Community Events
January 11, 2025
Living with Uncertainty in Times of Transition
10-11:30AM
Whether a change is expected or not, life itself is always in motion. Which means we’re always in transition, yet we are attachment prone. We attach to our homes and cars, our health and our stuff. We connect to ideas and emotions, opinions and feelings. We bond ourselves to people, pets, countries, values and truths. This is part of what it means to be a human being. We are attachment-prone beings living in a world that is in perpetual motion.
This paradox invites us to pay attention to the uncertainty inherent in life and learn to live in concert with it. It summons curiosity over knowing. It asks us to soften instead of hardening. It requires that we develop the skills of self-compassion, deep listening and gentle care with ourselves and others as we stop gripping or pushing so hard. And it calls on us to have more gratitude, kindness and generosity because these heal pain (ours and others’) as we actualize the greater possibilities of being human.
In this class we will explore living with uncertainty in times of transition—the skills, challenges and benefits.
November 9, 2024
Awe, Grief, and Finding Poetry
10AM-Noon
Join Arts researchers Sydney Streightiff and RobinLi Uber in a Creative Encounters in Awe Walking workshop focused on the intersection of Awe and Grief. Together we will focus on how to use awe to ground ourselves in our feelings, and how poets have used their craft to do the same. Then, participants will be invited to create their own found poems from magazines using collage techniques. No poetry experience required, this will be a process-oriented space for creative exploration and sharing will be optional.
The Awe Collective is run by Dr. Jennie Gubner and her Ph.D. candidate, Sydney Streightiff, and explores how creativity can be used as a tool to enhance and encourage the wellness practice of awe walking. For more information visit awe.arizona.edu
October 19, 2024
Walking the Path of Loss: A Community Labyrinth Building and Meditation Experience
9AM-Noon
4625 E. River Rd., Tucson, AZ 85718
The labyrinth is an ancient symbol for the personal paths we each walk. Labyrinth walking is a meditation practice that presents us with the opportunity to reflect on our lived experiences while navigating twists and turns in the path before us.
Under the guidance of labyrinth facilitator Charles Gillispie, MFA, we will collectively create a temporary labyrinth within the community center. Once created, we will walk in acknowledgement of our collective and personal losses.
September 19, 2024
Effective and Enduring Suicide Bereavement Support
Hosted by Roots & Roads
Virtual 6-7:30PM AZ Time
It is said that for every suicide, 135 people are affected, creating a continuum of people affected whether long-term or simply by being exposed to the knowledge of the traumatic event. Grief and mourning for those impacted by suicide have unique reactions due to the coexistence of trauma, the increased stigmatization and risk factors that can arise, and other such nuances.
We invite you to come learn about these variables as well as what helpful and lasting actions you can take to support those bereaved by suicide.
Presenters: Chandel Beck, Jennifer Titley-Rubio
July 20, 2024
Being There for Someone in Grief
with Marianna Cacciatore
Virtual, Free, 10-11:30AM AZ Time
In life, loss and grief are certain. Every day we encounter people who are struggling because something or someone significant in their life is gone. We want to help these people, and we wonder what to say or do that would be welcomed, kind, and useful. In a culture that has often taught us to bypass or ignore our grief, this skill does not come naturally. However, as we learn to tenderly face the sorrows and joys of our own life, compassion, humility and the art of generous listening begins to grow within us. With attention and practice, we become a trusted companion to someone in grief.
In this class Marianna Cacciatore will use poetry and teachings from her book, Being There for Someone in Grief, to help us acknowledge the many losses encountered in everyday life, and become more present when we find ourselves in the territory of grief.
June 13, 2024
Using Creative Arts Expression as a Supportive Tool for Grief
Hosted by Roots & Roads
Virtual 6-7:30PM AZ Time
Art engagement and the creative process can be beneficial for everyone, at any age. Creativity, in its many forms, is an important way that all human beings express themselves, integrate elements of their lives, and make meaning of their experiences. In this session, participants will be introduced to expressive arts and art therapy and their potential as a resource to support each person’s unique grieving process.
Dr. Carlock will provide a brief overview of art therapy and some situations when seeking out a professional art therapist would be indicated. She will also cover some general ways individuals can utilize creativity and personal art expression on their own, as a therapeutic tool. This type of creative expression is accessible to anyone because there’s no training in fine arts needed. The focus is on self-expression and how the process of engaging in a creative activity helps the body and mind rather than striving for aesthetic goals. Several ideas for personal engagement to support grieving will be shared.
May 16, 2024
“Where Words Fail, Music Speaks”
Hosted by Roots & Roads
Virtual 5-6PM AZ Time
Music touches every aspect of our life—mind, body, and spirit, and promotes overall wellness. In a therapeutic setting music may help to alleviate the physical, emotional, and mental stress that accompanies serious illness.
This session will be led by four musicians who have spent years playing for hospice patients and their loved ones. The presenters will share insights from their training and work as to how music can benefit the grief patients experience as they near end-of-life and the grief journey their loved ones face. The musicians will play or share music that they have found beneficial to patients and families dealing with grief. We will also have the opportunity to share our own experiences and reflections during a brief small group breakout session. Please join us for this engaging evening of the healing power of music in grief and loss.
May 11, 2024
Supporting those Experiencing Infertility and Miscarriage
In-person 10-11AM
At Literacy Connects
200 E Yavapai Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705
Donation-based
Join us for this workshop based in learning how to provide compassionate support to those experiencing infertility and miscarriage.
April 13, 2024
What Can Horses Teach Us About Being There for Someone in Grief?
In-person, 9AM-Noon
Located at TROT
Join us for this in-person experiential workshop where the horses at TROT will help us explore what good grief support looks like through gentle, guided pasture encounters.
No riding involved, close-toed shoes required