It’s the circle of life, and it moves us all, through despair and hope, through faith and love, ’till we find our place, on the path unwinding.
Elton John
During lifeâs voyage from one stage to the nextâfrom childhood to adolescence, adulthood to elderhood, and eventually to death and dyingâwe encounter peaks and valleys. At each turn, we face new vistas and perspectives, surprises, delights, and challenges. When we circle up, we share our experiences of transitioning from, and settling into, whatâs next. Traveling with others makes us feel less alone and helps us find our way.
Aging
Aging Together 2: Discovering depth, grace and beauty in aging
Aging provides an opportunity to open to the world in new ways, bringing depth, meaning, and wholeness to our lives. Inevitable losses may lead to unexpected depths of feeling and new levels of authenticity. As others witness our attempts to age with grace, we reflect back to them the challenges that come with accepting the changes in our body and mind over which we donât have control. As the complexity of our lives gives way to a new simplicity we may encounter a beautiful luminescence which is part of living a soulful way.
Aging and Women
Exploring eldering for women over 65 living on their own 2
Exploring eldering for women over 65 living on their own 1
Exploring eldering for women over 65 living on their own 3
Navigating Life Transitions
Meeting lifeâs transitions with compassion
Supporting each other through life's transitions 3
Death and Dying
Death and Dying 2: Impermanence and the gift of life
We come together to hold space for one another as we share insights about death and dying, yet also about the wonders of life and living in relationship to impermanence. This circle strives for honesty, openness, and courage as we delve deep, beyond the surface, to discuss what may be the ultimate question or mystery we face: death. In the process, we co-create a space of steadfast compassion and sincere listening.
Death and Dying 1: Impermanence and the gift of life
We come together to hold space for one another as we share insights about death and dying, yet also about the wonders of life and living in relationship to impermanence. This circle strives for honesty, openness, and courage as we delve deep, beyond the surface, to discuss what may be the ultimate question or mystery we face: death. In the process, we co-create a space of steadfast compassion and sincere listening.
We all die: Let's talk about it
This circle is about inviting death into our daily conversations. It's not about grief, processing a recent death, or anticipating an imminent one. It's about overcoming the taboo we have in many Western cultures about the subject of death. We tend to avoid it because we simply donât know how to address feelings of fear and loss, including questions such as: What will my own or my loved oneâs death actually look like? How can I deal with my fear of death? How do I start conversations about death?one
It can be hard to talk about the fact that we're dying with people who love us and are deeply invested in our survival. Accepting death and planning for it can be viewed as failure, capitulation, or a lack of will to "fight."
Where can people with a terminal diagnosis talk openly about their experience? Right here in this circle, where there are no elephants in the room.
Reflections from our community
Questions?
Please contact us if you have any questions about this circle.
Please note
Healing circles are groups of peers who support one another through deep listening and compassion. Circle participants abide by agreements, including agreements around confidentiality. The volunteers who host healing circles do not provide medical or psychotherapeutic advice or treatment. Participation in a healing circle does not replace the care provided by a qualified healthcare professional.
