How do we notice and influence patterns in relationship with our own mortality, the death of those we love, and those in our communities? What patterns of healing are possible when a cure is not available or we are living with loss? In what ways does the infinite become more accessible when we see and feel the finiteness of our lives?

You are invited to a gathering to hear deep stories and shared reflection about those very questions. We will start with personal storytelling from Michael Bischoff, Sam Grant and Mary Nations. Mary will share stories of the loss of her wife, Kristel, and how she has seen and influenced patterns in her roles as partner and caretaker during Kristel's illness, and now as widow with relationships continuing yet different. Michael will tell stories of living with a terminal brain cancer diagnosis, and how he has seen and noticed patterns in that process, in parenting his two teenagers, in his health and treatment, and in his identity. Sam will share a story in three-parts, all about his experience of the death of/new relationship with his mother, his father, and his best friend and how in his continuing relationships with them he is now able to be more mindful and respectful as he embodies and carries forward their legacies in his work through his ongoing dialogue with them.

This gathering is for you if you are:

  • Curious about the process of creating resilience out of chaos and want an introduction through stories and conversation to Human Systems Dynamics. HSD offers powerful theory and practice to transform intractable problems into patterns of possibility.
  • Asking questions about meaning and how to move forward as you relate to the death of a loved one, loss in community, or the possibility of your own death.
  • Involved with Human Systems Dynamics and would like to inquire together about how the practice of HSD applies to personal and practical questions at the end of life.

The gathering will be hosted by Wendy Morris, director of the Creative Leadership Studio. She will be joined by Glenda Eoyang, founding executive director of the Human Systems Dynamics Institute and deeply connected with patterns of life's beginnings, middles, and endings.

A donation can be made at the time of registration to help pay for the cost of the event and to support the work of HSD Institute. If you do not wish to make a donation at this time, you will have the opportunity to do so at the event.

Human Systems Dynamics Institute is a not-for-profit organization engaged in expanding the theory and practice of human systems dynamics to help people deal with intractable challenges.

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