Silent Steps
together Initiative
Our last stretch before the run
Across the month of June, as we approach race day we will run an initiative “Silent Steps Together”
in respect of Tahlequah and her relevance to our movement.
How will it work?
Over 17 days in June our community will work together to complete 1,600 minutes of movement honouring Tahlequah’s journey and those navigating the profound grief of losing a child.
For many families, leaving the hospital without their baby is an unimaginably difficult experience. Tahlequah’s journey reflects our instinct to hold onto our little ones for as long as possible, even at the cost of our own well-being. During those 17 days, researchers noted that she had become visibly emaciated, and her pod members showed clear concern for her health. I believe that when her pod members took turns carrying her calf, they provided the essential support she needed to rest and reflect before she was finally able to let go.
This initiative is a reminder that no one should have to carry their grief alone and we are here to hold space for one another.
Through out the 17 days we will have a movement tally and those who wish to participate and support us through this journey will have the opportunity to share their name, movement minutes and a photo.
“because some of life’s best moments happen when we come together”
Who is Tahlequah?
Tahlequah is the orca whale that gained international attention after her calf had tragically passed away after birth and she carried her baby roughly 1,600 km
over 17 days.
After the seventh day, other members of the pod began taking turns floating the calf while allowing Tahlequah to rest.
When we reflect on the natural world, we see deep similarities between animals and humans in how we experience loss and the vital importance of supporting one another through our darkest times.
We have designed an initiative to reflect on Tahlequah’s journey.
Dive into Tahlequah’s journey:
Her tour of greif & Unimaginable heartbreak
"Collateral beauty" is the profound idea that even in the midst of greif, trauma or loss. there are still positive beautiful and meaningful connections to be found.
