This program offers individual support for those dealing with an illness, with grief, or with caregiving responsibilities
The Open Circle program is free and offers support to anyone who is dealing with Illness, Grief, or Caregiving Responsibilities. One who wishes to use this life event as an opportunity for awakening and/or companionship can receive an intake evaluation. During the intake, we will discuss the client’s spiritual needs and assess their openness to receiving guided meditations, engaging in deep inquiry, and connecting with themselves, others, and what they perceive as Sacred, whatever that may mean to them.
This includes the possibilities of conscious living, conscious dying, spiritual healing, remarkable remission, and freedom without avoiding the physical and emotional needs that illness, grief, or caregiving responsibilities presents. Opening to this investigation, one has the opportunity to go beyond attachment, contraction, and denial – entering the path toward healing.
You will be matched with a trained volunteer who will meet with you on a free-of-charge, ongoing basis. Locally, our trained volunteers work directly with clients. We also have volunteers who can work with clients non-locally over the internet. Volunteers meet in support groups and receive ongoing training. They are encouraged to have a contemplative spiritual practice to nurture their work with clients.
Please note! This program does not replace therapy. If you are dealing with trauma, profound emotional distress, or mental health challenges, seeking support from a licensed, professional therapist or counselor may be more appropriate. Our Open Circle Program is for those who wish to explore their situation through a compassionate and spiritual lens. Many of our clients work in conjunction with a Living/Dying Project Volunteer and their own therapist.
We also offer online ongoing support groups which gives clients the opportunity to meet others who are also doing this work. We believe these services creates a special container to serve clients in their desire to practice and work with their unique situation.
We serve clients at all stages from anywhere in the world. Our intention is to be together with awareness and compassion.
This program is for individuals who reach out to us personally. Although well intentioned, when folks reach out to us on behalf of someone else, we find that we are often met with confusion or resistance. If you feel your loved one could benefit from working with a volunteer, have them look at our website, social media, attend a support group, listen to the podcast, etc., and if they are interested, they are welcomed to email or call us to set up their own intake appointment. Of course we make exceptions for potential clients who are physically unable themselves to call or write. You may reach out to us for them.
If interested in joining the Open Circle Program, email [email protected] to schedule an intake call. During this call we would learn more about you and your situation as this information helps us in matching you with an appropriate trained volunteer.
After the intake, it takes about 2 – 7 days to be matched with a volunteer. You’d begin meeting with them on a regular basis, typically once a week for an hour, but this can change depending on your schedules. Typically folks meet over phone or zoom, unless you live in an area where there is a local volunteer who could visit in-person. This relationship can be an emotionally healing opportunity for you (and the volunteer) as you navigate the challenges of illness, grief, or caregiving.
