We grieve because we have loved.

It could be a person, a pet, or something we treasure, including a dream or desire!

Most often, we might find that the very thing we treasure is also tied to our relationship with someone we love.

Hence that thing, that place, that activity, or that goal becomes meaningful in connecting us with the one(s) we love.

When we grieve, we have to allow ourselves to be held.

Only a safe community can hold us safely,

to offer us unconditional love.

Often, it is those who have suffered loss

who are gifted with unconditional love.

Out of their acquaintance with pain and suffering,

they are ready to share the burden of another fellow grieving person

with deep reverence and compassion.

But before we can be of any use to others,

we must first be open to our own grief,

especially in relation to those nearest and dearest to our hearts.

May this be our shared mission for this conference.

To invite openness to touch on our personal and professional experiences.

To embrace our own humanity and offer space to each other.

To find new meanings in our griefs and losses,

and explore our interconnected future together.

So come as you are.

Be part of a grieving and healing community to others.

For we cannot grieve alone.

Grieving becomes healing when we grieve together.

Your fellow sojourner,

Ng Wai Sheng, Psy.D.

Organizing Chair

Growing Space Psychology Center

Malaysia