Grief is a natural part of being human, yet it is often carried in silence. Whether your loss is recent or long ago, expected or unexpected, you do not have to walk this journey alone.
A Community Grief Circle is a free, welcoming monthly gathering where people can come together in a compassionate, supportive environment to honor their experiences, connect with others, and find comfort in community.
We recognize that grief takes many forms. You are welcome whether you are grieving the death of a loved one, the loss of a companion animal, a relationship ending, changes in health or identity, aging, life transitions, anticipatory grief, or other personal or collective losses.
All grief is valid.
All grief is welcome.
All grief is sacred.
Each gathering offers an opportunity to slow down, breathe, reflect, and simply be with others who understand. Through conversation, mindfulness, gentle reflection, practical coping tools, and meaningful connection, we create space where grief is honored—not rushed, minimized, judged, or carried alone.
Sharing is always optional. Some participants may wish to speak, while others may simply listen. Every level of participation is respected.
What to Expect
Each monthly gathering may include:
Welcome and community agreements
Gentle grounding or mindfulness practice
Community check-in
A monthly grief-related theme
Optional sharing and compassionate listening
Practical tools and self-care practices
Reflection, remembrance, or a simple closing ritual
No previous experience is needed, and no book purchase or advance reading is required.
Facilitated with Compassionate Presence
The circle is co-facilitated by Emilyne Love and Christian Zia, founders of Oak Circle Wellness. Together they bring a trauma-informed, person-centered, and mindfulness-based approach to creating inclusive spaces where people feel safe, respected, and supported in their grief.
Emilyne's background includes holistic wellness, meditation, trauma-informed yoga, Reiki, sound healing, herbalism, coaching, and end-of-life care. Christian's experience in psychology, coaching, human services, and clinical mental health counseling provides a thoughtful foundation for compassionate listening and supportive community dialogue.
The gathering is offered in partnership with the Blue Water Doula Collective, whose end-of-life doulas serve as compassionate co-facilitators throughout the six-month pilot series. Participating doulas help welcome attendees, create a calm and nurturing environment, offer supportive presence, assist with mindfulness and reflective practices, share community resources, and gently support participants throughout the evening.
Together, the facilitators and doulas create a circle rooted in presence rather than fixing, honoring rather than minimizing, and walking alongside one another with compassion, dignity, and respect.
Everyone is Welcome
This gathering is open to adults of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, beliefs, and spiritual traditions. You do not need to identify with any particular religion or philosophy to attend.
This is a peer-support and educational community gathering. It is not group therapy, counseling, crisis intervention, or a substitute for mental health or medical care.
Details
Location
Blue Water Doula Collective
Huron Point Wellness Center at 2379 Military St, Port Huron, MI
Third Friday of Each Month
5:30–7:00 PM
Ongoing Dates
• September 18, 2026
• October 16, 2026
• November 20, 2026
• December 18, 2026
• January 15, 2027
• February 19, 2027
Free to Attend
Donations are gratefully accepted.
Preregistration is encouraged, and drop-in attendance is always welcome.
Our Intention
Our hope is that every person who enters this circle leaves feeling a little more supported, a little more connected, and a little less alone.
Together, we honor grief as a sacred expression of love and create a community where healing begins through compassionate presence, shared wisdom, and heartfelt connection.
"May every person moving through a sacred season of grief feel supported, witnessed, respected, and held in community."
RSVP at bluewaterdoulacollective@gmail.com. Drop ins welcome.