THE FRIENDS IN DEED BLOG

Your Relationship to Work - a workshop with Emily Neustadt on April 5th at 7pm

Five principles to remember if you're diagnosed with a life-threatening illness...

Five principles to remember

if you're diagnosed

with a life-threatening illness

 

When one is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it’s not uncommon to experience a period of “groundlessness.”  It may feel as if your legs are literally knocked out from underneath you.   Quite often, the diagnosis can send you into a state of confusion, shock and even terror.  This is a normal response to very upsetting information.  Friends In Deed is here to help you through these difficult times, to give you some perspective.  Here are 5 principles to remember when you or someone you love is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness:

1) You are not your illness.
In the period following a diagnosis, it’s easy to think of yourself and the illness as the same.  You are not your illness.  You may feel numb, unable to think of anything else, but it’s important to know that you’re the same person you were the day before the diagnosis.  The cancer or the HIV or some other illness does not define you.  You are a living, breathing person with an illness.  After the initial shock and pain of the diagnosis subsides, it’s time to remember the rest of you.

2) You can handle this moment.
No matter how challenging our circumstances – even in the midst of a diagnosis of a serious illness -- most of us can handle life moment to moment.  The anxiety we feel is about the future.  It’s the result of all of the negative predictions that flood our mind.  Take a deep breath.  How do you feel right now?  You can handle this moment.  The only thing we really have is the present.

3) You can make choices.
When you’re diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, you may be faced with a range of treatment options.  Your doctor may strongly recommend a course of action.  You may get second opinions and friends and family members may also weigh in with suggestions.  Gather all the information you need, but remember there is nothing you have to do.  You’re the only one person who truly knows your body.  You have the power to make choices, to say “yes” or “no” to treatments.

4) You can have a life of quality regardless of the circumstances.
All of us know people who appear to have been blessed by life.  They have it all… and they’re miserable.  Every day at Friends In Deed we talk to people who are facing a variety of challenges because of their illness, and so many of them are joyful and alive.  Why is that?  It’s all about perception.  Having a life of quality is not about the circumstances, but how we view them.  When faced with illness, many people realize how precious life is and they become determined to enjoy every moment of it.

5) You are not alone.
It’s easy to feel frightened, powerless and alone when you’ve been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  That’s why Friends In Deed is here.  We’re a crisis center where you can find the emotional and spiritual support to help you through this challenging time.  Come to a Big Group and discover that others are going through the same or similar experiences. We provide an open, nonjudgmental space where you can get in touch with your feelings.  You’ll begin to see your circumstances from a much broader perspective.  We can help you deepen your connection to the world and to yourself, while making you aware of your capacity to contain the seemingly uncontainable.  You are not alone.

 

 

Restorative Yoga Workshop with Nick Potenzieri - December 1st at 7pm

WRITING TO HEAL, WRITING TO GROW - Workshop on August 18th at 7pm with Nina Howes

FRIENDS IN DEED

SPECIAL WORKSHOP

 

WRITING TO HEAL, WRITING TO GROW 

with

NINA HOWES

 

DATE:        THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011

TIME:        7:00PM-9:00PM

PLACE:        FRIENDS IN DEED

                  594 BROADWAY, SUITE 706

PHONE:       (212) 925-2009              

 

Research shows that writing about stressful life issues or events can help people relieve stress, have a more positive outlook, and even boost their immune systems.

You don’t have to be a “writer” to participate.  This workshop is for anyone looking for new ways to address the challenges of life-threatening illness, care giving, or grief over the death of a loved one.  We will have the opportunity to share and perform our pieces to teach and inspire others.

 

NINA HOWES is a nurse, a political activist, and a writer.  Her stories have been published by University of Iowa Press and Kaplan Publishing.  Her plays have been presented off-off Broadway; and at the NYC Public Libraries with Around the Block.  She loves theatre; and has performed and produced off-off Broadway.

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

All services are free of charge.  Donations are gratefully accepted.
All workshops are subject to change or cancellation, please call to confirm.

 

Laughter Yoga Workshop with Francine Shore on July 21st at 7pm.

FRIENDS IN DEED

SPECIAL WORKSHOP

 

LAUGHTER YOGA

FIND OUT WHAT EVERYONE IS LAUGHING ABOUT!!!

 

facilitated by

FRANCINE SHORE

 

DATE:        THURSDAY, JULY 21, 2011

TIME:        7:00PM – 8:00PM

PLACE:        FRIENDS IN DEED

                    594 BROADWAY, SUITE 706

PHONE:       212-925-2009           

 

Join laughter yoga teacher and coach and counselor, Francine Shore for this healthful, innovative and fun cardio-vascular exercise.

Laughter Yoga has been in the news a lot and (performed standing up or seated -- no yoga mats) is based on yogic principles that involve: laughter exercises, some stretching and intermittent deep breathing.  In these challenging times, laughter yoga is the perfect elixir to reduce stress!

Laughter Yoga has many health benefits: It strengthens our immune system, lowers blood pressure, releases endorphins, decreases depression and anxiety, is a natural pain analgesic, boasts team morale, increases productivity and creativity, alleviates arthritis, asthma, etc.

 

 

FRANCINE SHORE, a practitioner in the field of Laughter Yoga and counseling, is dedicated to sharing the benefits of Laughter Yoga with adults, seniors, and children across the nation. Francine has led Laugher Yoga workshops for corporate America and the healthcare world, including workshops at many hospitals and organizations. Francine has received training from Dr. Madan Kataria, the originator of Laughter Yoga, and is the recipient of Dr. Kataria's Laughter Ambassador Award. As Event Director, she spearheaded World Laughter Day for many years. She has also been a presenter at the American Society of Aging conference in Washington, DC and several conferences on Ageing.  Her work has been featured in a range of media publications and TV programs. For more information visit her website at www.grabbagiraffe.com.

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

All services are free of charge.  Donations are gratefully accepted.
All workshops are subject to change or cancellation, please call to confirm.

 

MASTERY WEEKEND - April 29th, April 30th and May 1st... Limited enrollment.

FRIENDS IN DEED

PRESENTS

 

THE MASTERY

an intensive weekend workshop 

with

SALLY FISHER AND ROBERT LEVITHAN

LIMITED ENROLLMENT 

 

DATES: 

 FRIDAY, April 29th at 6PM

SATURDAY, April 30th at 10AM

SUNDAY, May 1st, at 10AM

PLACE:

 FRIENDS IN DEED

594 BROADWAY, SUITE 706

 

The Mastery is an intensive weekend workshop founded in the belief that when we have an experience of self-empowerment, the circumstances of our lives, including HIV or cancer, do not necessarily have to determine the quality of our lives.

In a time of crisis we explore the possibilities of living full, rich and empowered lives.

The workshop is designed to release the relationships and patterns that keep us tied to the past and undermine our self-worth.  The work is accomplished through one-on-one interaction between trained facilitators and participants, group support, emotional exercises and visualizations, which are used for self-discovery.

The Mastery is not a belief system -- each participant spends quality time and receives nurturing support to discover his or her own self-worth, manner of self-expression and uniqueness.

LIMITED ENROLLMENT.

TO PARTICIPATE, YOU MUST SIGN UP AND COMMIT TO THE ENTIRE WEEKEND.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION,

PLEASE SIGN UP AT THE FRONT DESK AFTER ANY BIG GROUP. 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

All services are free of charge.  Donations are gratefully accepted.

All workshops are subject to change or cancellation, please call to confirm.

 

Your Relationship to Work - a workshop with Emily Neustadt on April 7th at 7pm

FRIENDS IN DEED

SPECIAL WORKSHOP

 

YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO WORK:

YOUR VALUES AND YOUR WORK

with

Emily Neustadt

 

DATE:          Thursday, April 7, 2011

TIME:          7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

PLACE:          FRIENDS IN DEED

                 594 BROADWAY, SUITE 706

PHONE:          212-925-2009           

 

Are you satisfied with your work and your life? Do you feel like the activities that fill your calendar reflect your values?

In this workshop, you’ll learn tools that can help you create a better relationship to work and help you bring more of what you truly believe into your life. We’ll look at your current relationship to work and create a plan to make desired shifts.

You are the primary mentor and coach in your life and for your career.

Even when your life is impacted by critical illness, caregiving and grief, you are making choices every day that affect the level of engagement, creativity, fun and aliveness that you feel.  Come and learn skills that help you to be a better coach for yourself and make your choices work for you. The tools help you to:

• Recognize what your current values are and how they affect your life
• Connect with your skills and abilities in a new way
• Create a customized plan for your own development

 

   

Emily Neustadt is an Executive Coach and Organizational Development Strategist for major entertainment companies and investment banks. The values-based process she uses encourages a holistic view of work as a part of your life, not separate, and is focused on meaning as well as results. You can learn more about Emily on www.neustadtconsulting.com.

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

All services are free of charge.  Donations are gratefully accepted.   

All workshops are subject to change or cancellation, please call to confirm.

 

BEING Your Best Friend: Would you rather be perfect or present? - workshop with Samuel Kirshner on March 31st at 7pm.

FRIENDS IN DEED

SPECIAL WORKSHOP

 

BEING Your Best Friend

“Would you rather be perfect or present?”

 

facilitated by 

SAMUEL J. KIRSCHNER

 

DATE:    THURSDAY, March 31, 2011

TIME:    7:00PM – 9:00PM

PLACE:    FRIENDS IN DEED

                594 BROADWAY, SUITE 706

PHONE:    212-925-2009

 

There is joy in all of us, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. This inner joy allows us to go on even when our life circumstances become so intense that they seem to suck the life right out of us. This joy can be found right under our noses – inside our breath, in our bodies, at the center of our Being – in the present moment.

Being your best friend – is breathing kindness and compassion into your struggles, and finding the joy of being alive in each moment. Transforming loss to love, and trusting that you’re worthy of being who you are - regardless of your circumstances or condition.

Practice:

• Slow things down and calm your world
• Move through trauma, loss, and struggles gracefully,with self-compassion
• Return to the joy of your existence
• Dance for life, moment by moment, breath by breath
• Source your trust, power and creativity from the Present

 

Samuel J. Kirschner, teacher, counselor and group facilitator for 25 years, is the founder of Artists Of Living, which he teaches and demonstrates through classes, workshops, individual sessions, and on-line coaching. He is a staff member at Friends In Deed. Author of the book-CD’s “The Joy Of Being”, “Practice Confidance” and his new practice CD  “BrEathING – Your Best Friend”.  (Buy on line) www.ArtistsOfLiving.com

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

All services are free of charge.  Donations are gratefully accepted.

 
All workshops are subject to change or cancellation, please call to confirm.

 

WRITING TO HEAL, WRITING TO GROW - Workshop on March 24th at 7pm with Nina Howes

FRIENDS IN DEED

SPECIAL WORKSHOP

 

WRITING TO HEAL...

WRITING TO GROW

 

with 

NINA HOWES

 

DATE:    THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011

TIME:    7:00PM-9:00PM

PLACE:    FRIENDS IN DEED

                594 BROADWAY, SUITE 706

PHONE:    (212) 925-2009              

 

Research shows that writing about stressful life issues or events can help people relieve stress, have a more positive outlook, and even boost their immune systems.

You don’t have to be a “writer” to participate.

This workshop is for anyone looking for new ways to address the challenges of life-threatening illness, care giving, or grief over the death of a loved one.  We will have the opportunity to share and perform our pieces to teach and inspire others.

 

NINA HOWES is a nurse, a political activist, and a writer.  Her stories have been published by University of Iowa Press and Kaplan Publishing.  Her plays have been presented off-off Broadway; and at the NYC Public Libraries with Around the Block.  She loves theatre; and has performed and produced off-off Broadway.

 

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

All services are free of charge.  Donations are gratefully accepted.
All workshops are subject to change or cancellation, please call to confirm.

 

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT regarding Big Group changes starting March 7th.

Friends In Deed introduces Big Group changes starting the week of March 7th

-- with groups focused on HIV, cancer, caregiving, and grief & bereavement.

 

Tuesday night Big Group to remain the same.

 

Friends In Deed is pleased to announce that beginning the week of March 7^th, we’re making changes that will give our clients the option to attend Big Groups that are focused on one of our core areas of work -- with Big Group meetings focused on HIV, cancer, caregiving, and grief & bereavement.

We’ve discovered that not having specifically focused groups is an obstacle that prevents many people from coming to Friends In Deed.  We believe these changes will help make our groups and services available to a wider population who can benefit from our emotional and spiritual support.

However, the Tuesday night Big Group will remain the same -- where we encourage diversity and gather everyone in the same room -- whether one is living with life-threatening illness, caregiving or grief. 

The way the actual groups are conducted will not change.  And to make sure that anyone who needs our services has a range of schedule options available to them, all clients are welcome to attend any Big Group, even those with a specific focus.

Here's the new schedule starting March 7th:

 

The Big Group:  Grief & Bereavement Focus

Monday -- 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Grieving over the death of a loved one is a natural part of life.  Each of us experiences grief in our own unique way.   This group helps you discover that there’s no right or wrong way to grieve, no set time-frame.  We are built to integrate grief into our experience, if we can just get out of our own way and let nature take its course.

 

The Big Group:  HIV Focus

Monday -- 5:30pm to 6:30pm

When diagnosed with HIV, it’s not uncommon to experience a period of shock and confusion.  After the initial period of shock subsides, we discover that we are not defined by our illness.  No matter where you are on your journey with HIV, this group demonstrates how you can handle life moment to moment. 

 

The Big Group:  Caregiving Focus

Tuesday -- 12:00pm to 1:00pm

Are you a caregiver struggling to find ways to take care of yourself and another at the same time?  When you’re supporting friends and family members who are very ill, fragile, or frightened, it’s important to understand your own limitations and take care of your needs, so that you may take care of others out of your overflow.  This group reminds you that you’re of little use if you don’t take care of yourself first.  

 

The Big Group

Tuesday -- 7:00pm to 8:30pm

The power and uniqueness of this Tuesday night meeting is its diversity. We invite everyone to come together in the same room, whether you’re living with HIV, cancer or another critical illness… overwhelmed with grief… or facing the challenges of caregiving.  Something extraordinary happens when we discover that we’re part of something bigger than our individual circumstances.

The Big Group: HIV Focus

Wednesday -- 7:00pm to 8:00pm

When diagnosed with HIV, it’s not uncommon to experience a period of shock and confusion.  After the initial period of shock subsides, we begin to discover that we are not defined by our illness.  No matter where you are on your journey with HIV, this group demonstrates how you can handle life moment to moment.  

 

The Big Group: Cancer Focus

Thursday -- 5:30pm to 6:30pm

When diagnosed with cancer, it’s not uncommon to experience a period of shock and confusion.  After the initial period of shock subsides, we begin to discover that we are not defined by our illness.  No matter where you are on your journey with cancer, this group demonstrates how you can handle life moment to moment. 

 

Of course, everyone is still welcome to attend any Big Group,

even those with a specific focus.

 

NOTE: The above changes start the week of March 7, 2011.

 

ALL PROGRAMS AND SERVICES ARE OFFERED FREE OF CHARGE.