Pain goes hand in hand with grief. We recognize the tight chest and hurting heart, but pain like headaches, backaches, tight shoulders, and jaw pain can also be caused by grief. Grieving puts a stress on our bodies for a multitude of reasons—lack of sleep, dehydration, and certain hormones either depleted or in excess.

It can be hard to let others take care of us, and hard to let ourselves "do nothing" but feel our overwhelming emotions. Receiving massage can be one way to let go of our need to "do," even for just a few moments.

In this intimate workshop, we will make space to connect and share what it looks like from wherever we are in the grief journey; consider where we may be holding grief and accompanying emotions in our bodies; and—the highlight—experience brief, clothed massage from volunteers from the NW Academy for the Healing Arts.

By the end of the workshop, you will be able to identify where grief has gotten stuck in your body; you’ll have learned about some of the science of grief in the body; released some of the grief you are carrying; and, best of all, feel more relaxed.

Space is limited to 6 participants. Any grief is welcome.

Cost: $77

3 scholarships are available; priority is given to people of color,LGBTGIA+, and those with a limited income (no questions asked, just mention it in the request if you want it to be considered).

Meet the Massage Volunteers

Katherine Cortes (she/her) and Shanda Bintliff (they/them) are students in the massage therapist certification program of the NW Academy for the Healing Arts (graduation expected February 2026). The 644-hour massage program offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates the art and science of massage therapy and bodywork, which can be a critical part of the healing process.

What to know

• Any type of grief is welcome in this circle, even if you can't define what the grief is. This is a chance to slow down and focus on the grief that built up over the holidays.

• What to wear: We want you to be comfortable, so wear whatever you'd like. We recommend layers with a light top, like a T-shirt or thin base layer, underneath for the massage.

• The massages are short, clothed, and performed by two volunteers from the NW Academy for the Healing Arts. They will moderate the technique and pressure as needed.