— from Sue Lewis —

The Cancer Support Group welcomes Rena Patty as guest facilitator for our September 11 meeting. Rena is a life-long resident of Orcas Island and a certified trainer with Center for Nonviolent Communication. Empathic listening and honest expression are core practices of Nonviolent Communication. Rena will lead interactive conversation and role-plays to develop our understanding of important communication skills. What is empathy? How can we listen in ways that open trust and closeness? How can we give one another the experience of truly being heard and supported? What can we say to open the way for our love and care to be received? We’ll explore how quality of communication and connection is essential to quality of life.

The Cancer Support Group will meet on Thursday, September 11, in the Fireside Room of Orcas Island Community Church at 5 p.m.  Everyone touched by cancer, whether personally or by someone close to you, is encouraged to attend. Everyone is on a journey, all in different phases. We can all help each other by caring and listening as we share our experiences.  For more information call Bogdan or Carol at 376-4198.