The Cairn of Mourning

Where it's from

The Cairn of Mourning is a ritual practice from the Work That Reconnects, revised by Kathleen Rude and originally featured in Coming Back to Life by Joanna Macy and Molly Young Brown.

This practice provides a space for individuals to express their grief for the losses in the natural world, fostering a sense of interconnectedness and belonging. It is rooted in deep ecology and systems thinking, emphasizing the healing power of collective mourning.

What you need

Duration

30 minutes

Setting

Preferably outdoors, though it can also be adapted for indoor spaces.

Materials

• Natural objects (e.g., rocks, leaves, sticks) for outdoor settings.
• Paper squares and writing/drawing tools for indoor adaptations.
• A central space (e.g., a circle or basket) to gather symbolic items.

Preparations

• Choose a quiet location where participants can reflect without distractions.
• Arrange seating in a circle to foster connection and shared focus.
• Provide clear instructions about the process beforehand to create a safe emotional environment.
• (Indoor Adaptation) When natural objects are unavailable, use creative expressions on paper. Participants can write poems, draw images, or jot down words representing their losses. These papers are placed in an open basket instead of forming a physical cairn.

How it's done

Here's a list of step-by-step instructions to conduct The Cairn of Mourning as a group.

1. Setting the Tone
   1. Begin by welcoming participants and explaining the purpose of the ritual: to honor grief for losses in the natural world. Emphasize that this is a safe space for expression without judgment.
2. Reflection and Gathering Objects
   1. Invite participants to wander alone outdoors (or reflect quietly indoors). Ask them to think about a specific loss in the natural world that deeply affects them—such as a disappearing species, a polluted river, or deforestation.
   2. Outdoors: Participants find an object (e.g., a rock, stick, or leaf) that symbolizes their grief.
   3. Indoors: Participants use paper squares to draw or write about their loss.
3. Forming the Cairn
   1. Gather everyone in a circle. One by one, participants walk to the center at random and place their object (or paper) in the designated space.
   2. As they place their item, they describe what it represents—e.g., “This stone represents the loss of clean rivers,”—and share their feelings about it. They then formally say goodbye to what they mourn.
4. Witnessing Grief
   1. After each offering, the group acknowledges the speaker by saying, “We hear you”. This collective witnessing validates individual expressions of grief and reinforces shared connection.
5. Closing Ritual
   1. End with one of two options:
      1. Small group sharing
         Break into pairs or triads for deeper discussions about emotions evoked during the ritual.
      2. Collective closure
         Hold hands as a group and sound together (e.g., humming or chanting) to symbolize unity and healing.

Take it further

Permanent Memorials


Consider creating lasting cairns using painted rocks or other durable objects. This approach can serve as an ongoing reminder of ecological grief and hope.

Broadening participation

Simplify instructions for children or incorporate art-based activities such as painting rocks with images of endangered species.

Community engagement and activism

Use this practice in public workshops or community events to raise awareness about environmental issues while fostering collective mourning. Combine this ritual with discussions on actionable steps participants can take toward environmental restoration or advocacy.