Classes without Quizzes – April 20, 2012

The Landscape of Loss: Helping Others Confront Loss and Begin Healing

The Rev. Dr. Virgina Samuel, Associate Dean of Contextual Learning and Associate Professor of Christian Ministry

It is part of the human experience to encounter loss in many forms throughout life. A failure to understand this fundamental part of life leads to a denial of grief for any but that which stems from the death of a loved one. There are multiple other forms of loss, however, and each time we sustain a loss — of a relationship, a dream, a job, etc. — the only pathway to healing is to allow oneself to grieve honestly and openly. In this workshop we will discuss various forms of loss, the dynamics of grief, and elements of healing. The role of pastor in helping to shape communities of faith that respect and value our emotional lives and educate people about the realities of grief and healing along with the religious resources of the Judeo-Christian heritage will also be discussed. Participants are invited in the workshop to reflect upon the losses they have sustained in their own lives and to make connections between the ways they were taught to grieve — or not to grieve — and the ways they relate to the grief of others in their congregations and communities.”