A weekly bereavement walking group in Northampton, Massachusetts, provides support for individuals experiencing grief. The group, facilitated by a bereavement counselor, offers an outdoor setting for participants, primarily those who have lost a spouse, to engage in conversation and share experiences throughout the year.
Group Overview and Structure
A weekly walking bereavement group operates in Northampton, Massachusetts, offering a structured environment for individuals experiencing grief. The group's attendees primarily consist of those who have lost a spouse, with others having experienced the death of a sibling, parent, or child.
The group meets outdoors year-round. It is described as a stroll, with a pace designed to facilitate conversation among members, rather than an exercise session. Shelly Bathe Lenn, a bereavement counselor at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, leads the group. Participants reportedly engage in frequent dialogue without specific prompting during the walks. Elaine Beaudoin observed that the side-by-side arrangement of walkers facilitates discussion more effectively than traditional face-to-face interactions. The group functions alongside other support initiatives, including art and book groups.
Participant Experiences and Reported Benefits
Participants have reported various benefits and shared insights into their experiences with grief:
- Maureen Cahillane, 91, whose husband James died over two years prior, stated that the group provides support and interaction, addressing feelings of isolation and shared sadness. She commented that grief persists.
- Jill Mendez, whose partner died nearly four years prior, described grief as a 'yearning,' noting it 'becomes part of your anatomy' and never goes away.
- Helena Donovan, whose husband died over two years prior, reported that physical movement through walking contributed to an improvement in mood and reduced periods of inactivity, also encouraging physical activity.
- Roger Brown shared personal accounts, such as waking to an empty space, relating to the absence of his wife, Jeanne.
- Diana, whose husband Philip died nearly a year prior, reported that the outdoor setting provides a distraction from personal pain. She characterized the group as 'therapy,' while also acknowledging the emotional challenge of participating without her late husband, who was formerly her walking companion.
Discussion Topics and Support Mechanism
Conversations within the group address various subjects, ranging from general topics, such as local sports or personal recollections of food, to discussions concerning the final experiences of deceased loved ones. Participants have reported sharing personal experiences that they might otherwise not discuss.
Group discussions also involve the long-term process of grief, navigating life after significant loss, and the experience of solitude. Some members have noted that the outdoor environment and observing seasonal changes offer a form of distraction from their pain. The collective activity and conversation are reported to foster a sense of understanding among participants.