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November Musing from Rebecca Crichton: The Gifts of Clarity and Honesty

November marks the season when we are urged to think about gratitude and generosity in equal measure. It is also the season when we might feel a variety of emotions ranging from anticipation and excitement to sadness and loss.

During the many years I facilitated grief support groups, when November arrived, most of the groups were dedicated to ‘getting through the holidays.’ 

I recently attended a workshop to become an End-of-Life Doula with the Gentle Passage Doula Collective. Even though the approaches and much of the information were familiar to me, I found the in-person training reaffirming and informative, and appreciate the caring commitment of the members of this collective. 
 
Many people in Seattle knew Trudy James, longtime activist for end-of-life awareness and advocacy, who died on October 20. My essay – Breaking Taboos – shares more about Trudy. The film she produced, Speaking of Dying, grew out of Heartwork End-of-Life Planning Groups — “A Gift for Yourself and Your Loved Ones.” These workshops encourage people to think about their wishes and the importance of clarity about their needs as they age. Facilitators trained by Trudy are continuing her important work.
 
I feel gratitude for the web of friends, colleagues and my daughter that bolsters me and the work I do around aging and end-of-life.
 
As you can see from the events happening in our region for November, there are ample choices for learning and engagement and many opportunities to contribute to and receive the blessings of the season.
 
Wishing you gratitude and generosity in equal measure.
Rebecca

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NWCCA’s Collaboration with Town Hall

Music for the Ages — Learning & Playing at Any Stage of Life
Chas Arnold with Debra Revere

Monday, December 16, 7:30 PM, The Medhi Reading Room, Town Hall Seattle

 Join Chas Arnold, Executive Director of the Music Center of the Northwest, and Debra Revere, a passionate cello learner, as they share their experiences and insights on picking up an instrument as an adult. Discover the joys and challenges of learning music later in life, connect with local amateur musicians, and enjoy live performances from adult students of MCNW.

Food and Finality
Discussions facilitated by Rebecca Crichton around death and dying, grief and loss, discussions that honor and acknowledge the discomfort, judgments, confusion and other emotions that these topics can engender.
Rebecca creates and holds the space with the intention that everybody is included and feels safe.
Click here to learn more