Created by Kara and Hawk Jones, Kota Press publishes books, art, blogs, articles and online lectures that explore a whole host of techniques in dealing with grief. Although I was quick to dismiss most of what this site hawks, taking a moment to suspend your disbelief will engender some sympathy and understanding not only to what inspires Kara Jones, but also to recognize some of the benefits to be had for those trying to cope with loss.
Kota Press' homepage is neither the most intuitive nor the most appealing. Although offering an index of links to the left of the introductory pane, and a menu bar across the top of the page, her site takes some getting used to. Additionally, the moment you begin toggling into the depths of her site, it's easy to get lost among any number of topic destinations.
Initially, I sensed the smoldering luster of a snake oil salesperson. For a fee, of course, its 12-module online course on creative grief coaching (based in large part on the theories of Joseph Campbell, whose work has largely been popularized and proselytized by charlatans of all types) is the site's principal certificate offering, which doesn't come cheap. It's at this point I'd usually smirk, shake my head, and click away.
The site focuses on helping individuals cope with the loss of a family member or loved one. Kota Jones herself has lost three children. The question then becomes, is she truly genuine in her desire to help others through grief, or is she merely capitalizing on her past for monetary gain? To answer this question, I delved more deeply into her body of work.
I chanced and decided to spend some time on her personal blog, motherhenna.blogspot.com. Here, she provides several "Creative Prompt" videos that feature Kota "exploring grief using radical creativity." I chose this branch of Kota Press because I needed to observe the demeanor and content of the creator herself.
On video, Kota Jones has a bubbly personality and projects motherly warmth. Her face is fleshy and her curly, shoulder-length hair trembles as she enunciates and emphasizes her points. Her eyes roll in moments of searching thought, and she often exudes smiles when broaching painful subjects. One of the videos I viewed depicts Kota offering an "open invitation" for those who've recently experienced loss. She is articulate and seemingly earnest in emphasizing the importance of being open to the process of healing and emotional expression. As someone who has experienced the death of a sibling, I saw value and relevance to the emotional comfort Kota Jones offers through art, words, movement and expression.
What helped suspend my disbelief and accept Kota's expertise is the extent to which she is willing to share her past experiences. In one of her columns, she writes in great detail about the still birth of her son, and how she overcame her grief through scrap-booking.
In closing, I can't say I endorse everything Kota Press links to and suggests, and it can easily be argued that some of her techniques border on the outlandish. It's in the least a useful source for anyone looking to find ways to manage the emotional pain and trauma of loss, and engage creatively with similarly experienced individuals.
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