10. I’m worried that my grief could overwhelm me if I make space for it?
This is totally understandable and why many people turn away from their grief as opposed to towards it. You will be well held by me and the others in the group. Grief was never meant to be a solo pursuit – it is to be shared and witnessed by others.