FamiliesConnect workshops: We’ll save you a seat!

FamiliesConnect has become such a supportive virtual room to gather in, hasn’t it? It’s wonderful to see family members gathering in this online community each month to connect, offer their experiences, and build practical new skills to test out in their lives. We have some regulars and some occasionals, and all of our family members are welcome. 

We have a great lineup planned for the rest of the year, and you can always find the next few sessions listed here on the website at https://threadsoflife.ca/familiesconnect.

So what’s coming up next? 

How to craft a Memory Book with Lynda Kolly – April 24

April 24, 2024 at 7pm Atlantic, 6pm Eastern, 3pm Pacific (convert for my time zone)

In this workshop we will look at how to create a memory book. We will share creative ideas and thoughts on the different types of books as well as other ways we can honour our memories in a functional and creative way. We will be speaking about ways to create a memory book and also looking for creative input from others. If the participants have already gathered their supplies they may work on their project as we share ideas and suggestions with each other.

Getting Past the “What Ifs” after a Trauma or Death with Roy Ellis – May 22

May 22, 2024 at 7pm Atlantic, 6pm Eastern, 3pm Pacific  (convert for my time zone)

After a trauma or death, the mind conducts an audit of the days and hours leading up to the loss. We can find ourselves stuck in an endless replay of the events and all the possible interventions and actions that we might have taken to change history and prevent the moment from happening. Such thoughts are normal and natural, but if we become stuck in these ‘what if’ loops indefinitely, we can prolong our grief and delay our healing.

‘What if’ loops are deeper than questions and regrets. In the midst of these ponderings, we can question our core goodness, aggressively blame ourselves for not protecting those we love, and marinate in rage and anger at ourselves and others for not preventing the loss.

Gently moving from blame, rage and what-ifs to experience our grief is a tricky business. It asks us to move into the present and away from the past. It requests that we land in the loss of the moment, right here where the pain is, which is exactly where we don’t want to be. This work is done tenderly and carefully, and always with others. This workshop will outline the challenge of what-if thinking and offer practical paths to healing.

Do you have a grief season? with Karen Lapierre Pitts – Jun 26

June 26, 2024 at 7pm Atlantic, 6pm Eastern, 3pm Pacific  (convert for my time zone)

Do you have a grief season? Nature is constantly shifting—for now the snow has melted & flowers are blooming. Our grief can change throughout the seasons too. As the calendar flips you may find certain times of the year more difficult. While others are looking forward to relaxing or socializing more over the summer, you may be struggling with the pressure of last-minute gatherings, taking vacation time, or attending a celebration of some kind. Each season holds its own ups and downs. You are not alone. Join us to explore ways to counteract your summer grief.

Register for an individual session – or for the ongoing series – and we’ll be sure to send you the Zoom link so you can join us. We’d love to see you!