Spotlight on Wild Grief

A few weeks ago, I heard about an organization called Wild Grief, which is based in Olympia, Washington. Since I have been grieving a recent loss, I decided to find out more about this (501)(c)(3) nonprofit and what they do.

Wild Grief incorporates the healing power of nature with peer support by leading grieving individuals, families, and youth on hikes and camping trips. As widows know very well, grief can be a lonely and isolating experience. Wild Grief strives to bring those who are on a similar path together as they experience the restorative power of the great outdoors.

They offer a number of options for grievers. You can take a nature hike as short as two hours, or you can select a day hike of three to six hours. You can go on an overnight camping trip. Young adults can even undertake a three-day backpacking adventure.

All these hikes are guided by individuals who are trained in outdoor leadership, first aid, and grief support. They are primarily located in the south Puget Sound area.

The hikes (and camping supplies) are free as Wild Grief is supported by donations.

Last weekend, as the latest “atmospheric river” descended on Washington state, I participated in a “virtual” Hike Habit. Virtual hikes are conducted via Zoom. Like other Zoom meetings, there is a facilitator and attendees can choose to join with video/audio or without.

The Wild Grief facilitator spoke for a few minutes before attendees were encouraged to share whatever we wished to say about our grief. No one had to speak if they did not wish to. I found the facilitator to be sensitive and validating during this process.

The virtual Hike Habit includes time away from the computer, during which we were given the option to go outside, take a walk, and possibly experience nature in a new way connected to our grief. After this break, we were encouraged to return to the Wild Grief Zoom call and share our thoughts along with the other attendees. I grabbed my umbrella and walked on a wooded path behind my home for about fifteen minutes before the rain drove me back inside. By keeping some of the facilitator’s words in mind as related to our connection to the natural world, I did gain a greater sense of peace about my recent loss.

Another option Wild Grief offers is a “self-guided walk,” where you can listen to a prerecorded message as you walk on your own at any time. The narrator suggests ways of observing and interpreting what you are seeing along your walk interspersed with thoughts about the connection to grief. These self-guided walks can also be found on their website.

Wild Grief has scheduled an in-person hike for December 17 at Tumwater Falls from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration is required. For more information, click HERE. For a link to Wild Grief’s Home page, click HERE.

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