In the vibrant neighbourhood of Hackney Wick, a unique and heart-warming initiative is transforming how people deal with grief.
Saorla Wright, a 27-year-old sauna host, is at the centre of this movement.
Saorla introduced the concept of “grief saunas” to East London, offering a sanctuary where individuals can collectively navigate their grief.
Brighton and a burning passion
Saorla’s journey into the world of saunas began serendipitously.
While on an acting job in Sussex, they frequently visited Brighton and eventually decided to make it their home.
A stroll along the beach led them to discover an outdoor sauna, and what started as a casual inquiry about working there soon turned into a passion for traditional sauna practices.
“I fell in love with the world of saunas and learned about guided rituals, whisking with birch leaves, and the use of oils and music,” Saorla recalled.
The dream of saunas
The idea for grief saunas struck Saorla after they noticed that many participants in their sauna rituals were experiencing emotional releases, often related to grief.
A vivid dream where Saorla encountered lost loved ones in a sauna further cemented the idea.
Saorla explained: “Grief is such an equaliser.
“I wanted to create a space specifically for people to process their grief in a communal and sensory-rich environment.”
Relying on hundreds of years of sauna traditions and combining them with their Irish funeral culture, as well as meditative and somatic practices, Saorla fostered a new way for Londoners to grieve.
A safe space for all
In Saorla’s grief saunas, inclusivity and consent are paramount.
The sessions are held at the Bath House in Hackney Wick. They are designed to be multi-sensory, incorporating music, scents, whisking, and body-based practices like shaking and vocalisation.
Participants are invited to engage as much or as little as they feel comfortable, ensuring a respectful and supportive atmosphere.
“You don’t have to justify why you’re there,” Saorla emphasised.
“Whether you’re grieving a loved one, a relationship, a career, or even a past version of yourself, all grief is valid here.”
The healing power of ritual
The structured yet flexible nature of the sessions allows for profound personal and collective healing.
The saunas are prepared with care, offering a secluded and intimate setting.
Participants arrive early to settle in, and the sessions begin with grounding exercises and introductions.
The main sauna experience involves guided rituals, whisking, and sensory elements that help participants reconnect with their bodies and emotions.
Saorla highlights the importance of these rituals in processing grief.
Saorla added: “Often, grief can cause us to disconnect from our bodies.
“The sensory aspects of the sauna help bring people back into their bodies, allowing them to release pent-up emotions in a safe and supportive environment.”
Transformative stories
Christina Watson recently attended one of Saora’s grief sauna sessions in Hackney Wick.
Christina attended a session to learn about the different ways in which people work with and process grief and found the experience profoundly moving and powerful.
“One of the things that I really appreciated was the connection to ritual. There was this kind of ritualised bathing and the ritual of us being around the fire,” Christina shared.
This nonverbal, communal way of processing grief allowed participants to be with their own experiences while feeling the support of the group around them.
Another poignant moment for Christina was the ice bath, which provided a significant emotional release.
Christina said: “I got into this ice bath totally silently with total presence and really connected to my body.
“When I got out of the ice bath, I just had a massive cry.
“Something’s moving here.
“It’s touching something deeper than if I was just talking about it.”
This unique approach to grief work, focusing on the body’s wisdom and creating space for emotional release, highlights the importance of communal support and ritual in the healing process.
The health benefits of saunas
Saunas are known for their numerous health benefits. The heat can help to relax muscles, improve circulation, and release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers.
Regular sauna use can also reduce stress, enhance cardiovascular health, and promote better sleep.
Dr Hana Patel, an NHS GP and GP Medico-Legal Expert Witness, explained: “Heat stress via sauna use causes hormonal responses similar to those elicited by moderate- to vigorous-intensity exercise.
“Overheating stresses the body and causes the increased production of interleukins and heat shock proteins (HSP).”
She added that evidence shows that regular dry sauna bathing may have potential health benefits, but more high-quality data is needed on how common and severe the side effects may be.
By combining these physical benefits with the emotional support of a grief sauna, participants can experience a holistic approach to healing.
Looking to the future
Saorla’s vision extends beyond individual healing: they aim to foster resilient and supportive communities.
The collective experience of grief and healing in the sauna builds bonds that extend into everyday life, creating networks of care and mutual support.
Saorla hopes to expand the reach of grief saunas, bringing this unique form of healing to more communities in need.
In a society where grief is often a solitary and taboo subject, Saorla’s community saunas offer hope.
Creating a space where people can come together and support one another transforms how we understand and process grief.
Saorla’s work reminds us of the power of human connection and the importance of communal healing, proving that sometimes, the warmth we need most comes from those who stand with us in our darkest moments.
Image credit: Courtney Burnett
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