Since 2020, Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) has adjusted to the new realities that come with COVID-19 by creating its free virtual illuminate Speaker Series — a series which addresses aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic and offers help on how to navigate through this new reality.
One way the organization transitioned to serve these past two years is by providing resources to the community as they relate to COVID-19 through the virtual series. Past speakers include Roshi Joan Halifax, Frank Ostaseski, Katy Butler, Sharon Salzberg, Dr. BJ Miller, Dr. Sunita Puri, Jenée Johnson, Daniel Goleman, Nora McInerny and Pico Iyer.
This year, the series continues with the return of Sharon Salzberg, who will present A Resilient Heart, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 16. The event is free, but registration is required.
Salzberg will explore the resilience of the human spirit as we look at and practice the tools that help deepen steadiness of mind and compassionate understanding–allowing us to be with the constantly changing and shifting landscape of trying to make a difference in our world.
People who care for others play a vital role in our communities, and often it is caregivers (we are all caregivers to those around us) who support the front lines of our society: helping those who face challenges on a daily basis.
However, this support can come at a high cost. How can we best maintain compassion for ourselves while caring for others? How do we infuse our actions with the wisdom that we must do our best, while knowing that we’re not in control of the unfolding of events, of the choices of others, of the rhythm of healing or the pace of change?
The event will include a talk, short meditation practice, and discussion.
“Throughout the pandemic, our illuminate Speaker Series has been a very important way for us to provide the community with hope,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. “We are extremely grateful we get to continue the series in 2022 and kick off with the return of Sharon Salzberg, whose presentation inspired us all last year.”
HSB will have a new nationally-known speaker every other month. The series continues through 2022 with Amanda Kloots. More speakers will be announced in the coming months. Hospice of Santa Barbara thanks to Natalie Orfalea Foundation and Lou Buglioli for sponsoring this event.
To find out more, and register for event, visit http://www.hospiceofsb.org/hsbseries. For more information about Hospice of Santa Barbara, including volunteer opportunities, call 805-563-8820 or visit www.hospiceofsantabarbara.org.