8 weekly workshops for people living in the Glasgow area,
partly based on the book Living Our Dying
Thursdays 15 September to 3 November, 13.30-15.30,
Kibble Palace, Glasgow Botanic Gardens
“I love this book – it will not only help you die a good death, it will strengthen you to live a good life.”
Richard Holloway
Background
Living Our Dying – both the book and these workshops – have evolved from the Die-a-log groups. The first Die-a-log group started in Glasgow over ten years ago. and has spawned twelve other groups: Edinburgh, Reading, London, Dorset. Caring talk, reflections, inspirations, resources, practical information, and news about death and dying, sharing and giving compassionate support, guidance and encouragement dealing with all aspects of death and dying. Our talk is serious but light-hearted, starting with the “die-a-log” name. Our topics are wide-ranging from a life-threatening diagnosis, loss of a country through forced immigration, ending of a relationship, the death of a pet, to sudden unexpected disability.
The most important feature is kindly warmth and respect that gives permission to talk about things that many people regard as taboo and to say what we want. Poems about death and dying can be a way of dealing sensitively with people who are searching for a way of coping with the death of a loved one. Poetry about death is often able to express the painful emotions of grief and loss, and thus assist the bereaved to cope with the situation.
What to expect?
• sharing personal stories, poetry and reflection in an atmosphere of trust, respect and confidentiality
• keeping a journal for guided writing prompts and suggestions for writing at home
• reading and gleaning ideas from the book Living Our Dying
• developing skills in compassionate communication
• people attending the workshops will be living in Glasgow and will be posted a copy of Living Our Dying.
• two Living Our Dying writers will be invited to contribute to the workshops
• the option of the workshops continuing as a self-directed support group
Facilitator
Sukhema (Larry Butler) teaches tai-chi in healthcare settings and leads expressive writing groups at the Maggie Cancer Care Centre. His publications include Butterfly Bones (Two Ravens), Arts on Prescription (feasibility research paper for the Greater Glasgow Health Board) and Better Health for Men (a research project for the Health Education Board for Scotland). Larry edits books and pamphlets for PlaySpace Publications. He is a co-founder of the Glasgow-based Die-a-log group
How to apply
Places are free but are limited to eight participants – priority will be given to people living in Glasgow who can attend all eight workshops. The workshops will be held in the Glasgow Botanic Gardens – South wing of the Kibble Palace.
To apply please e-mail lapidus.scotland.1@gmail.com by Monday 12 September at 10.00am with your name, contact details including post code, and a note of what you hope to gain from these workshops.
If you have any queries please e-mail us at the address above.