Support for Those with a Life-Threatening Illness

The Living/Dying Project offers many educational opportunities; Open Circle and Next Step are two programs designed specifically to support those confronting life-threatening illness.

Both programs are free of charge and are available to residents of Marin, Sonoma, San Francisco, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.

Adjunct Volunteer Program

If you do not live locally, you can still become a Living/Dying Project Adjunct Volunteer. We have Adjunct Volunteers all around North America as well as Australia and Europe. Simply attend our online Interactive Training Workshop and then during the live zoom session that is part of the workshop, tell us you would like to be a volunteer. Adjunct Volunteers can attend an every other month free support group. This group will support your inner spiritual work as well as supporting you in working with any clients with life-threatening that you might find in your local community.

If you’re interested in our Client Programs, please contact our office.

Open Circle

Our Open Circle program offers support to anyone with a life-threatening illness who wishes to use this critical life event as an opportunity for awakening –  including the possibilities of spiritual awakening, conscious dying, remarkable remission, and freedom, without avoiding the physical and emotional needs that illness presents. Opening to this investigation, we have the opportunity to go beyond attachment, contraction, and denial – entering the path to healing.

Each client is matched with a trained volunteer who meets with the client on a free-of-charge, ongoing basis. Volunteers meet in support groups and receive ongoing training. They are encouraged to have a contemplative spiritual practice to nurture their work with clients.

We serve clients at all stages of illness, from diagnosis to recovery or death. Our intention is to be together with awareness, compassion and empowerment.

The Next Step support program includes:

Spiritual counseling, identifying and organizing a support system, evaluation and discussion of the client’s spiritual needs, learning meditation, relaxation, and centering, discussion of the meaning of healing, learning to connect with caregivers, and becoming aware of the obstacles to healing.

Each client is matched with a trained volunteer who meets with the client on a free-of-charge, ongoing basis. Volunteers meet in support groups and receive ongoing training. They are encouraged to have a contemplative spiritual practice to nurture their work with clients.

Education

Please look at our educational services page dropdown menu at the top of this page. for articles, interviews with local professionals, and a recommended reading list.

Meditation & Relaxation Exercises

The AH Breath: caregiver and patient can do together
Taking and Sending: meditation for one person