Lifetree Cafe

Come Join the Conversation

Every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month

More information about Lifetree Cafe can be found here.

What does it take to 

find peace after a loss?

Let's Talk

June 7 at 1:00PM

Mandarin Senior Center

In the Annex

Check out the upcoming topic here.

Coping with Grief:

Strategies for finding peace after a loss will be discussed at the June 7th Lifetree Café at 1:00PM.  

During the hour, we'll hear a filmed interview with Ken Doka, a grief counselor and author of more than 20 books, including Grieving Beyond Gender: Understanding the Ways Men and Woman Mourn.  “It’s a common misunderstanding that grief follows a fairly predictable pattern,” says Doka. “But each of us has our own pathway; each of us takes our own journey as we grieve.”

Loss

We'll look at the type of loss we all suffer from time to time. Then identify the type of loss that prompts not frustration, but grief.
Some experience grief as a deep sadness. A sorrow that, at times, washes over them or settles in like a weight. Others experience grief as depression, shock, or even anger.

Grief

Grief delivers a powerful one-two punch. At the same time it applies tremendous emotional pressure, it drains us of the energy we need to care for ourselves. We can’t sleep. We forget to eat. We cut ourselves off from others.

We'll hear from Dr. Ken Doka, professor of gerontology and the author of over 20 books, including Grieving Beyond Gender: Understanding the Ways Men and Women Mourn.  Dr. Doka has studied grief and worked with those who are grieving for over 40 years. 

In between segments of Dr Doka's filmed interview, we'll discuss as a group various types and ways people express their grief. You'll have an opportunity to share your own experiences with grief if you want.  Or, just listen to what others have to say if you prefer.  Also, as a group, we'll explore the harm that grief has caused in our lives or those we are close to.

Coping Strategies

One person who can care for you during a time of grief is…you. During this event we will discuss six coping strategies; practical ways to move through grief and find a path to peace.

You'll come away with guidance on the 6 ways you can help yourself when you are grieving.  

Participants will also discuss how you can help others who grieve.  We'll share our thoughts and doubts about things that are helpful, and things that are unhelpful for a friend or loved one who is grieving.  

You'll leave with a handout that contains strategies for taking care of yourself while you grieve and way to be supportive to others who are grieving.

Admission to the 60-minute event is free. 

If you are 60 years of age or older, come at 11:45 and enjoy a free hot meal with members of the center; then stay for the program “Lighten Up” which starts at 1:00PM.  

If you are not yet a "seasoned citizen", come at 1:00PM for the interesting conversation.

Regardless, 

Lifetree Café is a place where people gather for conversation about life and faith in a casual coffeehouse-type setting. Like us on Facebook. 

Questions about Lifetree Cafe may be directed to: 

George at (904) 731-0731 or George@LifetreeCafeJAX.org