Monthly Discussion Group: Aging for Beginners
Please join us as we explore the journey of life and death from a Buddhist Perspective. We will use the book Making Friends with Death: A Buddhist Guide to Encountering Mortality by Judy Lief.
“Whether you will die tomorrow or fifty years from now, you need to read this book."-Bernie Glassman
Aging is so much more than just sickness and loss. It also holds the possibility of wakefulness and creativity. How can we explore the landscape of aging and navigate the challenges of getting older? Can we use the truth of impermanence, and the truth of suffering: the loss of our physical and mental capabilities, the loss of friends and loved ones, etc. to transform our lives? Instead of shutting down and withdrawing, can we open up and use these events to enhance our precious human life?
We will practice a series of contemplative exercises that systematically investigate our own concepts and feelings about impermanence and mortality. We will also meditate, discuss, enjoy visiting guests and build a community of care.
Themes will include:
Ground: cultivating a personal awareness of aging and death.
Path: opening the heart
Fruition: using practices and slogans to help ourselves and others prepare for the transition of death.
Meetings on the First Sunday of Every Month from 2:45-4 PM
Next meeting: Feb. 7, 2021
Other meetings in 2021: March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6
No registration needed
About the Teachers
Kevin Gormley is a long-time yoga teacher and Buddhist practitioner. He consults with NYC schools, training teachers and students in reading, mentoring, and mindfulness strategies.
Andrea Sherman is a gerontologist and End of Life Doula, a teacher at our Westchester Meditation Center, and was a leader of Conversations on Aging in NYC.
Andrea also writes about palliative care from the Buddhist perspective. Read her articles below:
The Paramita of Patience and Caring for People with Dementia
