After last Fall’s two “Grace and Grit” workshops, many sangha members voiced deep interest in additional substantive programming on aging, illness and dying. Many also asked for an ongoing safe Zendo space to talk freely about their experience, questions and fears in these areas.
This Fall, the Zendo is offering two workshops to address the expressed need, and is considering an ongoing discussion group for the new year.
Separate registration for each workshop is required. A suggested donation of $25 is appreciated.
One Body/One Heart
Saturday, October 28
3:00pm — 5:00pm
On Saturday October 28, from 3-5 pm, we will have an online viewing and discussion of the 2017 documentary One Body/One Heart. The film tells the moving story of the journey of our beloved Robert Kaku Gunn, Sensei in the year following his 2015 diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Enkyo Roshi figures prominently in the documentary, and other dear sangha members who touched us in their living and dying are remembered.
There will be time for discussion and questions.
Registration closed.
Necessary Conversations and Decisions
Saturday, November 18
3:00pm — 6:00pm
On Saturday November 18, from 3-6 pm, the Zendo will present a workshop on how to discern, articulate and document one’s wishes regarding end of life care.
Led by David Jimon Kunin, a retired hospice nurse, the workshop will create a safe container to explore planning for old age, sickness and death. Awareness of the changes we may go through as we age is essential to any reality-based plans we wish to make. Jimon’s essay titled “The Tree of Acceptance of Death,” explains his approach to this topic and will form the foundation for the workshop: https://offthecushion.substack.com/p/the-tree-of-acceptance-of-dying.
Marjorie ChoGaku McCoy, an interfaith chaplain and retired attorney and hospice volunteer, will talk about identifying who might be considered for the roles of one’s health care proxy and power of attorney. She will provide practical resources on this topic, as well. Once again, there will be ample time for discussion and questions.
Please note that no individualized professional advice will be given in this workshop.