Mindfulness Grief & Loss Support Group

of the heart to be acknowledged. It's not something we can get over, though it is something we can pass through."Grief and loss appear in many forms and may feel overwhelming. They touch all of us at some point, though our culture often does not give us the time or support we need to heal, leaving us feeling isolated and unsure. Through group sharing that utilizes mindfulness reflective skills and contemplative reflection, we can begin to feel whole and safe even in the midst of tremendous grief.This monthly group provides an opportunity for coming together with others, so that we can be heard and become more embodied around the loss's and griefs of our lives.The group is offered on donation basis. We are supported by the practice of shared generosity so everyone may attend, no one turned away due to lack of funds.Facilitators:Rik Center is Cofounder of the Mindfulness Care Center. He's a SEP/Somatic Experiencing Stress and Trauma Counselor/Practitioner and longtime Mindfulness Meditation Teacher. He has served as a Buddhist/Interfaith Chaplain at San Francisco General Hospital and currently sits on the Professional Advisory Group for Spiritual Care at CPMC/Sutter Health Hospitals. In his private practice Rik works with clients in healing high levels of stress, unresolved traumatic anxiety and PTSD along with offering grief and spiritual counseling. Rik is a member of the USABP/United States Association Of Body Psychotherapy and leads a weekly Tuesday evening meditation.Mary Anne Cook works with both individuals and groups in transitioning through loss. She draws on her background in counseling, mindfulness training, and the creative arts. Mary Anne studied at NYU's School of Social Work, has a degree in Spiritual Direction from the SF Theological Seminary, and is trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. She works privately as a spiritual director and grief counselor at the Interfaith Counseling Center (ICC). She has also served as a volunteer at Hospice by the Bay and worked bereaved children and their families at Josie's Place. She is currently on staff at the ICC, MCC, and the Pacific Center of Spiritual Formation.Location: 2041 Larkin Street (between Vallejo and Broadway) on Russian Hill, facilitated through the Mindfulness Care Center a 501(3)(c) Nonprofit Charitable Organization. We offer a variety of mindful meditation classes, groups and workshops. Our programs and classes are for everyone to gain new insights into life, themselves and inner healing.We are supported by the practice of shared generosity.