Blue Holiday

I just received an email which I loved and wanted to share:

Dear friends of McMaster,

We will be holding a simple but intentional observance during Advent for those who could use this occasion of "light in the darkness" to honor their grief, or the grief of someone close to them.

Whether it be the result of death, the dissuading of dreams or feeling isolated during exams, grief manifests itself in many forms and deserves to have a place in which to name it so as not to be consumed by it.

This service seeks to provide such a time and place. 

We simply call it a "Blue Holiday" service, and it is an offering from the Chaplaincy Centre, taking place on:

Tuesday, December 10th, 12:15PM in MUSC 206/207.

Come for a 30 minute time of candle lighting, short readings, silence and sharing.

Imagine if we offered time and space like this in the professional sphere as well? As staff at a university, I get to benefit from wonderful initiatives like this, but in an office-based environment, time and thoughtfulness like this is not normalized, and therefore not offered. What could the impact be on employees if we encouraged this type of activity?