Emberlight: Center for Conscious Living & Dying

This workshop will take place in the Lighthouse. Melody LeBaron, author of Transforming Death: Creating Sacred Space for the Dying, will lead us in a workshop to learn how the physical environment, and our consciousness within it, directly supports the dying process. In her framework, the room itself becomes a partner in care, and you&#39;ll understand how to honor the dying person&#39;s spiritual beliefs and create space that reflects their values. We will cover how to assess needs at each stage of the dying process (denial, anger, depression, bargaining, acceptance, and beyond) and intentionally bring objects into the room to help them move through that stage more fluidly. We will explore creating life completion altars using photos, awards, mementos, and flowers to help the dying integrate their life and give themselves permission to let go. You&#39;ll learn how to help the family and the resident navigate the four processes of dying (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). You&#39;ll walk away understanding the role of sensory details and recognizing when to shift the focal point as the dying person moves from life review into the final departing stage. This session equips you to make small, intentional choices that create conditions for grace. Host Bio: Melody LeBaron is the author of Transforming Death: Creating Sacred Space for the Dying, the first book of its kind to explore how to partner with environment and space to honor the dying process. Her diverse skills include building communities of empowered women, coaching people through life transitions, professional organizing, Feng Shui, and end-of-life doula work, with over 30 years of experience supporting the dying and their caregivers. Her work grew from a deep understanding that the physical environment, when partnered with intentional consciousness, directly supports the transformative process of dying. She has midwifed the conscious death of 14 close loved ones and countless clients, developing practical approaches to move through denial, grief, and into acceptance and grace.

Transforming Death: Partnering with the Room to Create Sacred Space

Summer Suites Soir&eacute;e&nbsp;A groovy gathering with our Direct Care community ~ we hope you&#39;ll join us in the Light House for a Summer celebration! We&#39;ll have juicy watermelon, simple snacks, and sparkling water ~ a social start downstairs/out on the deck, followed by a circle upstairs to check in, meet our new trio of co-leads, share updates on the Care Pod model, and connect in small groups with a short scheduling round to close. The care we provide residents and families in the Suites is at the heart of our work.&nbsp;Connection is at the HEART of the Suites Soir&eacute;e&nbsp;~ an opportunity to gather with fellow volunteers, express appreciation, celebrate learning, and deepen as a Team. We know many folks are traveling and have summer trips this weekend, so it may be a more intimate group! Please RSVP so we can better prepare.&nbsp; Bonus:&nbsp;Whether or not you can come for Soir&eacute;e,&nbsp;please take a look at your calendar and let&#39;s see if we can proactively schedule ourselves for the next 30 days to ensure continuity in care during this season of re-imagining. Deep gratitude ❤️ This event is for active Emberlight Direct Care volunteers only. Please do not RSVP unless you are an active Direct Care volunteer.

Summer Suites Soirée: Direct Care Volunteers Only

Join us for an informative and compassionate session designed to help participants better understand dementia and learn practical ways to support individuals on the journey. This event will be held in the Lighthouse. This event is for active Emberlight Direct Care volunteers only. Please do not RSVP unless you are an active Direct Care volunteer.<br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" id="isPasted" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Part 1: Recognizing Dementia and Supporting Inclusion<br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">In non-clinical terms, attendees will learn the basics of the changes that are happening to the brain. &nbsp;Participants will gain practical strategies for interacting with someone who may be experiencing cognitive changes, with a focus on helping individuals feel accepted, respected, valued, and included.<br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Part 2: Understanding the Stages of Dementia and Connecting in Later Life<br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">This portion of the session explores the progression of dementia and the changes that may occur through its various stages. Special attention will be given to late-stage dementia, including effective approaches for communication, meaningful engagement, and maintaining connection when verbal communication becomes limited. Participants will learn person-centered techniques that promote comfort, dignity, and emotional well-being.<br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">This session will provide valuable knowledge and practical tools to help you build understanding, foster connection, and support people living with dementia with compassion and confidence.<br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Your presenters<br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Dr Cindy Keehn PT DPT practiced physical therapy for over 35 years in both WNC and FL, with most of her years spent working in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. Cindy is a Certified Dementia Practitioner&reg; and Certified Montessori Dementia Care Professional&reg;, and a Community Educator with the Alzheimer&rsquo;s Association. She is also trained under Teepa Snow&rsquo;s organization, Positive Approach to Care&reg;, and Certified as an Independent Trainer, Consultant, and Advanced Consultant. She is founder of &ldquo;Engaging Dementia Effectively&rdquo; which provides teaching training and consulting services around this region.<br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;"><br style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">Jennipher Francis&nbsp;is an independent broker insurance agent. &nbsp;She has developed a love for serving seniors of WNC. &nbsp;She leads a Dementia Partners AVEL Dementia Caregiver Support Group at DayStay and is a Community Educator for the Alzheimer&#39;s Association.

Dementia in End of Life Care - Direct Care Workshop

(Tuesdays with) Morrie Schwartz: Lessons on Living and DyingTed Koppel Nightline InterviewA Film Screening and Guided ConversationSunday, June 21 | 3:00 to 5:00 PM&nbsp;The Lighthouse at Emberlight in Swannanoa, NC When Mitch Albom wrote the book, Tuesday with Morrie, before the film, there was a camera and a man willing to be seen. In the early 1990s, ABC Nightline anchor Ted Koppel conducted a series of intimate interviews with Morrie Schwartz, a sociology professor living with ALS who chose to spend his remaining time teaching the world how to die well. These conversations became some of the most quietly radical television ever broadcast, and they gave rise to one of the most beloved memoirs of the last century: &quot;Tuesdays with Morrie.&quot; Emberlight invites you to watch a one-hour curated segment from the original Nightline series, featuring highlights from Morrie&#39;s arc and the deepening relationship between Morrie and Koppel. What unfolds on screen is not about dying. It is about what becomes possible when someone faces mortality with honesty, humor, and an open heart. Our special guest is Curt Worden, the Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and cameraman who was behind the lens for these original Nightline segments. Curt filmed Morrie and Ted Koppel directly and brings a rare perspective: what it was like to be in the room, to witness those conversations unfold in real time, and what stayed with him.&nbsp; Why now?Morrie Schwartz did not wait for permission to speak plainly about dying. He leaned in with curiosity, one of Emberlight&#39;s core values, and that curiosity became a gift to everyone watching. This screening is an invitation to ask the same questions Morrie asked: What have I given? What have I received? What does a life well-lived actually look like? We will hold space after the film for a guided group conversation so you can bring your own answers, questions, and reflections into the room. What to expect:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Welcome and introduction by Curt Worden, including his personal reflections on filming the original Nightline series</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">One-hour screening of curated segments from &quot;Lessons from Morrie,&quot; the ABC Nightline series</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">Guided group discussion and Q&amp;A with Curt</li></ul>About Curt WordenCurt Worden is a two-time Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and broadcast journalist with over 45 years of experience. He has covered some of the most significant events of the modern era, including the Gulf War, where he was the first to broadcast live from the battlefield the liberation of Kuwait, and has had access to five U.S. Presidents beginning with the Ford administration. He has directed and produced more than 60 broadcast documentaries for ABC, CBS, PBS, NBC, and others. His work on the Nightline Morrie segments placed him at the center of a story that would change how millions of people think about living and dying. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1781295967/wysiwyg/heusxd9xiwqnjcp1je3g.jpg" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> 100% of proceeds donated go to support the mission and vision of Emberlight: Center for Conscious Living and DyingThis event is open to all, with a suggested donation. No one is turned away for lack of funds, and we welcome everyone to attend who feels called to share in this message.&nbsp;

(Tuesdays with) Morrie Schwartz: Lessons on Living and Dying

This event will be held at the Lighthouse (not the Sanctuary).&nbsp; Come help welcome our Mexican end-of-life care colleagues back to the beautiful mountains of WNC!&nbsp; Monday, June 8 marks the first day of the ELNEC-Mexico team&rsquo;s &ldquo;Respiro&rdquo; experience, where they will spend time with the Healing Arts Team and learn about the power of conscious community in end-of-life care. Join us in welcoming them with a potluck dinner on Monday, June 8 at 5:30 p.m., and stay for Kirtan with Aditi and friends at 7:30 p.m. (separate RSVP required).&nbsp; Space is limited to 40 people. Reservations are required. Donations are not required, but always appreciated. Please Bring: A dish to share (all cuisines invited)<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; border-collapse: collapse; empty-cells: show; border-width: medium; border-style: none; border-color: currentcolor; border-image: initial; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" width="100%"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="margin: 0px; padding: 12px 8px 12px 0px; color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-weight: 500; vertical-align: middle;" style="margin: 0px; padding: 12px 8px 12px 0px; color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-weight: 500; vertical-align: middle; min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; user-select: text; border: 0px solid rgb(221, 221, 221);" valign="middle" width="70%"> Welcoming Our Colleagues from Mexico&nbsp;<img data-fr-image-pasted="true" data-emoji="🌎" alt="🌎" draggable="false" src="blob:https://www.zeffy.com/31d3d582-a6d8-4a5c-8668-dd0fb55267c9" style="height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; opacity: 0.4; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" data-fr-old-src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAEgAAABICAYAAABV7bNHAAAQAElEQVR4Aeyae5BX5XnHv+9vr8IuLCyXZYmwYAAFbViEURsvrGaa1LQjJG3tpFbBjJM0vekfnXacTFl6SyvJYMZOM9VUaKKdsdYRbUwyHeuigqMCAioF3AprVC7Ksiy7uBd2f6ff73POe/ac32VvLE7/yOE853ne571/zvO+5/zOksEvj2EJ/BLQsHiATx1Q89HNNd9u3bT6/v99YN397/5Ds5c/OfCD5p3HzzcHQZAra+hbPcI8Llr2RQckICGMB7bc/+4DR/uz5zuymaAFDlsAtyEWhw0/PHJ4Q+vZHvqQlKcBtHT2ZoNXjmVbfuupnua6zT2fGrCLAigB5el+AglhYB2ABhQ4Wj9agtaTl6N62svYeuof8Yf7n8I3Xu7EE+8OxKWnVDhcN8etfvIrlRuunO1a5mzu7aj/Xs+Wz2y6uLAmFNBfHP1Og5YMoRyNoKyJZ1jE6O6rxhu/WIXjnfWoquiyUjXVR/D66ZP40529+MJPPsGB01nz+8uUSlqZbE3gsC4L11L/971H5/5tv24AMyb2nBBANVs6aq7/2a7mTLZkL2zZoAbDHO3nZuCl1pvxLzv+AE/sugMr5u3CrVc9A/kF6qdv3YYuglMTbxPOLYT03X39ONsfyIVlMzlsntpBgwx9GTQEmeyW+r/pOzr3ryYWlLqxTsd7mfXjs2vmTj2999qFr2xgG8OCYT5ePfJ5bNv721xSS5Q08ZFTO/kU5kw9hhsXv4DbVz6GaxfuRHlpn5X57v5+rPr3Hvzlq/1hRDm6XQBGKiXSBAUXbJnb3L+XshwTcIwbkKJm1tbuLdXl3U//+rKfNPiJjDQmTXpN45OMmt0QEJXXMpP24oEtq38Ta1lW0ASicyCLRw6cxysnBhGEkYMwilhTM3EBuOzAssuRxd76b/c14wIPNTvmJuq2dDRUZEpbnAvWNS1qie/yaBsSmEYuqxsWtxioRbMOF60qWFp+AsuJRwDiiCGgyCYc5Yfifdgw5/7evQ3NwYiRXWwAYwY0c0v38iBTyr0Gy+dPPY4lUz/CZJSglCNzxXop4vegCmUrqlr5dNvLDVz7VR2X3or5u4Fk5HgonEVAUTQp39vOOTjnlvf1cG/6s+5xLTk1W2h8BX2Ck9E7DGB35Mb6Q5hCOFOIR3IJ7RI4FDr6e6vw/uEb0HbgFvR0Ty9UJOXTZt3dO4VPuJW2X1VwL1LUXXvZznQUqTsPymw2YzqADUV2CWoGGPFzxwFp1IBy4Syv/QDX1H6IasKpIhgviqYyGxlSR/eZOSgp7Yf0u/tvReep+RC0VKFEQstu0exDtgS1F2lzF7TpVadQW30KYbSAsAJYdy5te5+0Y17GBTUDyLTMHCOkUQHKhdMw+Qy+teh1W1qTCEdQvEziyCfRlwtpel0rZsw9AB0CpUgSKKWLifYfRU11ZRfea18APf4l7Z/UEgxrceLsDiapKArifOccEAlVTSbrWmbeO/rlNiIgPa24rPizALasAODexbtRWzqISzgyL5WxXWL+SkLKXW4dJxdBcC5d8jJbAS6pasf+F+/G6ROLLO0veh96/uCXDMoTu++wVwOfZ5pzhkkYPdGTC0lfvg2AhHipYdWna+7tiOeDYY4RAVW4UsGJN7g75x3E5ZPPooJAklKZk66AQzl9HEzcfVlFNxqWPY9yRkRVzQkCOo3LPvczTGd0xYVotJ5cYnAEqbu3mp4CZ07EsCuwyzhyZMcCQGyGxDWUDZbpNx5GOjLDFaj70dl1cIh/LlSVnsft9Uc4cRdJJtZlHKGknBVCHeZlmEZ0CMQlVacJqJtgforZ8/eiquZ4lIv47frAsV+JfUUNxxwvNO3MgeYjy7lEwch0Gaye9UddzVZvmEumWJ6WVhC4zcn8L896HzWlA9yWXZ5ozykljKSUMC1JtlHM1iasyCmWX8gfmJPXaNLsDnkCHnE+DcGiUjnW3DDzW8PvRxlWL3iWuzLBSa3TKYygDFuWaOJDAsYPuOuA2uVojOoYVdQkW3JMJMRHC4fHDE6dVztdZCfKQpCUSV8QZDVPpQpKppC3bkvXar0l5+ZdPbWdAGDimCnJwNk/r535HX2gSDuMdGhTHqlMwXw1LbHMCATtFCzlS+iXikWQwsTqmd/kVsL8QmemkDMowYZCfrUnvxth6hqqJIvA/qlOIdGjWz9cJYXyR/apF5ZyBYSu5OkcC/Hk0OHF0ZCb4yw4X/DIA6To4ayKfrE73jeJ2aBo8tJJCX3sEKEA/FnJbvJPwdFTatzRk99k2uOY5PKKo4lJEEgoCA8r4+RtqL2nY13oTF/zAGWz7i7OPl0qSh3tq8Tx3kk4O1BqRXT/QhCBgRhkOQGRDLCERD667RSM/oEKs0/zm5AZF3pxY2hAZZPiq5rPbfDJpE4BauCHr0wW65BVDeQd7b2TkeXE3zk3JQISxFowBph7nvnPHlmFv9u5Hpt33INHdnzTPozp45iW0kutTdbuaD+PWOGRLhquF/avkMirovzYGSWkJGGFhtqvd8SvNL5oClBfT8U6MCZdGBq+TKz3dNbissmd2NM5w8AIhqQfAc4TjvSrHy3EzmNLMch24ooJQ0tLUTSdH8cS7vGbGmuytk2YDmkvTOafyoy8kZkF7oo8scrEFo1sENzFecJEE8zpvGugDJX8wdnKCBKMEEoW/azQhwB91B8zytjUsOeYH+nDtsZMjTMpdKVOl0rBAibP5+ReU7OuI/VqEwNq2NyhH3L6EkdALEycnDOSR+u5qXjuo0txghAOEVIvgQiKdA9jqofp/2mfl6xS0H7jFyvth2fBzIlwClaxdlwiQ4+wRFKE+A6TWmYxoH6UrxYQp/1HcEzYWk5nm965GkcISvuQgHxCKJ8QjvShzlk4ca74tx59OtXXQS8r5vEDWHKAY7UV5Xl1OGb5NG4vSheTqHiY7cgouC20w2sMKMiW3ATBUaMRHBdpgQuLD12r+ScagTlHON0mA3j/3LShArQWzT6sv1bg69f/APqmo41ZkLw08rPr7asesw/1LD62U+NUDWkvShcS5Xt/0va+pA6wGokjBoRssBwGBHACZTaJRho5x2k+6rsIpgsD6DI9iDm178bfpwXj2gU7bfLalE901tsv9B+/erctL70D6ZOqvvkoovSXjC9c8XP7QCZt36Bz+sxLBvRIqMB7bzcyTqP4kSyTtMMaNdyH4q8XMSBCWe08DGrnIQ0WhvRvrb+KtztnopOAzlK0F2mya/lXCE341quejWEJhN6B1L9g6cugnmYvvXMz9L1HefqCOL/2KBRV0oo4ieoUFE7MnrZwEJjQjkoyTz6TyJWy5bMyuiiRJ2lAdd/paQijh50RDjychHZ641Ne1FbvQDkef+tWvHZsGeNnqCNB0hLSB/moKN4e5vOFvvfo/Ui/5vVxXgD1lFOEvXd6gW8irdWd9h/TzJKmMgi0h2A5mE2fstNSyEkfzwyyDb6sRRC/YBCQA7KAY8RIg3CcQaHfdCIPQ4cmps+gighFhqJlKDe01i5/0vYh7UWKjtCbvgqKPndoCapNtSd46VJRipOIJ07bg4l1FFWWjqqY8mXzMpgb54G57iZ67DRAGCyFIxxBAbUjHGmJY1oaETgnLVGD1gTs7+q64wKlZaM/1URZprQfmcFL7eR2Xi/gVL+KHo1LmmkXaUirafogSdhBIEckkbIy3raEKqQlBCSfoFikMGLYufM2tVMefSEkNwRTjatujug9RxGR47ZkH5emGeO5qD+OxWkssiVJm2lHiedqtot7MkZxKmmoINORohW/LCYAgRNnY+qQUKCBRBrUjmn5ZIMRFANUeeQfWib6/SWtfcWXKLQEfZ7XVfxmrX0sGXmWpwnEEo7VKWrMx3SOdpZmzYQWJIlBND8vPC3NotGZ3qQxMIAgy1KcrKMYiEjHIASJkpvnPDhWjxpPKUWSIso759e2eTPWAqHHuvao37/2UazlnqUn4e0rH7f3qBV8oVxx6W57Bbhy7puIx6A+vWi83k5q64UOnt4UjICXUMxb9GIRNKBsAjJIig51Rg1pAoghRbZTnmBF2nlb5f1A1GYkiho9ypW8cdELNmkB0LuP4OiVwD/SlZaorLQiqZEvlI3zd6GxYReuWbQDjQt2gfODU/SoT44rlZZf44h0GDF0yJCoMJNSErlCkVM94wyiwwDxNYYRRA87Kw6JIexBULsIjpabxLGu+TRY2uqYLdqpJaZHuaJJDk1aoncfRUntGH/ZN172Om688gWUl/QRFMfFeTmK3VBpiqWpbRzUPCEIPp2vVUKjM9lnV14MUMng4BmBkYSdsDABaNKaPAhEfucnH2lLs5zlm3Z8TQDF8VNiJAlY2o/0pNNTTu88goZxHp+dexC/92uPYP1vPoT1tz2EL13/dPhiGkUNNEZOw55eIkNbUEz5i/xymnAg8lMlTwP04aaqffyAAwEyIRBpcNJOE1RntEG/RQk1LO2g/NDnAJX1fpZxkriu8h2Od9TjjbaVaD2xBO3dM6B3n+SAxmvXzfwAy5e+ZmPQmGzOmjAl5BAZSlB4wktcdqjznCXGDAJpS0LSZOmzSHCctONkQyiwCAnTsHyVVdqxnC8DgZHQ51h3SByhUszvYINjMxNxfnbBQYRLK2w3GT0Bb56AWH9kZVqd0lY5iZISh2C/tMQiSEaQze4LuFGnIXGfl4+Na8J2ZzRpn+YkwcnDNAdFOwQhW8KW6VPdoTLyh7Jo1iEs+wyfSiyWOseZKC/rw9LF+1A16WwI3ibPxkQmEs3RYCituUmzXAyMxbPIpPcg+oAs9geDIZBYG4jQB02UIAQA1CbMd7QlrA/zMS3bsbyjLQn97IU+RHLDFf+NG5a+QOfEnqtWvoivfuVRfPGL/4Hysl7OS+OHLSeDELA/inGJtPnpTpz5gIIBt83oEhI/fcAg0Y61aBMIokk7m6gigc3SdpEftEF7SMAlKXHUFEZgTXk3Gutbob/M4iIddXUf4Gt3/DPW3/MQ7v7GQ1ix8nXY/ERGc5GW0LaIGhpH25mt0+KXtYz3f/xPVfsII3yaEUyhpWYdsEFFiAA4weCEZUM2xTHtDBBbZhpmO4D+0Ab6+yow8/wUzEEFqokpw6IX+2xc9TosUqKoERufNh0NwCHYHpmmUmMjgG2EFEYPQcQ2gXnbRxcKRpMDDArCaCGcNCww32FBVScWljnMJaDPoBIzUc5/GWZe3JPzg8YP0dH8JLIT3WaReTGR5CfqZCqbfcaDkMZgNoRFQKDIZ6KGIzEgjA6BcAZHkLywcfpcBMrr011VqEUZZqIMs4mmHhWoo9Z/xmKNi3cGgD3NdHNpW+RIp3vclkymblv7w9MUQdEyG4Ij8rEQlIelu2F+87HZBChHMCCYIWG++YCTXZOxrXUxalCK6YQ0g3AEqo6gJqEEF+M4/kE94ZCGIia6uTl7j7rdxv0nfgeSIwVIDk56a5CIHA8gIAQTNe7tSLOOda58GIQwghwBi9ANOgAABcBJREFUOaYloB0LQT78xgqc4Z+OqglEoHxEzSIw/W81G8sEXl5p+TzicYqTj6JEHwHcvyaSZuYBymbxfU20sERRlYSUsOMB0Gd7lAYRgXHUjmkXAZP+3p6rUElAVZQpjKZphFPLaBKsUn0VtCFe+GX7z5vQfnI6FDxaYhqnJdJNtzF6tqVdQB4gFmpzQcAoCiBIfjkFjKohW3kRrCiK8iIt4TdYBBNHEGHJfvW9S7HvpLboDLS0qglK0TSdoKYQmMsd7TjS7R/PwDtvL0YSTIGlxe3IbSzUfB4gFcoi833popP2ky+iQ5BZAxz4Mowqs6mVb9AYUX+9YyVOdk9i3DiDpGiaSjjTKOX590/DGpMk4dh81H+Q10QbA2NrnpeOgoBYeJ9DYBWsUUaPTc5PNpXOAeHLcCCqq3AOfHn6BEf+QOWYPnZ2En7nmZvx6N6lhJSJISmCqgnpQqPo6GH+gYL9WJ/UDBVOO30GKBw9KlUQkDKyyGykDnf0AIloyCIY0BLLFfo1aQ/D7NwyTHOQBieR39dTjkf2XIE/fu5G9PdX4BIuNf3H9Grq0gvYiw6/tRhdZ6q4vMJ+C8HhHLczICwYaOedRQGxUluQQ9buQmJigWB4WF7n5itdAErAp0GgPC8ss+fDGTh6qoYPe0dIGQhS5TiXWftHtXjl+etGgnOGc1yfRyXhKApIZQjpQerUq7fuQsDJBILjJxfbRaLI4HHDicvzjpodlbf2Qp8GVEYoFRTBUTRxDCOdqXxFzrOP/Qb6Pik3QBpzqkCUIJyNnGNblCyoNJ6CGd7JRtbSDpcajfgM/LKLJmkTDicZyBYUk2R+0vZlQ5/2Jom+55RwWZVRyikVBJWhjvsdxtj+3Gps2XwXWv7zJvSOAAfANsJRANAsfmaKZ4U5bERhGP6/udCVviZBCUheNHkQAbIGLgRiEJU2kS8U3e0S9lBCKKWEU0ZdwvRI5+4dV+PQ/kWJqOHAilfaF8ANu7R81REBqSAhjdxgwIhKLJV8AAGGfIRhMJO+0BYgRygZisCUUCutcQwnb762zJaTlr/aGKas3XDOKX9VFKiUKeAr6GKDW4PRUA+SoAjCIkSTp52CwnScp/xQfOeOhjM44BXDHn295RY5I4BRG2OCowqjBqTCo4akwpIULAGIoMSgctOqQFFdCmvwOvK587+uG7kQoFXQxDnEXwtHU2lMgNQgO1AkaU8aVYiqjonmTdESMImjJweSyjAU6LWX7cHItjZyLoqcJx9ei8Pce3KycpPbA7gxw1EjYwakSoSkDhtpj+lusHz6DJg0Yazwl6TA0UMkMDiCxD+Kmy2/l0c33QmBefyh38Wpk7XeXVDzF8HGjq3TBWdsNzRqbVyAVJeQ2thxowag9ETJktlnDVCGO482aEkm0biipryy38DITmTlmnrRbTq9tbY5N2Ms6WTfY6kXl9UAArgFdGyjXNB5xzXvoapywNpwvOoRP4k/N/TrXm/V53sr8OyPvmw/H5hd7Dyjm8abt4A3Mf2SW6zGMP4LBqS2ORBF01qCauLgiv6uUdnhpGnJSUZPYEUUOXqjnsR3ofP8ZLHnpRV46odrLHKsQP7FwAS8WacvMGqSTU8IIN8gQW3n4NZrkAS1kf42yphPRU8Ja5VzmVXxF/3Bgw1oefFz6Oiopjfv3Mb+1jNiprHvZo5hXHtNXquRY0IBRW2Cg2zTYDnoBRx8I+U+5inchx18NZeX4GQIpoRSzuip4hJ749BcVo/PNsLXk1Q3Yhr7WMv+xh21catFjEwR/4S5Ofh9lAc5kSbKNMISNC3FjZyookx71/aFM7u3X153drtzbnuGUkZhBD344r55G4+erLmP9Zoo09jGAsJfzza3Us7gIh8XHVDu+DmpNsp2TrJZwgmvpTTt2TSv6dKFX2uaR2mgLFx4R9PSy+6878+/eouWzYOqQ5k4ILkDK5L+1AEVGcf/W/f/AQAA///xTI3EAAAABklEQVQDAOVNClS5aLmQAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC" fr-original-style="height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable fr-uploading"><img alt="🍲" draggable="false" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1776613584/wysiwyg/uialonjybumj4xqmsbde.png" style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle;" id="isPasted" fr-original-style="box-sizing: inherit; max-width: 100%; position: relative; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 500; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> This gathering is inspired by a shared commitment to caregiving as a rite of passage, global learning, and ensuring that everyone has access to compassionate, quality end-of-life care &mdash; including support for family caregivers. This invitation grows out of deep inspiration: <img alt="✨" draggable="false" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1776613641/wysiwyg/s0wgsj0dg4wkiznwnbml.png" style="height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> The courage and dedication of our palliative care colleagues in Mexico, who traveled to the U.S. in 2025 to connect with the Latino community in WNC <img alt="✨" draggable="false" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1776613609/wysiwyg/jxeuyltyvdrhlqyeghfw.png" style="height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> The power of global learning, where multiple perspectives meet in mutual exchange <img data-fr-image-pasted="true" data-emoji="✨" alt="✨" draggable="false" src="blob:https://www.zeffy.com/780023f3-ed20-493e-b229-5d86d7141aff" style="height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle; opacity: 0.4; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" data-fr-old-src="data:image/png;base64,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" id="isPasted" fr-original-style="height: 1.2em; width: 1.2em; vertical-align: middle;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable fr-uploading"> Emberlight as a living hub for conscious living and dying. With the strong relationships built in 2025 and the enthusiasm from our local WNC community, we are honored to invite the ELNEC-Mexico team to return in June 2026. This potluck is a chance to gather, share food, and celebrate cross-cultural friendship, learning, and community.</td></tr></tbody></table>

From Mexico to the WNC Mountains: Community Potluck

Summer is drawing near and we hope to see you HERE for our June Potluck! Join us for community connection, Emberlight updates, and to make new friends and break bread with dear ones during this treasured time together. Bring a picnic blanket if you prefer to dine under Grandmother Oak or pull up a chair on one of the porches ~ a decadent summer evening awaits! During our June Potluck, you&#39;ll be invited to join us for a stroll, visiting Adopt-A-Garden plots, pausing under the shade of the sun sails, and learning more about the sacred land we are stewarding here.&nbsp; Please RSVP and read details below with a few important reminders: * BYO-plate/bowl, cup, utensils&nbsp;(we&#39;ve been trying this out to lighten our footprint and reduce the lift in the kitchen ~ win win win!) * Bring a dish to share&nbsp;with a note to identify ingredients for people with various food restrictions(ex: Spinach Artichoke Bites &ndash; contains gluten+dairy) * Quiet space - the Library &amp; Parlor Room&nbsp;will be reserved for quieter conversation, a place of calm for folks who might enjoy a break from all the stimulation and welcome connection in more of a quiet setting * Park+Ride from SWANNANOA INGLES (2299 US-70 Swannanoa, NC 28778)&nbsp;ride with 3+ people in a group to ensure there&#39;s enough room for everyone to park. You might make a new friend before the potluck even begins! We&#39;ll be curious to hear what connections sparked, synchronicities discovered, and seeds planted on the short drive to the Sanctuary. * Did you know we don&#39;t have a designated team to assist with potlucks? If you&#39;re someone who enjoys having a job at a gathering, we&#39;ve got you covered and welcome support. From Set up and Parking Support, to DishLand ~ many hands lighten the load and make the mundane merry! Hope to see you soon!

6/6 Volunteer & Member Potluck - Summer

For a year, Megan has tended the threshold — accompanying volunteers and residents into the great mystery with steadiness, skill, and love.&nbsp; Come celebrate the gifts she carries and surround her with tenderness as she prepares to walk alongside her own mother on her final, sacred journey.&nbsp; Light snacks will be provided. You are warmly welcomed to add to the nourishment, or bring cards or words to share with Megan.&nbsp; We will meet in the Lighthouse at Emberlight.&nbsp; Parking is limited on site, please consider carpooling when possible. When parking at Emberlight, please avoid parallel parking in spaces large enough for multiple diagonal spots, and make sure your car isn't blocking or extending into the driveway. We'll begin promptly. Arriving a few minutes early helps you settle in, but if life has other plans, please come anyway. You are welcome exactly as you arrive.&nbsp;

A Gathering of Love & Gratitude for Megan

This event offers volunteers a sacred space to pause and reflect on the nature of their own reality, where sound is medicine and vibration becomes transformation. This event is for active Emberlight volunteers only. Please do not RSVP unless you are an active volunteer. What to Expect:Participants are gently guided into a process of discovery, exploring an experience they may still be holding. Through a restorative vocal sound journey, they are supported in surrendering and resetting the nervous system, while nourishing and rebalancing the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of being. This immersive Vocal Sound Journey is a unique and deeply personal experience, inviting intuitive messages, visionary insight, and profound restoration to arise from within. Through resonance, remembrance is awakened, and realization unfolds naturally. This is more than deep rest; it is a return to your essence. What Others Have Said...&quot;...It was an experience unlike anything I&#39;ve ever had or could put into words. It&#39;s an experience you&#39;ll never forget.&quot; - Whitney Taylor | Life Coach &quot;This was an incredible blessing. A powerful transformative energy medicine session, where energetic alignment and activations occurred, and a subtle inward energetic surgery was done. I had many visions and messages come through where it&rsquo;s clear I&rsquo;ve completed this part of my life in which I felt a great tension prior to this journey. Now, I feel a much greater strengthening of my mission. I haven&rsquo;t felt this held in my process in a long time.&quot;&mdash; Malieokalani Urrutia| Shamanic Practitioner &amp; Feminine Wisdom Guide After the sudden death of my husband, I was so shaken and unsure where to begin my healing journey. A friend suggested Kari, and I now know that was the exact place to start. The sound healing I experienced during our session together has been the most life altering experience. I can&rsquo;t even put into words the deep divine healing I am experiencing... &mdash; Adrianna Gillian | Mother &amp; Entrepreneur Values Aligned:This offering is grounded and centered in loving compassion, awareness and presence, offering a space for volunteers to pause into a quiet space of curiosity and reflection, to relax into the unknown, to release and surrender into a spaciousness and lightness that rejuvenates and restores the mind, body and spirit. Host Bio:&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Kari Rivers, is a trusted and seasoned Spiritual Counselor, Depth Hypnosis Practitioner, Shamanic Vocal Sound Healer &amp; Rite of Passage Guide at Seeds of Satya. As a former trauma nurse, she understands the cumulative impact of witnessing trauma, death and dying, and its woven affects upon the body, mind, and emotions. Tending to these layers with loving presence, awareness, and compassion is not just important, it is essential. Kari is honored to hold you in a space of discovery where relaxation, release, and restoration can unfold, supporting transformation and inspiring a return to peace and wholeness. To Bring:Please wear comfortable clothing. Bring a cozy blanket, pillow, yoga mat, and water bottle. If you have a favorite set of markers or coloring pencils feel free to bring, however Kari will have plenty for you to choose from. Eye mask is optional. Where:In the Lighthouse at Emberlight&nbsp;

Relax & Restore: A Vocal Vibration Sound Healing Journey for Active Volunteers Only

Come join the Labyrinth team if you&#39;d like to be together to walk the labyrinth, feel some new moon magic. This event is for current Emberlight members only. You can join us as a member at https://www.ccld.community/be-a-member. If you are not sure that you are a current member, please email giving@ccld.community to confirm before RSVP-ing.

New Moon Labyrinth Walk

Member Circle is a group open to all Emberlight members/volunteers to share, connect, and be held and witnessed in whatever emotions or circumstances you are navigating in your life, whether it be related to grief and end-of-life or not.&nbsp;<div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>Member Circle will have a similar structure to Care Circle on Tuesdays, instead of being exclusive to direct care volunteers, Member Circle is open to all Emberlight members/volunteers. You are welcome to share anything you are holding, but there will be optional open-ended sharing prompts for those that desire some structure.&nbsp;<div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>Member circle is not group therapy. It functions similar to a support group, where participants may share what needs to be voiced for the sake of feeling seen and heard in their experience without group members or the facilitator trying to fix, give advice, or provide therapy.&nbsp;<div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>All sharing in the group is optional. You are welcome to come and just listen if that is supportive for you!&nbsp;<div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>It is best for the group to arrive on time and stay the whole time, but no one will be turned away due to time constraints.&nbsp;<div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>Emberlight will not be providing food at this event, but you are welcome to bring your own snacks or dinner to eat during the group if it conflicts with your dinner time. There is a microwave in the Lighthouse.&nbsp;<div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>Have more questions? Reach out to Emily Dobberstein via direct message on Slack or email her at emily@ccld.community&nbsp;

Member Circle

In these times of great need and change the imbalance of modern culture can feel overwhelming.&nbsp; Sitting together with the sacred presence of Fire opens us to the wisdom of heart-knowing, a time honored approach to receiving guidance and healing. This evening will be a community ritual of release, exploration, deep listening and prayer, held by Aditi Sethi, Greg Lathrop, Prema Sheerin, Jay Brown and&nbsp;Scott Sheerin. We look forward to sitting together in remembrance and shared care.

Emberlight Fire Ceremony for Peace and Healing April Event

Let&rsquo;s immerse in our communal wellspring of song! Jenna Lindbo (Director of Volunteer Engagement, musician, and dog-lover) and Katie Patton (Emberlight Volunteer, Ceremonialist, &amp; Sister of the Earth) will co-facilitate the intermingling of our voices through offerings of song. There will also be unique expressive and connective practices woven in throughout the circle to meet the needs of the moment. We believe that songs are provisions, each one with its own special capacity to hold us ~ to ground, uplift, soothe, energize, inspire, and connect. Together we will share in singing songs that can serve as resources, tending to ourselves and community through these times. You&#39;ll be invited and guided into song, gentle movement, sharing, feeling and be-ing. Show up with your loudest bellow or quietest whisper ~ this gathering welcomes and encourages ALL VOICES! Truly, you belong here.&nbsp;During this circle, everything is an invitation.&nbsp;We&#39;ll learn together in a call-and-echo style, no experience needed. Simply your presence. Please RSVP as a means of holding your space and to help us better prepare. While no one will be turned away for lack of funds, financial offerings are welcome and will go directly to support song leaders and Emberlight in its mission of embracing death and supporting one another with loving presence.

ResourceSING! An Emberlight Community Song Circle - April Event

April Potluck, bring on the Spring! Join us for community connection, Emberlight updates, make new friends, and break bread with dear ones during this treasured time together. We are excited to feature the Healing Arts Team at our Spring Potluck and encourage you to come early to receive. ***Note the special start time for April***&nbsp; Please RSVP and read details below with a few important logistical notes: ***10:30-11:30 am - Healing Arts offerings for volunteers. Feel free to drop off potluck items in the Sanctuary and then head over to the Light House&nbsp;11:30 Welcome &amp; Announcements, Sanctuary-FEAST-1:30-2pm Community Healing Arts Experience, Lighthouse * BYO-plate/bowl, cup, utensils&nbsp;(we&#39;ve been trying this out to lighten our footprint and reduce the lift in the kitchen ~ win win win!) * Bring a dish to share&nbsp;with a note to identify ingredients for people with various food restrictions(ex: Spinach Artichoke Bites &ndash; contains gluten+dairy) * Quiet space - the Library &amp; Parlor Room&nbsp;will be reserved for quieter conversation, a place of calm for folks who might enjoy a break from all the stimulation and welcome connection in more of a quiet setting * Park+Ride from SWANNANOA INGLES (2299 US-70 Swannanoa, NC 28778)&nbsp;ride with 3+ people in a group to ensure there&#39;s enough room for everyone to park. You might make a new friend before the potluck even begins! We&#39;ll be curious to hear what connections sparked, synchronicities discovered, and seeds planted on the short drive to the Sanctuary. * Did you know we don&#39;t have a designated team to assist with potlucks? If you&#39;re someone who enjoys having a job at a gathering, we&#39;ve got you covered and welcome support. From Set up and Parking Support, to DishLand ~ many hands lighten the load and make the mundane merry! Hope to see you soon!

4/11 Volunteer & Member Potluck

Wisdom Circle is a guided space to reflect on living, dying, and what it means to meet both with awareness. Together, we share stories, questions, and practices that honor grief, curiosity, and the everyday moments of being alive. Rooted in Emberlight&rsquo;s mission of conscious living and dying, this circle offers gentle structure, thoughtful teachings, and time for real conversation. You&rsquo;re welcome whether you&rsquo;re grieving, supporting someone at end of life, or simply exploring your own path. This event is for current Emberlight members only. You can join us as a member at https://www.ccld.community/be-a-member. If you are not sure that you are a current member, please email giving@ccld.community to confirm before RSVP-ing.

Wisdom Circle April: Active Volunteers Only

<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" fr-original-style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;" id="isPasted" style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; border: none; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" width="100%"><tbody fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="margin: 0px; border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 12px 8px 12px 0px; color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-weight: 500; vertical-align: middle;" style="margin: 0px; border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 12px 8px 12px 0px; color: rgb(10, 21, 81); font-weight: 500; vertical-align: middle; min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;" valign="middle" width="70%">Dates:&nbsp;Every other Monday on April 6th, April 20th, May 4th, May 18th (We ask that you commit to all four sessions)<table id="isPasted" style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; border: none; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"></table>Time: 5:00 - 7:00 PM&nbsp; Location: Light House at Emberlight&nbsp; About the Event You are warmly invited to take part in a transformative journey of metabolizing collective grief and cultivating active hope. In&nbsp;four every-other-week gatherings, we will create a braver space where grief for our world, along with its full spectrum of emotions will be invited and honored. Please plan to attend all sessions, or as many as you can. This is not a drop-in event, but a closed container series.&nbsp; Participants will be guided through activities from Joanna Macy&rsquo;s&nbsp;Work that Reconnects. Each gathering will offer ways to travel through a journey of gratitude, honoring the pain, seeing with new eyes, and discovering ways to move forward. Through somatic practice, ritual and deep listening in pairs, small groups, and as a whole circle, we&rsquo;ll tend to what breaks our hearts open&mdash;and ideally discover the active hope that lives on the other side of our grief. Facilitated by members of the Grief Team: &nbsp; Sally Miller&nbsp;(counselor and co-lead of circles of in eco-spirituality, shadow work, and expressive arts)&nbsp; Lynne Michelson&nbsp;(psychotherapist, embodied mindfulness teacher, and Group as Hearth facilitator) Kathryn Blau (Ancestral Healing Practitioner, circle facilitator, and tender of cycles and thresholds)&nbsp; Along with Operational Weaver&nbsp;Sandra Diaz&nbsp;(yoga teacher, facilitator of ecstatic dance and sangha gatherings) This event is for current Emberlight members only. You can join us as a member at https://www.ccld.community/be-a-member. If you are not sure that you are a current member, please email giving@ccld.community to confirm before RSVP-ing. <table id="isPasted" style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; border: none; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"></table>For questions,&nbsp;contact Lynne at her Slack address or via email: lynnemichelson@icloud.com<table style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; border: none; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" id="isPasted" fr-original-style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"></table><table style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; border: none; empty-cells: show; max-width: 100%; box-sizing: inherit;" id="isPasted" fr-original-style="border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; margin: 0px auto; color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-size: 14px; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif;"></table></td></tr><tr fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><td fr-original-style="margin: 0px; border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 12px 8px 12px 0px; color: rgb(111, 118, 167); vertical-align: middle;" style="margin: 0px; border-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 12px 8px 12px 0px; color: rgb(111, 118, 167); vertical-align: middle; min-width: 5px; box-sizing: inherit; border: 0px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); user-select: text;" valign="middle" width="30%"> </td></tr></tbody></table>

Loving Our World: Being Together In Our Collective Grief

This fun and inspirational workshop will help writers of all levels to discover your powerful life stories. You do not have to be a writer&mdash;just willing to let your memories flow onto paper. Terri Schexnayder, author and writing instructor, will offer prompts based on poetry, fiction or nonfiction to generate ideas for your memoir. All you have to bring is paper and a writing instrument, plus the willingness to write your stories. Presenter:&nbsp;Terri Schexnayder found her passion for writing when she was a young girl, creating neighborhood plays and short stories. She continued to communicate effectively through the written word during her 30-plus years in advertising, helping corporate, nonprofit and state clients. At GSD&amp;M Advertising, she led the statewide events, marketing, and media relations for the successful &quot;Don&#39;t Mess with Texas&quot; anti-litter campaign. She now works with adults to help edit and bring out their voice in manuscripts, essays and other nonfiction works. Schexnayder loves writing with her third through sixth grade students during summer camp workshops. Schexnayder is a graduate of St. Edward&#39;s University, English Literature, summa cum laude, and has published two nonfiction works: A Majestic History: 100 Years of the Paramount Theatre and her memoir, &quot;Raising Katie &amp; Selling Radio in 1970s Austin&quot; available on Amazon. Location: Meet in the Light House Please note that all event tickets are non-refundable, though if Emberlight cancels the event for any reason, a full refund will be issued.

Jumpstart Your Stories: Finding Inspiration to Write Your Memoir

Come join the Labyrinth team if you&#39;d like to be together to walk the labyrinth, feel some full moon magic, and spend some time reflecting on your gratitudes and where you&#39;re feeling &ldquo;full&rdquo;.&nbsp; This event is for current Emberlight members only. You can join us as a member at https://www.ccld.community/be-a-member. If you are not sure that you are a current member, please email giving@ccld.community to confirm before RSVP-ing.

Full Moon Labyrinth Walk

Sold Out: Emberlight Fire Ceremony for Peace and Healing

The IANDS Asheville Group Support Meeting offers a gentle space to share, listen, and reflect on experiences related to near-death, grief, and spiritual emergence. Together, we explore consciousness, life, and death with curiosity and respect, in alignment with Emberlight&rsquo;s mission of conscious living and dying. Whether you&rsquo;ve had an experience yourself, are supporting someone who has, or are simply drawn to these questions, you are welcome here. Please register so we can prepare the circle with care.

IANDS Asheville Group Support Meeting March

Join us for this sacred gathering to honor one of the most significant turning points in the calendar. The Spring Equinox marks the moment when light and darkness are in perfect balance before the world shifts toward renewal &mdash; a threshold long recognized across traditions as a time of awakening, rebirth, and the return of life from dormancy.&nbsp; Walking the labyrinth on this day invites you to align with that ancient rhythm, release what no longer serves you, and step forward with intention into a new season of growth. Sheri Kay will be our special speaker and you can make and take a seed ball for your garden. Come as you are, walk at your own pace, and let the path guide you into spring. We&#39;ll meet on the labyrinth hillside&mdash;bring your water bottle, camp chair and an open heart as we gather in community.&nbsp; Please carpool if possible, and meet us at the Labyrinth!&nbsp;

Spring Equinox Labyrinth Walk

Emberlight: The Center for Conscious Living &amp; Dying&nbsp;invites you to an intimate afternoon of conversation, tea, and reflection with&nbsp;Trish Rux, co-author of&nbsp;Dying Matters. Talking about death isn&rsquo;t easy&mdash;but it may be one of the most meaningful conversations we can have. When we face mortality honestly, we often discover what matters most: love, connection, and how we want to live the time we have. This gathering centers around Dying Matters, a deeply compassionate and practical book created to help individuals, families, and communities open conversations about serious illness, caregiving, grief, loss, and end-of-life choices&mdash;no matter where they are on that journey. Over tea, Courtney Blue Smith will be in conversation with Trish about the inspiration behind the book, the process of writing it, and what she has learned through decades of work as a hospice and palliative care nurse, death doula, educator, and end-of-life coach. Trish may read a short passage from the book, after which the conversation will open to questions and reflections from the group. Dying Matters offers eight heart-centered, practical conversations designed to prepare us for the end of life by helping us:<ul fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">Understand how modern healthcare works</li><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">Explore options for care and comfort</li><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">Build a community of support</li><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">Clarify values and priorities for living well</li><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">Reflect on legacy, forgiveness, and gratitude</li></ul>Whether you are healthy, living with illness, caregiving for a loved one, or walking alongside grief, this gathering is an invitation to listen deeply, speak honestly, and remember that these conversations&mdash;held gently and early&mdash;can bring peace, clarity, and connection.Books will be available for purchase and signing. All are welcome.

Tea, Cookies, and the Courage to Talk About Dying

You don&#39;t need to have a casket (or embalming, or a vault......)!&nbsp; Join West Funeral Home Director Meredith Springs along with her mother, Deborah Parker, a home funeral educator and former staff member of All Souls Natural Burial Ground to learn more about alternatives for funerals and disposition after death. Topics will include:<div fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> </div>Terramation (Human Composting)Aquamation (Alkaline Hydrolysis)Green BurialHome Vigils

Alternative Funeral Options

Get to know the MAR! Whether you&#39;d like to add a &quot;Q&quot; to your stars, or simply deepen your understanding of medication administration, Wanda and Gary will guide you through the process of translating med orders into a concise format that supports residents and volunteers.&nbsp; Please note that you only need to attend one training session, not both.

MHQ Training (Two Dates!)

Wisdom Circle March is a guided space to reflect on living, dying, and what it means to meet both with awareness. Together, we share stories, questions, and practices that honor grief, curiosity, and the everyday moments of being alive. Rooted in Emberlight&rsquo;s mission of conscious living and dying, this circle offers gentle structure, thoughtful teachings, and time for real conversation. You&rsquo;re welcome whether you&rsquo;re grieving, supporting someone at end of life, or simply exploring your own path.

Wisdom Circle March

The Labyrinth team is happy to host group Labyrinth walks on or close to every new and full moon. Each walk will be led by a different member of our team and therefore will have a different flavor. Each walk will begin at 5pm and end no later than 6:30. A grounding, check in, labyrinth walk and time to share will be included. Please join if you like to mark the moon&rsquo;s phases, experience walking the labyrinth with others and make connections in the community.

Labyrinth Moon Walk (Members Only)

ResourceSING! An Emberlight Community Song Circle - March Event

The Asheville IANDS (International Association for Near Death Studies) Group Support is for those who have experienced a Near-Death (NDE) or Spiritually Transformative Experience (STE) and/or those who are interested in learning more about the phenomena of the transpersonal mystical experience, through a sharing and reflection group support setting. Please email Greg at greg@ccld.community with any questions you may have.

IANDS Asheville Group Support Meeting February

A safe space for the Emberlight community to raise challenging and sensitive issues and get to the heart of the matters through the practice of listening with Love. The fire is tended by musicians, Kendall Williams and Joel Karabo Elliot, allowing for the space to be enlivened and soothed.

Soul to Soul Fireside Fireside Chat with Aditi February

This is session two of a two part class.&nbsp;As part of your registration, you&rsquo;ll receive an exclusive recording of the first session held on February 7&mdash;ensuring you never miss a moment of this eye-opening exploration. Have you ever sensed the presence of a loved one who&rsquo;s passed, yet felt unsure about how to discuss or understand the experience? You&#39;re not alone. For nearly 150 years, researchers have been exploring the mysteries of human consciousness beyond the brain&mdash;challenging our everyday perceptions of life and death. Your Transformative Journey Awaits Join Kat Houghton, PhD, a renowned wilderness rites of passage guide, author, and research psychologist whose personal journey through loss led her to groundbreaking insights. In this exclusive four-hour live, interactive virtual class, you&#39;ll be invited to explore the most compelling scientific evidence that suggests human consciousness continues even after death. In This Virtual Class, You Will: Dive into the Science: Learn about mediumistic communication, near-death experiences (NDEs), shared death experiences (SDEs), and even reincarnation through verifiable cases. Challenge Conventional Beliefs: Examine how emerging research is reshaping the materialist worldview and offering a post-materialist perspective on life. Discover New Approaches to Grief: Understand how acknowledging ongoing connections with deceased loved ones can provide powerful support in the grieving process. Engage in Interactive Learning: Participate in live discussions, ask questions, and gain personal insights during this dynamic, real-time session. Access Exclusive Content: As part of your registration, receive a recording of the first session held on March 8th&mdash;ensuring you can revisit these transformative ideas at your own pace. Event Details: This Live Session is part of a 2-part SeriesDate: February 14, 2026Time: 10:00 AM &ndash; 12:00 PMLocation: Virtual (link provided upon registration)You receive the recording of Session 1 following registration. Whether you&rsquo;re coping with loss, supporting someone through their grief, or simply curious about what lies beyond, this class offers a unique opportunity to expand your understanding of the afterlife and discover new paths to healing. Don&rsquo;t miss this chance to connect, learn, and be inspired by a community of fellow seekers. Embrace a new perspective on life and death&mdash;one that offers hope, support, and a deeper appreciation for the journey of transformation. Tickets are $105 for the complete program. &nbsp; 20% of every ticket sale (at all levels) will be donated to the non-profit Emberlight, A Center for Conscious Living and Dying, a community-supported end-of-life-care home in Asheville, NC.

The Science of the Afterlife and Grief Session Two

Share with each other the Mystery of the elder phase of life.

Wisdom Circle February

ResourceSING! An Emberlight Community Song Circle February Event

Winter Potluck! Join us from 11am -2:00 PM for this treasured time together, hear Emberlight CCLD updates and meet new members of the team, make new friends, and break bread with dear ones. Bring a dish to share, and please label it for people with various food restrictions.

2/7 Volunteer & Member Potluck

Two Session Class Do you sense of presence of your deceased loved one but don&#39;t know how to talk about that with others? You may be surprised that many people (maybe more than half the population) experience some form of contact with loved ones who have died. You are not alone in this. But our culture doesn&#39;t provide an easy way for us to understand that or share those experiences with others. Scientists have been investigating the afterlife and consciousness beyond the brain for nearly 150 years. There is a solid base of published literature looking at the issue from many angles - but most of us don&#39;t know about this research. This class provides an overview of some of the most rigorous science suggesting that human consciousness survives death. This class is for those facing death, those supporting others at the end-of-life, the bereaved and the curious. In this four-hour class we will cover four areas of research that present the most compelling evidence that our consciousness does not die with the body. Our intention is to help people understand this research and raise awareness so being in contact with deceased loved ones becomes a normal, everyday thing. Simultaneously, we consider how this research might impact our experience of death and grief and how we support those who going through this transition. These data demand that we seriously question, if not abandon, the current prevailing paradigm in science - materialism. We explore what a post-materialistic worldview might look like and how we each play a part in the paradigm shift already underway. We cover:&nbsp;Mediumistic CommunicationNear Death ExperiencesShared Death ExperiencesReincarnationA post-materialist worldviewContinuing Bonds in Bereavement Support Classes are live, online and recorded. About your Host&nbsp; Kat Houghton PhD is a wilderness rites of passage guide and author of the upcoming book &quot;Grieving for Change: Personal and Cultural Transformation through Loss&quot;. Trained as a research psychologist her world was blown open by the sudden death of her partner-at-the-time, Tyler Garrison, and her realization that he was still present. The book, and this class, explore what science has to say about the afterlife and how this expanded worldview can impact our grieving process. Tickets for CCLD members and volunteers are $100 and tickets for the general public are $135.&nbsp; 20% of every ticket sale (at all levels) will be donated to the non-profit Emberlight, A Center for Conscious Living and Dying, a community-supported end-of-life-care home in Asheville, NC.

The Science of the Afterlife and Grief

IANDS Asheville Group Support Meeting January

Nina Zimbleman, a teacher and researcher in metaphysics and intuition and founder of The Gleanings Foundation, a non profit founded in 1983. &nbsp;Through her work, Nina discovered that the human brain can have access to greater realities and intuitive knowing that can enhance the human journey. As a result of this research, Nina teaches people to move into their greater Love, Power, Wisdom, and Truth. Up until 1997, Nina taught all over the world, including Oregon, Hawaii, London, Guam, and Egypt. In order to center the work and include the work of others, Nina grounded the Foundation on a mountain top in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.&nbsp; Aditi, founder and ED of Emberlight, met Nina 15 years ago and they have been friends ever since. Nina has been integral to the evolution of &quot;The Last Ecstatic Days&quot; and Emberlight. The Gleanings Foundation, a non profit organization, was founded in 1983 through the work of Nina Zimbelman, a teacher and researcher in metaphysics and intuition. Through her work, Nina discovered that the human brain can have access to greater realities and intuitive knowing that can enhance the human journey. As a result of this research, Nina teaches people to move into their greater Love, Power, Wisdom, and Truth. Up until 1997, Nina taught all over the world, including Oregon, Hawaii, London, Guam, and Egypt. In order to center the work and include the work of others, Nina grounded the Foundation on a mountain top in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. The Foundation is located on 50 acres and has facilities for teaching, retreats, camps, recreation, hiking trails, dining, and housing for up to 30 guests at a time.

Exploration in Consciousness

&quot;LOG PARTY,&quot; you ask?!? A social gathering where we can provide real time assistance and step-by-step support for logging hours, connect with fellow volunteers, and enjoy homemade soup from the Nourishment Team. Yum!!! We&#39;ll have a How-To Guide for visual learners and friends around the table. Did you know: By logging your hours, you help us with grant funding opportunities. Recording your volunteer service and honoring your contribution and time invested in our shared work directly supports our sustainability. We are deeply grateful for your conscious service and want to acknowledge the gift of your time and commitment.&nbsp;Please join us if:*You are a dedicated volunteer who hasn&#39;t logged hours (maybe ever) - you&#39;re not alone, friend!*It&#39;s been so long, you forgot how or need help getting started*You&#39;ve tried to login but you need your Volgistics number*You are a NEW volunteer and would like to meet people and learn alongside others*Logging hours is a breeze and you&#39;d be delighted to assist folks and show them the ropes Thank you for your RSVP. Looking forward to logging with you!

Log Party (Encore!) January 22nd

4 Sessions - Thursdays9:30am - 12:30pm Session 1 - January 22ndSession 2 - February 26thSession 3 - March 26thSession 4 - April 23rd This interactive workshop offers a compassionate and insightful exploration of the five dimensions of life, providing practical tools and strategies for living and dying consciously. In this workshop we will do a deep dive into what is important to you in your life right now and leading up to the end of your life. Realizing and acting from your values now will allow you to have the quality of life and death that you want.&nbsp; THIS IS AN INVESTMENT IN YOURSELF. We are meeting once a month so that you have time for reflection on questions regarding the emotional, mental, spiritual, physical and practical dimensions of your life now and at the end of life.&nbsp; Kim and I have offered this in one-on-one settings and this is our first offering in a small group setting. Because of the in-depth nature of our work, there will be a limited number of participants. On our last meeting, we review any areas that may not feel complete and will address Advanced Directives and how to complete the forms in an informed way. It is our goal that at the end of this time together you will feel more peace of mind and have greater quality in your life right now and in the future. Cost is $200.00 If you require a special rate or need consideration for a reduced price, please contact Wanda Barnes at&nbsp;<a data-hook="web-link" fr-original-style="" href="mailto:wanda@ccld.community" rel="noreferrer noopener" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">wanda@ccld.community</a> MEET YOUR FACILITATORS: Wanda BarnesWanda is a retired nurse, spending the last 18 years of nursing working as a hospice nurse at the bedside. Having shared this journey with many, she understands the value of having one&rsquo;s wishes known as they enter this sacred time. She trained as an end-of- life doula and now uses this training, along with her nursing experience, to continue to be a compassionate guide for those in the dying season and those that are caring for them. Kim BunceKim Bunce had an extensive career teaching in both public and non-profit special education programs. &nbsp;In this newest chapter of her life that she calls re-creation, she is utilizing her call as an Sacred Passage End-of-Life Coach and Death Doula. &nbsp;In addition to working with clients, she also serves the community as a facilitator for conversations around death and dying (Death Cafes and Adult Formations courses/workshops). As an end-of-life specialist, she provides the opportunity for others to imagine living as they truly desire, so they may have autonomy at their end of life.

Living Well, Dying Well: A 4-week workshop on holistic life planning

Soul to Soul Fireside Fireside Chat with Aditi January

We hope you will join us in gathering with fellow direct care volunteers for an afternoon of deep listening, reflection, and shared visioning around our collective work of caring for those who are dying and their families. Together, we&rsquo;ll explore:<ul fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">What it is we are truly doing&mdash;individually and together&mdash;within this community of care.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">What we are longing to co-create as we companion those who are dying.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">How we might cultivate deeper connection, cohesion, and belonging in the Suites.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">What creative ways we can ensure a steady stream of participation and support for this sacred work.</li><li fr-original-style="" style="box-sizing: inherit;">How we can continue to evolve and embody a model of care rooted in presence, compassion, and community.</li></ul>This will be a time to listen with our hearts, speak from our lived experience, and imagine together what is possible as we tend to this threshold work. In preparation for this event (and even if you cannot make it to the conversation!), <a fr-original-style="" href="https://forms.gle/LHk2btEonDwsUAVD9" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">we ask that you please fill out this Direct Care Survey</a>.&nbsp; We hope to glean vital themes and feedback around what is working well and what adjustments can be made for a more fulfilling experience.&nbsp; Come as you are&mdash;curious, open, and ready to engage in meaningful, honest conversation. Together, we remember that this work is not only about caring for those dying, but also about how we live, connect, and create as a community.

Volunteer Connection and Reflection Rendezvous

Join RN and End-of-Life Doula, Trish Rux, for a review of the current means of hastening death including:Legal Issues and ConcernsWhy People Choose to Hasten DeathCaring for the VSED ClientQuestion and Answer Period<br style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="color: rgb(136, 136, 136); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial;">

Hastening Death: What Doulas and Direct Care Volunteers Need to Know

Wisdom Circle January

Let&rsquo;s immerse in our communal wellspring of song! Jenna Lindbo (Director of Volunteer Engagement, musician, and dog-lover) and Katie Patton (CCLD Volunteer, Ceremonialist, &amp; Sister of the Earth) will co-facilitate the intermingling of our voices through offerings of song. There will also be unique expressive and connective practices woven in throughout the circle to meet the needs of the moment. We believe that songs are provisions, each one with its own special capacity to hold us ~ to ground, uplift, soothe, energize, inspire, and connect. Together we will share in singing songs that can serve as resources, tending to ourselves and community through these times. You&#39;ll be invited and guided into song, gentle movement, sharing, feeling and be-ing. Show up with your loudest bellow or quietest whisper ~ this gathering welcomes and encourages ALL VOICES! Truly, you belong here.&nbsp;During this circle, everything is an invitation.&nbsp;We&#39;ll learn together in a call-and-echo style, no experience needed. Simply your presence. Please RSVP as a means of holding your space and to help us better prepare. While no one will be turned away for lack of funds, financial offerings are welcome and will go directly to support song leaders and CCLD in its mission of embracing death and supporting one another with loving presence.

ResourceSING! A CCLD Community Song Circle January Event

IANDS Asheville Group Support Meeting

A stirring, song-filled celebration of the traditional Festivals of Light from these traditions -- Diwali, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Solstice -- with Billy Jonas and Mary Stair. In the spirit of the season, an invitation to listen, sing, expand, and focus on luminously launching ourselves into new possibilities, and a new year. Following the CCLD annual Solstice Labyrinth Walk (3:00-5:00pm), with a short time for connecting over light refreshments, at 5:30pm Billy will offer a concert featuring pieces from his recent release, &quot;Bridging Divides,&quot; as well as songs from the various faith traditions. Mary will facilitate a &quot;Dance of Universal Peace,&quot; accessible to all levels of physical ability. All are welcome ages 16 and up! Billy Jonas, songsmith and multi-instrumentalist, is bridging divides with music, to help heal rifts within ourselves, our families, our communities, and the world. He has made both adult-focused and family-oriented music from his homebase of Asheville since 1991. Mary Stair, leading a team of leaders from The Dances of Universal Peace, will bring chants &amp; dances from many traditions. All Can Join. She asks that you wear your dancing shoes &amp; be prepared to dance outside, under the stars.

Festivals of Light! A Multi-faith Music and Movement Fundraiser for CCLD

We invite you to CCLD&rsquo;s 2nd annual Winter Solstice Celebration! The Winter Solstice is another profound moment of pause and turning&hellip;and tuning&hellip;into this sacred cycle of the year. &nbsp;The universe brings us a unique opportunity at this particular Solstice. &nbsp;It is an ancient consciousness passing by Earth to bring us an imminent wave of Love to assist in raising the vibration of humankind across the lands and seas! To walk a sacred path is to know and trust that there is guidance to help us live our lives as One Human Family. Join us in the Sanctuary, Sunday, Dec. 21st, 3:00-5:00pm. Wear layers to enjoy going outside to walk the labyrinth and to put a gratitude into the Fire.&nbsp; Open to the public.&nbsp;

Labyrinth Winter Solstice Celebration

An invitation to gather in with community to honor both the residents and their families we had the gift of being of service to in 2025.&nbsp; Grief tenders have invited each of the families to come be a part of this sacred time and to offer a story, experience, poem, song, etc. or just their presence.&nbsp; There will be singing from the Threshold choir and the CCLD one voice choir. To conclude, we will light candles and say aloud the names of our beloveds around Grandmother Oak after our time in the lighthouse. Parking at the old Ingles and carpool over. Dress for the weather- we will be outside at the end. Please arrive by 4:45 to get settled!

CCLD’s 3rd Annual Remembrance Ceremony

ResourceSING! A CCLD Community Song Circle December Event

Wisdom Circle

We warmly welcome your presence for our last potluck of 2025. This will be a festive, year-end celebration and we hope you&#39;ll join us, dropping in together and expressing gratitude for our incredible community of volunteers!&nbsp;***Note the special start time***&nbsp; ***10:30-11:30 am - HEALING ARTS offerings for volunteers (chair massage, tuning forks, aromatherapy)&nbsp;11:30 WELCOME &amp; APPRECIATIONS-FEAST-1:30-2pm SOUND BATH, Light House Please Remember to...* BYO-plate/bowl, cup, utensils&nbsp;(thank you for helping lighten our footprint &amp; reduce the lift in the kitchen ~win win win!) * Bring a dish to share with a note to identify ingredients for people with various food restrictions (ex: nuts, gluten, dairy) * Quiet space - the Library will be reserved for quieter conversation, a place of calm for folks who might enjoy a break from all the stimulation and welcome connection in more of a quiet setting * ESSENTIAL: Park+Ride&nbsp;from SWANNANOA INGLES (2299 US-70 Swannanoa, NC 28778) ride with 3+ people in a group to ensure there&#39;s enough room for everyone to park. You might make a new friend before the potluck even begins! We&#39;ll be curious to hear what connections sparked, synchronicities discovered, and seeds planted on the short drive to the Sanctuary...

CCLD Volunteer Potluck December

<p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">We hope you will join us in gathering with fellow direct care volunteers for an afternoon of deep listening, reflection, and shared visioning around our collective work of caring for those who are dying and their families.<p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> <p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">Together, with support from facilitator <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://5to1consulting.com/the-four-levels-of-listening&source=gmail&ust=1763039072952000&usg=AOvVaw1MD-s9ZuswcmFJkEhv--xL" fr-original-style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" href="https://5to1consulting.com/the-four-levels-of-listening" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Adrienne Schoch</a>, we&rsquo;ll explore:<ul fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; box-sizing: inherit;"><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">What it is we are truly doing&mdash;individually and together&mdash;within this community of care.</li><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">What we are longing to co-create as we companion those who are dying.</li><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">How we might cultivate deeper connection, cohesion, and belonging in the Suites.</li><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">What creative ways we can ensure a steady stream of participation and support for this sacred work.</li><li fr-original-style="margin-left: 15px;" style="margin-left: 15px; box-sizing: inherit;">How we can continue to evolve and embody a model of care rooted in presence, compassion, and community.</li></ul><p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">This will be a time to listen with our hearts, speak from our lived experience, and imagine together what is possible as we tend to this threshold work.<p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> <p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">In preparation for this event (and even if you cannot make it to the conversation!), we ask that you please fill out this <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MY1S1AuxurMMRhCjOxR6h63hH2jcVZJHyjg8jOekwDU/edit&source=gmail&ust=1763039072952000&usg=AOvVaw255EgJZ7dK0uDQVbCzMaWt" fr-original-style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" href="https://forms.gle/LHk2btEonDwsUAVD9" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Direct Care Survey</a>.&nbsp;<p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> <p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">We hope to glean vital themes and feedback around what is working well and what adjustments can be made for <span fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; display: inline !important; float: none;" id="isPasted" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; float: none; display: inline !important; box-sizing: inherit;">a more fulfilling experience.&nbsp;<p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> <p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;">Come as you are&mdash;curious, open, and ready to engage in meaningful, honest conversation.<p fr-original-style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin: 0px; line-height: 1.5; box-sizing: inherit;"> Together, we remember that this work is not only about caring for those dying, but also about how we live, connect, and create as a community.

A Community Visioning Conversation

Even in the most caring communities, misunderstanding finds its way in. A comment lands wrong. A silence stretches too long. Friction arrives, as it does anywhere people are trying to be honest with one another. At Emberlight we practice loving presence, and deep listening is one of the ways we practice it. Difficult conversations are where that practice is tested. This workshop is an invitation to build the skills that let us stay in relationship when things get hard. Ariela Sarai will offer practical tools for navigating these moments with honesty, respect, and a growth mindset. Through interactive discussion and live practice, we will explore how relationships can be strengthened, not strained, by the conversations we are most tempted to avoid. Come as you are. No preparation is needed, though you are welcome to bring something to write with. Do you have a communication scenario you would like Ariela to address?If you have lived through a specific communication challenge, you are welcome to email her a brief description along with any questions you have, and she will do her best to weave it in. All examples will be kept anonymous, so please do not include anyone&#39;s name. Write to Ariela at <a data-fr-linked="true" fr-original-style="" href="mailto:connect@arielasarai.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">connect@arielasarai.com</a>. About Ariela SaraiAriela Sarai is a Personal Development and Executive Coach with more than 35 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and teams gain clarity, communicate with courage and honesty, and live in alignment with their values. Her work is grounded in the belief that our greatest opportunities for growth often emerge when we lean into difficult conversations. She is passionate about helping people foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and build resilient, caring communities. Where to meetWe will gather in the Lighthouse on the Emberlight campus, 83 Sanctuary Rd, Swannanoa, NC 28778. Joining us from a distanceThis workshop will also be live streamed for anyone who cannot be with us in person. Register the same way and the Zoom link will arrive by email so you can join us online. Wherever you are, you are welcome in the circle. This event is for current Emberlight members only. You can join us as a member at <a fr-original-style="" href="https://www.emberlightway.org/be-a-member" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">https://www.emberlightway.org/be-a-member</a>. If you are not sure that you are a current member, please email <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:giving@emberlightway.org" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">giving@emberlightway.org</a> to confirm before RSVP-ing. There is no cost for active Direct Care volunteers. For non-Direct Care Emberlight members, the suggested donation is $15, pay what you can. We encourage you to give what feels right and possible for you. Every contribution supports the mission and vision of Emberlight: Center for Conscious Living &amp; Dying and helps sustain the care at the heart of it. Please note that all event tickets are non-refundable, except in the case that Emberlight cancels the event for any reason, a full refund will be issued. Questions? Contact the Events Team at <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:events@emberlightway.org" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">events@emberlightway.org</a>.

When Compassion Gets Messy: Using Difficult Conversations to Deepen Trust and Connection

HUM is a place to ask your questions about operations at Emberlight. Hosted by Organizational Weaver, Sandra Diaz.&nbsp; Come with questions about membership, grounds, the events process, policies or anything else about our operations.&nbsp; The event is held in the Light House on the Emberlight campus.&nbsp; HUM occurs the first Tuesday of every month. Please review to ensure you select the desired date for your registration above. If you would like to join us for more than one date, please complete each RSVP separately. Thank you.&nbsp; HUM is for current Emberlight members only. You can join us as a member at https://www.ccld.community/be-a-member. If you are not sure if you are a current member, please email giving@ccld.community to confirm before RSVP-ing.&nbsp;

HUM Gathering in the Light House

Wisdom Circle is a guided space to reflect on living, dying, and what it means to meet both with awareness. Together, we share stories, questions, and practices that honor grief, curiosity, and the everyday moments of being alive. Rooted in Emberlight&rsquo;s mission of conscious living and dying, this circle offers gentle structure, thoughtful teachings, and time for real conversation. You&rsquo;re welcome whether you&rsquo;re grieving, supporting someone at end of life, or simply exploring your own path. This event is for active Emberlight volunteers only. These circles occur on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Please review the date above to ensure you select the desired date for your registration. If you would like to join us for more than one date, please complete each RSVP separately. Thank you. Your Hosts: Prema Sheerin and Kate Zurich

Wisdom Circle: Active Volunteers Only

A safe space for the Emberlight community to raise challenging and sensitive issues and get to the heart of the matters through the practice of listening with Love. The fire is tended by musicians, Kendall Williams and Joel Karabo Elliot, allowing for the space to be enlivened and soothed. Host: Aditi Sethi, Founder and Executive Director of EmberlightLocation: We will meet at the Social Fire Pit (near the labyrinth) when the weather is nice. If inclement weather, we meet in the Light House. Soul to Soul occurs the third Tuesday of every month. Please review the date above to ensure you select the desired date for your registration. If you would like to join us for more than one date, please complete each RSVP separately. Thank you. This event is for current Emberlight members only. If you are not sure if you are a current member, please email <a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:giving@ccld.community" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: initial; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">giving@ccld.community</a> to confirm before RSVP-ing.&nbsp;

Soul to Soul Fireside Chat with Aditi

One of our practices at Emberlight is to create circles together. We circle around the fire to ease the journey of the dying, and we gather in circle to support the journey of the living. One thing we have noticed is a longing amongst us for more ritual and connection. Connection with each other human folk, and also connection with our other-than-human kin. So this is an invitation for you to join our member circle with some changes and embellishments. We will meet in the natural beauty of Willow Moon Farm to open a ritual space together, to listen to each other&#39;s voices, both those humans present as well as the elemental beings, the plant and animal kin and the ancestors. We&#39;ll make offerings, we&#39;ll have some music, we&#39;ll share what&#39;s in our hearts and listen deeply to all those around us. This is an invitation into a simple ritual space that supports heart connection, so that we can drop down below the frantic activity of the mind to a deeper source of wisdom. We will meet whatever is in the field, supported by remembering our relationship with the natural world and all the nourishment and wisdom we can receive there. If this is appealing to you, here are the details:When: 6.30 to 8.30 pm, then every 3rd Thursday of the month (select date wen RSVP-ing)Where: Willow Moon Farm, 3652 Gabriel&#39;s Creek Rd, Weaverville, NC 28787. The farm is about twenty minutes north of Asheville. Please park in the grassy area next to the barn.What to bring: Some chairs and backjacks are available. You may want to bring a chair that is to your liking and a water bottle. Space will be held by: Prema Sheerin is a healer, life coach, spiritual mentor and teacher who draws on forty years of wisdom training with elders from cultures around the world, including the Vedic and Wixarika shamanic traditions. She is an ancestral lineage healing practitioner who tends to those facing their own death as well as those grieving all kinds of loss. Prema serves on Emberlight&#39;s Elder Council. Scott Sheerin is a traditional healer and musician who serves as a firekeeper at Emberlight crossing fires. Trained as an acupuncturist he then spent 20 years apprenticing and learning indigenous healing practices in Mexico. His music is drawn from nature, and it focuses on the act of listening as a spiritual practice and as a foundation of effective prayer. Greg Lathrop is registered as RN-Retired in North Carolina, with more than forty years of nursing experience spanning acute, critical, emergency, hospice, and integrative care. He apprenticed for more than thirteen years in a Traditional Indigenous Medicine lineage under his teacher Will Rockingbear and is now recognized as a Medicine Elder in that Way. Greg serves on Emberlight&#39;s Elder Council. Aditi Sethi, MD, when she is able to join us, is a hospice and palliative care physician, end-of-life doula, and musician, and Emberlight&#39;s founder and Executive Director. This gathering is in support of you, our members, and while we will offer it at this time for the next few months, we are open to exploring the day and the time depending on what is most accessible for folks. &nbsp;So come and let us know what works for you This event is for current Emberlight members only.&nbsp;You can join us as a member at https://www.emberlightway.org/be-a-member. If you are not sure that you are a current member, please email giving@emberlightway.org to confirm before RSVP-ing.

Member Circle at Willow Moon Farm

August 1 |&nbsp; 4 to 7 pm Summer is in full swing and we hope to see you for our August potluck! Join us for community connection, Emberlight updates, and to make new friends and break bread with dear ones during this treasured time together. Bring a picnic blanket if you prefer to dine near Grandmother Oak or pull up a chair on one of the porches ~ a decadent summer evening awaits!&nbsp; Please RSVP and read details below with a few important reminders: * Park+Ride for THIS EVENT from ArtSpace&nbsp;(2030 US-70, Swannanoa, NC 28778) Please ride with 3+ people in a group to ensure there&#39;s enough room for everyone to park. You might make a new friend before the potluck even begins! We&#39;ll be curious to hear what connections sparked, synchronicities discovered, and seeds planted on the short drive to the Sanctuary. * BYO-plate/bowl, cup, utensils (we&#39;ve been trying this out to lighten our footprint and reduce the lift in the kitchen ~ win win win!) * Bring a dish to share with a note to identify ingredients for people with various food restrictions (ex: Spinach Artichoke Bites &ndash; contains gluten+dairy) * Quieter space - the Library &amp; Parlor Room will be reserved for quieter conversation, a place of calm for folks who might enjoy a break from all the stimulation and welcome connection in more of a quiet setting * Did you know we don&#39;t have a designated team to assist with potlucks? If you&#39;re someone who enjoys having a job at a gathering, we&#39;ve got you covered and welcome support. From Set up and Parking Support, to DishLand ~ many hands lighten the load and make the mundane merry!&nbsp;

Emberlight: Center for Conscious Living & Dying

Emberlight: Center for Conscious Living & Dying

Events

Events

When Compassion Gets Messy: Using Difficult Conversations to Deepen Trust and Connection

Get your tickets

HUM Gathering in the Light House

Get your tickets

Wisdom Circle: Active Volunteers Only

Get your tickets

Soul to Soul Fireside Chat with Aditi

Get your tickets

Member Circle at Willow Moon Farm

Get your tickets

Emberlight Community Potluck

Get your tickets

Powered by