Fall Equinox Gathering to Reconnect with the Earth & Transform

A ritual for reconnecting to the earth, so that we don’t have to hold our heartaches by ourselves. We hold space on the earth, with the earth, on the equinox and new moon, so that you can learn what it feels like to co-regulate with nature.

Whether you are grieving the state of the world, disconnection from the earth or your body, the loss of a loved one or animal companion, a transition, or something less easily named, recent or long past, you are welcome here.

We cannot grieve or grow without physical safety and spaciousness. This is an offering for both.

 100% of donations go directly to this project 

Support “death, me, dying tree” — our documentary about how death care can become community care, giving our bodies back to the earth, and weaving new myths for the future. We’re wrapping production this year and only need $10,000 more to finish.

If you can’t attend the event in person, you can still donate directly:

• Website (tax-deductible):
• Venmo: @Lana-death-me-dying-tree (select Friends/Family)
  
  
• PayPal: paypal.me/deathmedyingtree (select Friends/Family)
  
  
• Zelle: ZGVhdGhtZWR5aW5ndHJlZSB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t
  
  

6:30–7:00PM – Tea & Arrival Gentle grounding and community welcome.

7:00–8:00PM – Guided Mourning Metabolization and Reconnection to the Earth Ritual Candle gazing, a drum’s beat, sonic tones by Kate, gentle somatic movements with Lana, a collective water ritual in the center, and your presence are the ritual’s ingredients.

• Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
  
  
• Time: 6:30–8::00 PM
  
  
• Location: Tobey Prinz Beach, 1050 W Pratt Blvd, Chicago, IL
  
  

• A meaningful object tied to your heartache (photo, jewelry, flower, etc.)
  
  
• A symbol of hope, transition, or release
  
  
• A journal and pen (option to burn what you write at the event)
  
  

• $20 per adult
  
  
• Children under 10: Free with parent/guardian
  
  
• Limited to 40 participants for intimacy and care
  
  

• Fall Equinox Elixir, custom made by Lana
  
  
• Guided grief ritual & somatic grounding on the beach
  
  
• Toning + live healing music
  
  
• Journaling prompts by Kate
  
  
• Community ritual space with dance, song, and reflection
  
  
• $500 gift voucher for future work with Kate & Lana
  
  
• A supportive container led by a death doula, and herbalist
  
  
• Contribution to a groundbreaking documentary on death care in the U.S.
  
  

“I feel lighter.”

“I didn’t realize grieving could feel this good.”

“It was as if a weight lifted off me.”

Kate and Lana will both be in Chicago this week with limited availability for 1:1 grief or transition sessions. If you feel called to deeper work, learn more at https://www.mythoslens.com/transitions 

Lana Smithner Greenleaf Lana is a grief tender, death doula, meditation guide, and artistic ritualist. She blends storytelling, somatics, and care practices to support people in their grief and transitions. You can learn more on her Substack or IG: @mourning.rituals

Kate Kate is a narrative photographer and also a producer and co-collaborator on death, me, dying tree.

Grief has shaped her creative path. Working with Lana helped her hold heartache without being consumed by it. Now, she offers that spaciousness to others, using photography not just as an artform, but as a way to mark meaning, feel witnessed, and begin again.

Learn more about Kate’s work: www.Mythoslens.com

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Chicago, Health & Wellness events in Chicago, Arts events in Chicago.