Being present

In life, loss and grief are certain. Every day we encounter people who are struggling because something or someone significant in their life is gone. We want to help these people, and we wonder what to say or do that would be welcomed, kind, and useful. In a culture that has often taught us to bypass or ignore our grief, this skill does not come naturally. However, as we learn to tenderly face the sorrows and joys of our own life, compassion, humility and the art of generous listening begins to grow within us. With attention and practice, we become a trusted companion to someone in grief.

In this 2-hour class Marianna Cacciatore will use poetry and teachings from her book, Being There for Someone in Grief, to help us acknowledge the many losses encountered in everyday life, and become more present when we find ourselves in the territory of grief.

About Marianna Cacciatore

Marianna is an author, minister, and spiritual counselor. In her first book, Being There for Someone in Grief, Marianna shares essential lessons for supporting people grieving from death, loss, and trauma. It is used as a guide for hospice volunteers and as a textbook for those learning to work with people in grief. It was endorsed by Stephen Levine, who wrote: “Marianna’s life work is just what the heart calls for…”

In 1990, Marianna founded Children to Children—a Center for Children and Families in Grief, serving as Executive Director. In 2000, they merged with Tu Nidito, and today she serves as a Lifetime Emeritus Board Member of that organization. She is also a co-founder and current board member of The Learning Community.