The Many Griefs That Make Up Our Days
No matter who you are, no matter what you do, you're grieving the shape of the world we live in. Let's talk about it.
I’ve been feeling a lot of grief, given what’s happening around me, around us all. Even though my grief isn’t heavy, it’s present, a constant companion, as decency and democracy and decorum have vanished like morning fog.
During a conversation with a woke white woman, it struck me that no one is immune from the grief perpetrated by the systems we live in. Grief is in the very air we breathe every day. It’s undeniable, given the world we live in.
I hear from so many how family relationships have fractured or become fragile because some members are openly racist, misogynistic, and make hateful remarks. How can you not grieve the loss of these relationships?
How Uncle Ed who was so much fun when you were six years old and vacationed together now makes disparaging comments about people of color? It feels like the grief of intimate betrayal.
How about the grief so many self-aware white people carry about internalized colonialism? How can they unlearn this conditioning and heal the grief of wanting to disconnect from their heritage?
The grief of Black people is layered and complex. They carry the burden of generations of unhealed grief and have been standing on the shoulders of their ancestors. Fighting the good fight. Still trying to right the wrongs done to them.
All people of color feel the grief of being treated as less-than. Where the color of one’s skin determines all kinds of privileges earned or lost.
Friendships are falling away as we find ourselves on opposite sides of the fence (or arguments). We grieve and let go of the ones who don’t support diversity, equality, and inclusion. I had to say goodbye to a white friend who said to me, “The problem, as I see it, is the continued focus on segregation.”
Really??!!! Continued focus on segregation?!
We’re all made equal in God’s eyes. So how can we turn away when people are marginalized and excluded based on their skin color, economic reality, and migrant status??
Unfortunately, social media has become a harsh, mean space where people feel attacked for sharing their views, offering their opinions. What we need is a safe space to voice and vent our grief.
Maybe…
you’re a white woman carrying the shame and guilt of how culture “otherizes”
you feel shame around not being able to set a boundary with family members who make racist remarks
you’ve had to break off a beloved friendship because you’re growing in different directions
you’re a person of color who feels like you don’t matter, your needs, your voice, your wellbeing don’t matter
you’re a highly sensitive person who wants to heal the world but you’re hiding because the noisy world hurts your nervous system
you’re an immigrant and made to feel like a second-class citizen
Let’s come together. Share. Grieve. Reflect and exchange ideas on how to support ourselves so that we can better support others. My intention is to invite 4 of you who feel the need for such a space. An intimate small community.
We’ll begin with a meditation.
Each person will have an opportunity to share and be witnessed.
There will be a soothing somatic practice to help calm the nervous system.
I’ll read something inspirational and offer some reflection questions.
You can ask questions and receive responses.
We’ll make lists.
We’ll do an exercise to help us find joy in these times.
This session will not be recorded. It is important to me that the voices and shares of those in the container be protected.
Details:
Limited to 4
2-hour call on zoom
August 9, 2025 (Saturday)
1 pm to 3 pm CST/ 2 pm EST/ 7 pm UK
125 USD
Email me at uma@umagirish.com and let me know you’d like to join. If 4 of you indicate interest, I’ll follow up with you regarding next steps.
Book Signing at Barnes & Noble
When the world feels like a hate-fueled place, the best thing to do is commit to your passions. I experienced a slice of true joy at my B&N book signing. I met a number of potential readers, signed books, and was welcomed by the bookstore with such open-heartedness. I will, forever, be grateful for this experience.
If you haven’t bought a copy, please do so and support my writing. You can order if from any of the following links:
With deep care,
Uma