As the U.S. commemorates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, many people are experiencing the milestone as something other than merely an opportunity to celebrate, but rather as an opportunity to grieve.

Grieving the historic, systemic and interpersonal realities of the U.S. is a valid, weighty, and continuous experience, involving processing both direct harm and the cumulative, collective trauma of witnessing injustice. Collective lamentation allows us to tend to this grief with creativity, deep gentleness, and culturally attuned support.

This practice is for you if:

• You are curious about what collective healing look like beyond individual tending and survival

• You are angry

• You are grieving

• You think your grief and your anger have power and wisdom

Cliff Berrien will guide us through three phases of a lamentation practice taught by Dr Barbara Holmes to tend our broken hearts for healing and transformation, and thus tend the healing and transformation of the collective.

Teacher: Cliff Berrien
Sunday, July 5, 2026
3:00 - 4:30 PM Pacific
Cost: Donation (suggested $1-$25)

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Cliff Berrien

Cliff Berrien is a lifelong learner dedicated to learning about drumming, creativity and contemplation, and how to honor life and the Council of All Beings in a good way. He’s had the honor to work with Dr. Barbara A. Holmes, focusing on the liberatory and powerful somatic contributions of music, movement and art emerging from the African Diaspora. He’s here to joyfully share wondrous things that he’s learned and experienced.

This course is part of the Healing & Liberation, Spirituality/Evolution of Consciousness, and Relationships Currents.

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