Events in 2015

Concert, 12 March

Many thanks to all our friends at L’Association Ma Non Troppo for the wonderful concert, organized by Catherine Martinet, in favour of La Maison de Tara.  A rapt audience in the Salle Communale of Chêne Bougeries, listened to some glorious music by Mozart, Rossini and Offenbach.  But it wasn’t all serious, some comedy sketches also had everyone laughing out loud.   Canapes and drinks, when the talented cast mixed with the audience,  rounded off a thoroughly enjoyable evening.

Seminar on wise relationship, June 15-16  with Frank Ostaseski

Healthcare practitioners and hospice volunteers always operate in the context of relationships - with patients, colleagues, and families.  It is essential to know how to navigate that territory with skill, clarity and compassion.  At its core, good medicine is built on the practice of wise relationship.  Patients want more than expertise -- they need a human face on the care they receive.  Continuity, trust and communication matter.

Some 60 volunteers, external health care providers and staff spent two days together exploring and developing key elements of Wise Relationship including; three centre listening, skills for deepening dialogue, mindfulness practices that develop cognitive control, emotional balance and somatic awareness.  They also worked with the “wounded healer” archetype, disengaging from the inner critic, and cultivating their capacity to care profoundly while also functioning with balance and composure.  

Frank Ostaseski is one of the leading voices in contemplative care of the dying.  His programmes have introduced thousands to the practices of mindful and compassionate care of the dying.  Our warmest thanks go to him and to his excellent translator Genevieve Hamelet.  We also want to acknowledge Webster University who so kindly made available their large meeting room free of charge.  We thank them and deeply appreciate their community spirit.