Community Connections- January 2011
January 4th, 2011
Between here and there, and then and now, there is a space- the space between. It’s a tough one; necessary, cathartic even, but tough. It is in this space we find loneliness, frustration and fatigue. We try to make sound decisions, choices that will leave us feeling good or at least satisfied, but in that space dwell vague feelings of restlessness, disappointment and longing for something else that for the time being, remains nameless.
Winter can be this way with gray days, long nights and a stark landscape. A grieving heart can feel the same. Most of us have learned how to enjoy what we can of winter by skiing, skating or hibernating through it with a good book, knowing without a doubt that spring will come and approximately when. It’s a little different with grieving heart. It takes greater effort to cope with and it’s length is less predictable. You can linger in the space between for some time.
So what can we do? Well, we know what we can’t do because most us us have tried. We can’t rush it, push it or ski over it. It’s a space that periodically demands a place in our lives. Maybe we just have to respect it for what it is, knowing that this space is temporary and worthwhile. Knowing that we’re not stagnate but moving toward something as winter moves toward spring. One thing is for sure, in this space we’re letting go of some things, but we’re also making room to welcome in others. Maybe imagining what we’d like those things to be will move us a little closer to them and give us a glimmer of good things to come.
Coming Up…
Side by Side: Loss of a Spouse/Partner
Are you grieving the loss of your spouse or partner? Join us for this 6-week support and educational group to share stories and coping strategies and begin to move forward with others who truly understand.
Please call to register: 846-0698
The Brick House, 30 Red Cross Ave, Newport, Wednesdays, starting 1/12, 5:00-6:30pm
Building Bridges
Join MFH and Hospice at VNS of Newport and Bristol Counties for our 6-week foundation grief support and education group.
Please call Alison to register: 682-2100 x485
The United Congregational Church, 524 Valley Road, Middletown, Wednesdays starting 2/2, 4:30- 6:00pm
The Circle
Knitting your way to peace and comfort stitch by stitch There is always time to register for our Monthly Knitting Circle with Carolyn Musgrave of Knitting Needles. All levels welcome and childcare is available! Bring a project or get started with ours!
Please call to register @ 846-0698
Tuesday, January 11, 6-7pm and the 2nd Tuesday of each month! The Brick House, 30 Red Cross Ave, Newport
Finding Om At Home
Our home is our sanctuary, but after a loss, spending time there can feel more distressing than comforting. Tackling the paper piles, the closets and the question of how to reassign & redesign space takes time, thought and energy. Join us for an evening with designer, Maria Aureli to discuss practical solutions for clearing clutter and making simple changes that will create a peaceful space you’ll want to come home to again.
Please call to register: 846-0698, The Brick House, 30 Red Cross Ave, Newport, Thursday, 2/10, 6:00-7:00pm