How can we support ourselves and our loved ones going through difficult times in a way that supports connection, compassion, and holds space for authentic choice?
A participant recently shared with us: “I have 3 groups of people in my life”:
- Those who pretend that nothing has changed since my cancer diagnosis – that’s right, nothing for them, but everything for me. How can I pretend that everything is old?
- Those who only want to talk about cancer, about my diagnosis and treatment – but I don’t want to spend my days reporting for every fifth scan and doctor’s appointment, complaining, commiserating, and feeling bad.
- And those who think they have to cheer me up at all costs – covering me with a kind of blanket of positivity. How do I tell them what I really need? Can they accept it?’
Another way is possible. We are launching our pilot format, The Gergina School of Care, as a space in which we will build precisely these skills of authentic expression supporting connection and authentic support.
We will develop the ability to distinguish between observation and evaluation; to recognise and express our feelings and needs in an authentic way; and to request and offer the support we need. These are the abilities that help us restore our humanity.
They are also the skills of consciousness which can help us unlock the healing powers in each of us.
We are recruiting a group until December 2023, after which the classes will run in a closed group with 15 sessions from December this year until April 2024.
More information is available here.