“The human soul does not want to be advised or fixed or saved. It simply wants to be witnessed, exactly as it is.” ~ Parker Palmer
Over the past 16 months I’ve had the privilege of hosting a shared exploration of “befriending mortality.” Through four different formats, 120 beautiful humans have participated in my six-part series of classes. (Click here for upcoming opportunities to enroll.)
I’ve been touched, every session, by the simple power of witnessing each other. By the curiosity, courage, and compassion that arrives and magically multiplies when we come together around hard things.
Along the way I started offering Death Cafes for Befriending Mortality participants – a chance to talk in small groups about whatever is on your mind around death, dying, and grief. For some, that ephemeral connection is enough… a chance to share freely from the heart with folks you may not see again. Others have been asking for a way to be part of a group that builds connection over time. A group that shares a common affinity for something not very common in our dominant culture – befriending our mortality.
In response to this need, I’m launching a pilot six-month program: Befriending Mortality Support Groups. I’ll provide the match-making to put registrants into small groups, and lead three Zoom sessions at the beginning, middle, and end of the process. Once small groups meet each other, it’s up to you to organize and self-facilitate regular sessions with each other, using guidelines I provide.
Read on if you’re intrigued. Share with others who might be interested! And contact me with your questions.
Who is this for?
Prior participation in my Befriending Mortality work is optional but optimal. If you haven’t been part of my Befriending Mortality sessions in 2023 or 2024, I suggest you enroll in the six-week series I’ll offer in March-April, as a companion to your Support Group participation.
A Befriending Mortality Support Group might be for you if:
- You’re a solo ager, or widowed or divorced, or find yourself wondering who your people will be when it comes to the ending of your days
- You’ve been wanting to complete a few tasks around befriending your mortality, and could use some support
- You don’t have others to talk with about your mortality, or appreciate the insights you gain into yourself by listening to others
How does this work?
Befriending Mortality Support Groups are clusters of 4-6 people who meet regularly over 6 months to support each other with whatever conversations or task completion feels important to each participant. Here’s how it will work:
- Matchmaking into groups – Coordinator Holly Pruett will review all applications and match participants up into small groups based on preferences and interests. (Scroll to the end of the FAQ to see what will inform the matches.)
- Three Facilitated Program Sessions (Tuesdays, 5-6:15pm Pacific on Zoom): Holly will bring all Support Group participants together for shared orientation, reflection, and evaluation in a Kick-off Session January 28th, a mid-point Check-In Session April 8th, and a Closure/Transition Session June 17th.
- Monthly group meetings February-June – After meeting each other in the facilitated January 28th Kick-Off Session group members will determine their own meeting schedule, and self-facilitate regular meetings (recommended monthly unless more frequently is desired).
- Resource Emails – Participants will receive periodic emails from Holly with resource links. Groups may send compiled questions to Holly for response in subsequent Resource Emails.
Commitments/ Group Agreements
- Confidentiality, equitable sharing of time & group tasks, refraining from advice or fixing.
- Participation in a monthly Support Group meeting at a time TBD by group members (February-June).
- Participation in the 3 Facilitated Sessions via Zoom (January 28th, April 8th, June 17th).
“Holly’s Befriending Mortality course was so informative and engaging I was inspired to organize a support group for myself and friends which continues to this day. Holly’s knowledge of resources is alone worth the time and cost for anyone who wants to deepen their life’s journey.”
Questions?
Read the FAQs then contact me with your questions.
Registration & Cost
Registration closes Monday, January 20. Cost for the six-month program is sliding scale $90 ($15/month) to $180 ($30/month). Payment is due in full by January 24. Payment methods will be sent with confirmation email.
(NOTE: Fee is waived for those meeting with Holly for 3 or more 1:1 monthly sessions. Contact Holly for more information on this option.)
Support Group Schedule Recap
- Monday, January 20 – Registration Closes
- Friday, January 24 – Payment in full is due
- Tuesday, January 28 – Kick-off Session via Zoom 5:00-6:15 Pacific
- February – Each group meets, date/ method to be determine by group members
- March – Each group meets, date/ method to be determine by group members
- [March 5-April 9 – Befriending Mortality six-week on-line class hosted by Rowe Conference Center]
- Tuesday, April 8 – Mid-Point Check-In Session via Zoom 5:00-6:15 Pacific
- April – Each group meets, date/ method to be determine by group members
- May – Each group meets, date/ method to be determine by group members
- Tuesday, June 17 – Closure/Transition Session via Zoom 5:00-6:15 Pacific
- June – Each group meets, date/ method to be determine by group members
Learn more…
About my approach, my experience and training, and the services I offer as a Celebrant, Guide, and Creative Partner.
Photo: My mother Jane (b. 1938) and her sister Madeline (b. 1936) in 2015, on a visit to our ancestral home in Northern Italy.