When someone close to you dies, the relationship with that person undergoes a seismic shift. Processing and navigating the change is often confusing, frightening and takes inordinate amounts of energy, all of which is a natural response to loss and grief. We may be surprised to discover a “bequest” of mixed emotions over questions we or they didn’t ask, issues we or they didn’t seek to resolve or gratitude we or they didn’t express. We may wonder what parts of the relationship to let go of and what to hold on to, even years later. We may assume that, because they are no longer physically present, the opportunity for healing or thanking is lost.

But what if the relationship is just changed, not ended? Is it possible to engage with a deceased person in an evolving relationship that nurtures growth, love, forgiveness and understanding?

Join Susan Patterson, Conscious Dying Coach, in an exploration of these questions in a supportive and grounded environment. Over the course of 3 hours, we will explore ways in which we can remain in relationship with deceased ones for both healing and gratification. Recognizing both the gifts and the grievances that a loved one has left us, we will use sacred imagination to acknowledge and address those items and discern if sustaining a relationship may help us to grow emotionally and spiritually. We will practice ways to prepare both mind and spirit to lovingly engage with people who have died, share experiences and thoughts with each other, and learn techniques for ongoing use. Meditation, artwork, sacred imagination and silence will guide our time together.