Cultivating Compassion Education Series April Gatherings |
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Seeing Into the Life of Things, Gratitude and Spots of Time |
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presented by Rodger Kamenetz, author and founder of Natural Dreamwork
Sunday, April 12, 2026 1:00 p.m. ET |
Rodger's book, "Seeing into the Life of Things: Imagination and the Sacred Encounter,” begins with a question he heard from the Dalai Lama: How can we deal with afflictive emotions—like anxiety and reactive anger? Rodger's Natural Dreamwork practice over the past twenty-three years has taught him the healing power of images in memory, perception and dreams. In this talk, he will offer simple everyday practices for working with our own imagination to build resilience in the face of difficult situations. From the Romantic poet and thinker, William Wordsworth, we will learn how to enter a deeper life of feeling, how to attain a “quiet eye” so that we too might “see into the life of things.” |
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About the Speaker
Rodger Kamenetz is the author of 15 books of poetry and prose. He is Professor Emeritus of English and Religious Studies where he held the Sternberg Honors Chair, and is the founder of Natural Dreamwork (www.thenaturaldream.com). He is best known for the international bestseller, "The Jew in the Lotus," which described the historic dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Jewish spiritual leaders. His book, "The History of Last Night’s Dream,” was featured on Oprah Winfrey’s Soul Series and led him to found Natural Dreamwork, now a group of twenty practitioners worldwide. He will be teaching from his latest book, "Seeing into the Life of Things," which was recently named by SpiritualityandPractice.com as one of the best spirituality books of 2025. His website is www.kamenetz.com. Seeing into the Life of Things is available online through Bookshop.org, https://bit.ly/INDYSITLOT or on Amazon.
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Beyond ALS
April 2, 6:30pm ET |
Join a welcoming group of men and women who have lost a loved one to ALS. Share openly with others who are rebuilding their lives after profound loss. This interactive gathering will highlight where we are now and what may feel different: our identity, our values, our approach to spirituality, and more. We will listen deeply to each other’s stories about the new experiences of building relationships, contentment with solitude, or challenges as a single parent. But, most importantly, come to enjoy and appreciate the company of others who have come to experience the precious nature of human life. |
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Caregiver to Caregiver
April 9, 3:00pm ET |
Join the informal gathering designed to offer genuine support for those engaged in ALS caregiving. Enjoy the opportunity to be with other folks who have an intimate understanding of ALS and share your unique point of view as a caregiver. It is truly a meaningful experience to sit in council with ALS caregivers, to practice heart-centered listening, bear witness to our journeys and those of others, and to support and be supported without judgment. |
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Sons and Daughters of ALS Guided by Ron Hoffman, CCALS Founder
April 9, 7:00pm ET |
Sons and Daughters of ALS, hosted by CCALS Founder and Director, Ron Hoffman, is designed for those 18 years to 30- somethings who have experienced a parent, or close loved one, struggling from symptoms, diagnosis, decline or death with ALS. Growing up with the intensity and complexity of ALS in our family can shake us to the very core. It is often hard to comprehend or describe the ways that this disease shapes our past, present and future. If you are living with, or have lived with, the impact of a parent with ALS, you are invited to join our zoom gathering for Sons and Daughters of ALS. With deep listening, in the company of others who know the similarity of the uninvited path of having a parent with ALS, we will gather in council to share our experiences with the broad motivation to bring heartfelt connection, awareness and healing. |
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Men of ALS Guided by Ron Hoffman, CCALS Founder
April 16, 2:00pm ET |
Join us for a time of brotherhood and belonging for men living with ALS, or men caring for someone with the disease. This group operates as a council circle that encourages deep listening, acceptance, and an invitation to be genuine about what is going on in your life. |
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Women of ALS
April 16, 3:00pm ET |
Enjoy the connection and unique perspective of other women living with ALS, female caregivers of persons living with ALS, daughters of those with ALS, or any woman touched by the disease. We will gather in council to share our experiences with the broad motivation to bring heartfelt connections and healing to the ALS journey. The Women of ALS gatherings create a safe space to explore the rich feminine perspective on lineage, sexuality, the role as caregiver, and the experience of compassion. |
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Mothers of ALS
April 27, 1:00pm ET |
CCALS offers this informal gathering specifically for mothers who have been impacted by ALS. This disease shines a unique and challenging spotlight on the relationships between mothers and their children. We will join with each other in council to listen deeply and bear witness to our experiences as we connect and discover new pathways through the intensity of an ALS experience. |
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