We are not limited to our physical body, even when we are alive. We inter-are with our ancestors, our descendants, and the whole of the cosmos. We do not have a separate self; we are interconnected with all of life, and we, and everything, are always in transformation.
—Thich Nhat Hanh
What is the best time to do each thing?
Who are the most important people to work with?
What is the most important thing to do at all times?
—Leo Tolstoy
Given that all of us will, sooner or later, deal with the deaths of persons dear to us, I offer this course to experiment with ways we can face the loss of loved ones as well as deepen our commitment to living fully in the present.
Accordingly, we will draw on the work of two two sages, one Vietnamese, one Russian. We’ll read Thich Nhat Hanh’s mindfulness manual on grief and loss, as well as a few classic stories by Leo Tolstoy. In and outside of class, we will write in a journal, compose letters, practice deep listening, share what we’ve endured and witnessed, and practice other spiritual exercises.
We will gather by Zoom on eight consecutive Mondays, beginning on May 20 from 7:30 pm to 9 p.m. Central Time.
Necessary texts—
Thich Nhat Hanh, How to Live When a Loved One Dies
Leo Tolstoy, The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories
Recommended texts—
Mark Chmiel, The Book of Mev, part 3
Mark Chmiel, We Inter-Are
Tuition: $125, payable to me through Paypal or by check.
Aldo and Andrew Wimmer (1955-2024)
Photo by Suzanne Renard
