Heavenly Messengers GROUP OVERVIEW
This Affinity Group explores the difficult human conditions of unexpected illness, growing into being an elder and dealing with our feelings as caretakers, or personally, facing active dying. Age (old, middle, or young) is not a criterion for participation.
Upcoming meetings are being held virtually. Sign up below to receive weekly updates with more information.
We meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, from 9:30-11:00 am, no commitment of attendance necessary.
Current Focus
We are reading the book Death: The End of Self-improvement by Joan Tollifson
Please join us.
ABout the Group
It is common for us to live our lives as if things will stay pretty much as they are. Facing the reality of the inevitability of death, and the strong probability of illness and the effects of aging, takes willingness and courage. To help us explore these experiences with compassion and education, we choose books on these topics, read the chapters, and have marvelous discussions. We are co-creators of the group’s intentional support. Our ideas and feelings are held in caring hands. As Rumi says,
Be grateful for whatever comes,
Because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Our group is open to all who would like to explore these topics that are often avoided in the wider culture. We have been meeting for three years and have a format, a facilitation, and a sharing commitment that embraces us as we dare to explore the difficult human conditions of unexpected illness, growing into being an elder and dealing with our feelings as caretakers, or personally, facing active dying.
What some of our participants say:
"The Heavenly Messengers has been a welcoming and caring group for me. I am grateful to be part of this informative and caring group.”
“You do not have to be a Buddhist to find solace and support from this group. We journey together along this spiritual path of encountering, confronting, and dealing with the problems that aging and ill-health can bring us.”
“I was searching for a group to support and educate me around the concerns of my serious illness and path to dying. I found this group very insightful, supportive, and honest in their caring and direct responses and their own questionings.”
We begin promptly with a 20-minute silent meditation, open with sharing of challenges and successes using our dharma skills, and discuss the chapters (usually one or two) of the current study book in confidential deep sharing. We close with a brief meditation and reminder of next meeting date and agreed-upon book readings. Our group welcomes newcomers and their guests to join in seeking comfort and wisdom.
Question? Please contact Alby at alby@insightsd.org.