Caregivers Circle – 2018 Fall Series
Compassion Cultivation Training – Fall 2018
August 1, 2018
2018 Walk’n’Run to Remember
August 26, 2018
Join Us this Fall…
September 22nd & November 17th
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Our Caregivers Circle brings people together for presentations, group discussions, individual support, and training in skills that can help caregivers navigate the many challenges and demands of care giving. It is open to anyone charged or entrusted with the responsibility of caregiving. Whether you’re a professional caregiver or providing care to family, friends or clients across a broad spectrum of needs that include chronic or life-threatening illnesses, or if you’re caring for and accompanying another through their personal experience of grief, you are welcome!
Part 1
Sustainable Caregiving
Saturday, September 22nd
The nature of caregiving is inherently stressful and often emotionally and physically draining. In Part 1 of this 2-part series, we will take up the theme of ‘Sustainable Caregiving,’ focusing on the intent of our Caregivers Circle and how participating in the group is supremely practical and immediately supportive. We will look at how together, as a community, we can get started to stay the course.
Caregiving can affect our physical and emotional wellbeing. With the intention of maintaining wellbeing for both the caregiver and care receiver, participants will have the opportunity to talk about and share real-world financial and legal issues related to caregiving and specifically long-term care, as well as discussing services and support that are available for the caregiver, you.
Part 2
The Emotional Side of Caregiving: Why Do I Feel Like This?
Saturday, November 17th
In Part 2 of our series, we will take up the question: “Why do I feel like this?” Re-establishing the container of mutual safety and respect that was co-created in session 1, participants will look into the theme of “Caregiving and Depression” and explore how to recognize the symptoms, identify concerns, and address the difficult question: What should I do?
We will also consider a number of viable treatment options, along with associated costs, and complementary and alternative therapies – including strategies to assist in dealing with this very human issue. Discussing this difficult subject, within a container of safety and mutual respect, supports the wellbeing of both the caregiver and care receiver.
About the Facilitator
Robert Cusick trained at Stanford University in the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE) and has studied extensively in a number of different contemplative traditions. He is a Sr. Certified Stanford CCT (Compassion Cultivation Training) Instructor and teaches at Stanford University, the University of CA, San Francisco (UCSF), Kaiser Hospitals and in multiple other venues. As a former monastic, he ordained in Burma under the renowned meditation master, Venerable Pa Auk Sayadaw, and trained with him from 2003 to 2012. He provides bereavement support for adults and children at Kara where he also teaches and co-facilitates ongoing training for Adult Services, Youth & Family Services and the Caregiver’s Forums. Robert also sits on the board of directors of the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies.
