The first program:
I. Three Conversations About Death: This set of three 2.5-hour session considers very practical questions and issues about end of life circumstances and experiences. What happens during the dying process and what is often the dying experience/circumstances. We also explore loss experienced and meaning created -- as these profoundly shape most people’s end-of-life wishes. The sessions drive toward some action -- most often the completion of an Advance Directive or the opening of a conversation with another.
The second program:
II.Three Art Projects About Death: In most cases participants of this program already have attended the first program, “Conversations About Death,” gained a sense of the vocabulary and facts about end-of-life, and are now considering what hopes, concerns and choices will inform their decisions about end-of-life care. It is not necessary that you have completed your Advance Directive. In fact, many people attend this workshop to explore more broadly and dig more deeply into what values and goals gird their end-of-life wishes.
Exactly what we’ll cover, or where we will go during these sessions will vary depending on who and where the participants are at that time. Because of my background in learning theory and because contemplating dying takes so much more than the intellect, we come at the topic through several paths. I use readings, art, sound, movement and the urgency of the group to facilitate our explorations. We work as individuals and as a group. I offer a series of exercises and reflection practices that help you develop a relationship to loss, regret, meaning and legacy. Much of the richness comes from your “noticing” during times we are not in community, as well.
|