Host an Evening

The Kindling Songs is a facilitated, participatory music ritual that engages themes of grief,
burnout, ecological and social crisis. It is held with clear boundaries, trauma-aware practices,
and an emphasis on consent, grounding, and collective care.

This is not a therapy session or confessional space. It is a structured cultural practice
using music, reflection, and ritual.

Consent is continuous
Participation is always optional. Listening counts as participation. No one is required
to sing, speak, write, or share.

Emotional safety over intensity
Reflection prompts are invitational and non-interrogative. Participants are never asked
to recount trauma or disclose personal histories.

Body-based grounding
The facilitator regularly invites participants to return to breath, posture, and
physical presence.

Sharing and Participation
When sharing is invited, it is done in pairs or small groups with clear time limits.
Listening is emphasised over advice-giving or fixing. Large group sharing is avoided
unless explicitly requested and agreed in advance.

Fire and Symbolic Release
If a fire element is included, participants are invited to release a word, phrase, or
symbol — not detailed narratives. Fire is framed as symbolic transformation, with water
or grounding elements present at all times.

Opening and Closing the Space
The space is intentionally opened with a consent reminder and grounding cue, and
intentionally closed with reorientation to the present, practical next steps, and
reassurance of ongoing support.

Intended Outcomes
Participants typically leave feeling grounded, connected, and resourced, with a
strengthened sense of shared humanity and practical hope. The work supports emotional
resilience and community cohesion during times of crisis.

Sung by one half of the group

Sung by the other half of the group

Sung in chorus together

This is not a therapy session. It is not a confessional space. It is a guided cultural
practice of reflection, music, and shared meaning-making.

You're welcome to reflect silently, share with a neighbour, or just listen.
All are participation.

Before we leave, feel your feet. Think of one person you could walk with.
One small thing you'll do differently.