In the name of the Beloved—As-Sakina, the Shakhinah, the indwelling Presence of love.

In gratitude to the One who brings us together and parts us with purpose...

Welcome, wonderers & wanderers

I’m Alison Avigayil.

I write, create art and help people move through the horror, grief and loss that empires leave behind with creative and spiritual practices.

Already, it’s been quite the journey.

So much is unraveling at once right now. Let’s stay present to what's happening, without turning away from it — and find our way to be in the mess.

About

The descendant of settlers & soldiers, missionaries and mystics.

I’ve spent 25+ years on my own journey of ancestral repair & reparations.

I’ve loved. I’ve lost. I’ve learned to stay with both beauty and brokenness.

What I carry now are tools for staying present to what’s real and help, the best I can.

More

Writing

Essays on political grief, witness and spiritual practice, including the lyric essay series In A Ceasefireless World and Hodaya: A Journal of Grief and Gratitude. Read my writing.

Art

Collage and photography that explores being a witness in a ceasefireless world. See the art.

Speaking & Teaching

I hold grief rituals and speak at educational and faith institutions, during retreats and festivals. Invite me to speak or hold a ritual.

Coaching

One-on-one accompaniment for people developing creative or spiritual practices; people carrying grief, moral injury, burnout, or estrangement, especially after a life spent in activism, organizing, or driven by conscience. Work with me

Community

The Social Change Sanctuary, an inter-spiritual collective that offers grief and gratitude circles. Join me in the Sanctuary

  • “Alison is one of those rare role models you find yourself learning from with each interaction, because of the way they interact with the web of life. Intentional and deep, with humility and levity, Alison is among the first I reach out to for support navigating big choices in these dynamic times.”

    Andrew Dunn, School of Wise Innovation

  • “Alison lives a mystical life. Her guidance is both visionary and grounded, helping people flourish with integrity and compassion. She illuminated an opportunity to deepen my art practice, expand my audience & strengthen my offerings. Through her support, I’ve discovered more of my creative path and found greater purpose, and joy.”

    Rebecca Michaelson

  • "Alison empowered me in a way that I thought wasn't possible. Helping me move through so much grief and turn my anger and moral outrage into an organization that has inspired many others. The confidence she helped me gain also supported me in creating balance in my life as an activist, something that is essential at this stage in life."

    Dvorah Kost, Gaza Mutual Aid Collective