Cultivating presence in the face of illness and dying

A series of three sessions on Zoom with Clare Palmer, certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication, living with advanced cancer since 2019. Clare will share her experience of attempting to continue living a conscious life whilst experiencing severe pain, illness and a shortened life expectation. She has gained learning and insights from many others who have been through similar experiences and her long experience in holding space for and with others means she is able to share from her own vulnerability and wisdom, whilst providing an opportunity for us all to reflect on our own lives and how we also bear and process these human dilemmas which ultimately affect us all.

These sessions are not aimed at those recently bereaved and are not a ‘grief support’ space. They are for those who are currently affected by serious or terminal illness or are supporting someone facing this, and anyone who wants to take time to reflect on these themes in a group with someone sharing their own experience. Clare says:

“Alongside motherhood, this has probably been the part of my life which has asked the most of me and from which I have learned the most. Please join me if you who would like to gain inspiration, hope and understanding of these aspects of the human condition and how we might deal with this ourselves, when our own lives are close to ending”.

You are requested to sign up for the series of three sessions together, as it is important to create some sense of safety in the group, so participants will not be able to ‘drop in’ to only one or two sessions. You will be able to share in pairs or small groups as well as in the whole group which will be a maximum of 22 participants. No prior experience of Nonviolent Communication is needed; however you are asked to bring your willingness and intention to be with others in a space of listening, compassion and non-judgement.