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CALENDAR LISTINGS FOR Wednesday, December
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NEWFANE "Writing to the Light Writing" Circle #6 (In-Person/Zoom): This is a supportive writing circle for reflection on the darkest day of the year. Writers of all kinds and all levels of experience are invited to reflect on the light in their life. Participants will write to illuminate their inner light, honor their inner voice, and tell whatever stories rise to be told. Prompts and guidance for automatic writing will be provided. Under Luskin's guidance, the group will create a safe space for those who wish to read their new words. 5:30-8 p.m. For the sixth year in a row, writer/educator Deborah Lee Luskin facilitates the circle. Donations to the Moore Free Library gratefully accepted: Send to https://moorefreelibrary.org or to street address. Moore Free Library, 23 West St. Information: Advance registration required for Zoom link or physical address. Register: www.deborahleeluskin.com/contact/.
BRATTLEBORO Buddha's Politics in the 21st Century: "Engaged Buddhism and American Politics Today": With the global climate crisis and other daunting political issues clearly in their sight, a variety of leading "Engaged Buddhists," such as the Dalai Lama, argue that our search for happiness through consumerism and naked self-interest is leading us down a path of self-destruction. Engaged Buddhism works toward personal and social transformation with the aspiration of creating societies based on compassion and justice. 7 p.m. Main Reading Room. Preceded 6:15-6:40 p.m. by a short Zen meditation in the Community Meeting Room for those interested. Beginners are welcome to arrive at 6 p.m. for brief introduction. "What if Buddhist values of loving-kindness/compassion were at the heart of a political philosophy, what we might call a "Politics of Compassion" in 21st-century America? Explore the Buddha's world, his politics, what "Engaged Buddhism" looks like in the U.S. today. Presenter Rev. Dr. Thomas Redden is professor emeritus of political science/history at Southern VT College and Marlboro College and an ordained Zen Buddhist priest, Zen Peacemaker Order. Free. Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St. Information: 802-254-5290; Click for more info on Web in new window.
BRATTLEBORO CANCELLED: "A Winter Solstice Ritual" (In-Person/Zoom): CANCELLED: Come celebrate the Winter Solstice with a ceremonial evening of magic and transformation. Together, we will celebrate the earthly change of Autumn into Winter, and the time of darkness into the returning light. 10 a.m. All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church West Village Meeting House, 29 South St. Information: Visit www.ascvt.org on Sunday, shortly before 10 a.m. to join via Zoom.
GUILFORD Tai Chi (Fall Prevention): Tai Chi is an exercise system combining disciplined, graceful movements with an invigorating sense of the body and surrounding space. Although the movements are slow, they contain great power. We try to coordinate hand and foot movements, breathing naturally, moving with slow continuous flow. By doing so, we improve strength and balance. Instructor Leah Gessner is certified by Tai Chi Vermont in this Fall Prevention practice. 9:30-10:15 and 10:30-11:15 a.m. (2 Wednesday classes weekly). No registration required. No charge. Donations welcome. Guilford Community Church, 38 Church Dr. off Rte. 5. Information: guilfordcaresvt@gmail.com or 802-579-1350.
Taking Steps Brattleboro: Advance Care Planning Weekly Information Sessions (via Zoom): Advance Care Planning ensures that your loved ones and health professionals know what you want in a medical emergency when you are unable to speak for yourself. It's a process of creating a written health care plan (Advance Directive) that tells others what you would want if you couldn't tell them yourself. Advance Care Planning includes discussing choices about end-of-life (EOL) care with your medical provider, family and others. It involves choosing and educating your Health Care Agent and making informed decisions to complete an Advance Directive. Join us and learn more. 10-11 a.m. on Wednesdays. Find out if adding a COVID-19 or Dementia provision would be beneficial to include or add to a previously completed Advance Directive. This is a program of Brattleboro Area Hospice. Free. Zoom. Information: Ruth Nangeroni, Advance Care Planning Program Coord: 802-257-0775 x 101, ruth.nangeroni@brattleborohospice.org.
