The next segment in the LGBT Elder Initiative’s ongoing “Conversations” series will focus on grief and the possibility for growth after a loss.
The workshop will explore the grieving process, give attendees the opportunity to share experiences and perspectives and to examine the path to future happiness that can result from the difficult times in life.
The program is free and open to the public, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at the University of Pennsylvania LGBT Center, 3907 Spruce St.
“As folks get older, our community experiences deep losses, especially with regards to HIV and AIDS,” said LGBTEI chair Heshie Zinman. “But it could also be loss of health, youth, friends, family or independence.”
“The way we cope with the loss ultimately determines how we come out on the other side,” Zinman added.
The program will feature a clinical health professional who will talk about the process, which Zinman said “will provide a framework for the rest of the day.”
Two members of the community will then share their personal experiences with loss, how they coped and what they learned from the experiences, after which guests will break into small groups and have the opportunity to share their own experiences.
“We have never really come together as a community before to talk about loss. This is a first,” Zinman said.
After the sharing, there will be a discussion on possibility, including a section on mindfulness and how to use that approach to work through difficult experiences.
“It helps you assess things,” Zinman said of mindfulness, “and gain a sense of perspective. Which is key to being able to see beyond the loss.”
There will also be people available to listen if attendees want to talk one on one.
To register or for more information, call 267-546-3488 or email [email protected].
