Before you begin.

Thank you for signing up for Writing through Eco Grief. This workshop is designed to help you express and transform your grief through words and storytelling. The aim of this workshop is to not only process grief, but also to nurture the love and care you have for the environment.

Here are a few things you should know before starting.

What you need:

• Time: Set aside 1 - 1.5 hours to complete this workshop

• Focus: This workshop is best done in a place with little to no distractions

• Materials: You can use a pen and note book or an electronic device for writing

A few friendly reminders:

• There is no right or wrong way to complete the exercises. Creative writing is about expression, not about doing things a certain way. However you decide to do the activities is perfectly fine. The more important thing is that you give the exercises a go and do your best.

• Try to refrain from self-criticism and judgement. I know this is hard, but the point is not to create a perfectly formed piece of writing for each activity, but to process grief through words. Think of what you write more as a starting point or a work in progress, rather than a finished product.

Optional:

• If you enjoy writing with some music, here is a Youtube video you can play in the background while you’re completing each activity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXpR1qV2vg4

Time stamps:

• 0.00 - Acknowledgement of Country

• 1:31 - Facilitator introduction

• 4:00 - Safety and housekeeping

• 6:09 - Activity 1

• 9:13 - Activity 2

• 12:51 - Activity 3

• 15:46 - Activity 4

• 19:22 - Closing

Please note: the example poems for Activity 2 and 3 include descriptions of the terrible ways turtles and whales have been treated. Refer back to the section on safety if you need to.