From Age-ing to Sage-ing Book Study – session 3, with Raines Cohen

In our last (but not least) session, we will explore what it truly means to be “Aging in Community.” How can we serve as mentors, in ways that create our legacy through service? What is our role in healing our own families, the communities we live in, and the world? How can we organize in wisdom circles and guilds and bring about the change we dream of, in ways that will survive us?

In "Optics of Aging" stereotypes of ageism are confronted and the beauty of aging is revealed through five Rhode Island elders who have shaped the landscape of Rhode Island and beyond. Their voices take flight against the backdrop of archival imagery that captures the vision of an earlier time.

The mysteries of death, dying and the dead can be known by the living. Many people have had experiences with disembodied spirits (ghosts or dead people), near-death experiences, interdimensional experiences, and the thin space around death and dying. Rt. Rev. Dr. Mary Francis Drake is one such person with decades of such experience to share to validate others as well as encourage hope in the process of living well and dying wisely.

n this uplifting webinar series, David Chernikoff draws on Buddhist and other contemplative teachings to guide us in cultivating and celebrating the blessings of spiritual maturity. In seven once-a-month webinars which began on June 19th, 2024, we study and experientially explore the following topics: integrity, generosity, patience, compassion, wisdom, lovingkindness, and equanimity. Together we create a safe, supportive learning community as we increasingly embody the wise and loving elders we each have the potential to be.

In a fast-paced, 2-hour presentation drawing on the stories of many of the pioneers of that movement, coupled with historical photos and video clips, you will learn of the early days of Reb Zalman with the Spiritual Eldering Institute, followed by the formation of the Sage-ing Guild which is now Sage-ing International. We will celebrate Reb Zalman’s 100th birthday (and recognize the tenth anniversary of his death) and Sage-ing International’s 20th anniversary. We will talk about the future of our organization and what we are going to do for you.

Mary Francis will offer an overview of the cultural approaches to death and dying, as well as her direct experience as a hospice social worker and chaplain. An introduction to the energetics of death, loss, grief, and the afterlife will also be offered. These topics will be delved into more deeply in the workshop series that follows this webinar and begins on October 17th.

This webinar will address what each of us can do about the threat of climate change for elders and for future generations. Together we will explore our biggest fears and greatest hopes about the climate crisis followed by interpretations of 10 powerful nighttime dreams to understand how hope and fear can actually guide us as we gain even deeper insights about our own response to climate issues.

This monthly series is for emerging wise women leaders who want to join together to learn, explore, grow, and share. Through the facilitated use of creative imagination and mutual support and encouragement, we will water the seeds of your vision into blossoming and fruiting.