Film Review: Griefwalker

 By Dr. Deerheart, ELP

Griefwalker, a deeply moving documentary by filmmaker Tim Wilson, offers an extraordinary portrait of Harvard-trained theologian, philosopher, and end-of-life educator Stephen Jenkinson. Through this film, Jenkinson challenges our culture's deeply ingrained fear of death and offers a profound, transformative perspective: that death, rather than being a source of dread, is a sacred teacher that empowers us to live fully.

Jenkinson, often called the “Griefwalker,” is not just a guide to the dying but also a philosopher of living. The film beautifully captures his work with individuals nearing the end of life and their families. It reveals his remarkable ability to hold space for grief, not as something to overcome, but as a natural, essential part of the human experience. His message is clear: to truly appreciate life, we must intimately know grief.

Key Themes of Griefwalker

1. Death as a Teacher
   Jenkinson challenges us to embrace mortality as an integral part of life. He teaches that by acknowledging the inevitability of death, we are liberated to live with greater intention, presence, and authenticity. Death, in his view, is not an enemy to be vanquished but a profound guide to living well.
   
   
2. The Role of Grief
   One of the most poignant lessons in Griefwalker is Jenkinson’s assertion that grief is not a burden but a gift. Grief, he explains, is a reflection of love and a testament to the depth of our connection to life and others. By leaning into our grief, rather than avoiding or numbing it, we can find healing, wisdom, and clarity.
   
   
3. Cultural Denial of Death
   The film also critiques modern Western culture’s avoidance of death and its obsession with prolonging life at all costs. Jenkinson argues that this denial robs us of the opportunity to prepare for death meaningfully and to fully experience the sacredness of life.
   
   

A Visual and Emotional Journey

Griefwalker is as visually stunning as it is emotionally profound. The serene landscapes of Canada serve as a backdrop to Jenkinson’s teachings, reflecting the natural cycles of life and death. The film’s intimate interviews and raw, unscripted moments with dying individuals and their families create a powerful, heart-opening experience for viewers.

Why Griefwalker Matters

This film is more than a documentary; it is an invitation to reframe our relationship with mortality. For those working in end-of-life care, such as doulas, hospice workers, and spiritual counselors, Griefwalker provides invaluable insights into the human experience of dying. For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of life and loss, it offers profound wisdom and inspiration.

As someone who has spent decades walking alongside the dying and their loved ones, I found Griefwalker to be a deeply resonant and transformative film. It affirms the importance of embracing death as a sacred part of life’s journey and reminds us that grief is not a problem to be solved but a testament to our humanity.

A Call to Action

After watching Griefwalker, you may find yourself contemplating your own relationship with mortality. Are you willing to face the reality of death with courage and curiosity? Can you embrace grief as a teacher and companion rather than an adversary?

Stephen Jenkinson’s work challenges us to live with greater awareness, gratitude, and love. It is a call to honor the sacredness of life by fully embracing its impermanence.

We encourage you to watch Griefwalker and reflect on its profound lessons. Let it inspire you to live more authentically, love more deeply, and approach death with reverence and grace.

Final Thoughts

Griefwalker is not just a film—it is a journey into the heart of what it means to be human. It is a gift to anyone seeking to live with greater purpose and to die with peace.

We hope you enjoy this extraordinary film and that it sparks meaningful conversations about life, death, and everything in between.

For more resources on end-of-life care and conscious dying, visit The HeartWay.

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