Frequently Asked Questions for Weaving the Tapestry of Aging
Do I need to be artistic or have experience with creative expression?
Not at all. No artistic experience or special skills are needed. The creative activities are invitations to explore and express rather than to produce a finished work of art. We may use writing, collage, drawing, photography, or other simple forms of expression as ways of discovering something new about ourselves. Curiosity and a willingness to experiment are all that are needed.
What can I expect from the weekly sessions?Each two-hour session will weave together reflection, conversation, contemplative practices, and creative exploration. We will consider different dimensions of aging—including identity, change and loss, resilience, relationships, creativity, meaning, and legacy. There will be opportunities for both personal reflection and sharing with others. Participants are always free to decide how much they wish to share.
What is Padlet, and do I need to be comfortable with technology?Padlet is a simple online space that allows our group to stay connected between weekly sessions. Participants can post images of their creative explorations, reflections, and resources and respond to one another’s contributions. We will provide guidance for using Padlet, and no special technical expertise is required. Participation on Padlet is encouraged but is not meant to feel like an assignment or obligation.
Is this a therapy group?No. Weaving the Tapestry of Aging is an educational and experiential course rather than a psychotherapy group. At the same time, the themes we explore may touch deeply on our lives and experiences. We aim to create a thoughtful, respectful, and supportive environment in which participants can reflect on both the challenges and possibilities of growing older.
Why focus on aging now?
Later life is often described primarily in terms of what we lose. We want to broaden that story. Aging certainly brings change, vulnerability, and loss, but it can also bring greater freedom, perspective, creativity, curiosity, and a deepening sense of what matters.
This course offers an opportunity to pause and look at the many threads that have shaped our lives—and to consider the threads we are still weaving. Rather than asking simply, “How do I cope with getting older?” we invite a larger question: “How do I want to inhabit this chapter of my life?”
Can I choose the weeks I attend?We ask that participants commit to the full six weeks. Each week’s topic builds upon those prior. Consistent attendance also supports our sense of community and meaningful connection with one another which in turn supports the benefit you receive from your participation.