Free Introductory Talk: Reclaiming the Wisdom and Grace of Aging

with Ira Rechtshaffer

December 27th

INTRODUCTORY TALK • online only via zoom • presented by Berkeley Shambhala

With increased longevity and the expectation of many healthy years beyond retirement, there is a cultural need to re-vision aging from decline and uselessness to a time of life that promises many opportunities for inner growth and personal enrichment.

Join us for this free introductory online-only talk previewing the Reclaiming the Wisdom and Grace of Aging (in-person only) program offered the first weekend of the New Year!

This Friday evening talk and the subsequent iin-person only weekend workshop, Sat & Sun, Jan 4–5 2025, reframe the spirituality of aging as a developmental process that challenges us to enlarge and deepen our idea of ourselves, and to let go of what no longer holds meaning and purpose in the second half of life.

Come join us as we explore what new life is trying to manifest through us, as we dare to imagine what is still possible.

Please register to receive the Zoom link for this free talk.

Facilitator: Ira Rechtshaffer Ph.D has practiced psychospiritual psychotherapy for the past 30 years and has taught Buddhist philosophy and meditation for the past 40 years. Ira is the author of four books including Mindfulness and Madness: Money, Food, Sex, and the Sacred; What Was in Buddha’s Left Hand?: Tantric Teachings to Transform Neurosis into Sanity. website: www.wayofthemandala.com

CEUs for healthcare professionals — The weekend course meets the qualifications for 12 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for healthcare professionals — an additional fee of $60 is required. For those taking the program for CEUs — the online only Friday, Dec 27 (7:00 to 9:00 pm) introductory evening is mandatory.

Workshop: Reclaiming the Wisdom and Grace of Aging (in-person only at Berkeley Shambhala)
Sat & Sun, January 4–5 2025 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
REGISTER FOR THE WORKSHOP
For those taking the course for CEUs, the Friday talk is mandatory.

Free Introductory Talk Reclaiming the Wisdom and Grace of Aging

Friday, December 27 2024 (7:00 to 9:00 pm PT)
Online only via Zoom. Register to receive the Zoom link. All are welcome; no prerequisites.

If you have questions, please contact Ira Rechtshaffer at irarex [at] att [dot] net

Program Policy

Online Program Attendance Zoom is available for computers, smart phones, and tablets. You need to download the free app on your device before joining the session. Once it’s loaded, click the link and follow the prompts to join the session. Please join at least 5-10 minutes in advance so that you’re ready when the program begins. Note that the Zoom experience seems to be most predictable when you are signed into your Zoom account and have the most current version installed on your computer. Learn more about Zoom • read Zoom FAQs.

Programs with in-person attendance Please be vaccinated and boosted for the safety of yourselves and others. The meditation hall is large, well-ventilated and served by two very high quality air filters. Seating will be well-spaced. Masks are optional and available. If you are feeling unwell on the day of the program, out of consideration for others please stay home.

Registration Please register and pay online in advance of all programs that require payment / registration in order to make certain you receive all communications including the link for the program. Our online payment system is set up to accept payment through PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to pay via your credit or debit card for a program. Disregard if a program is listed as free.

Visitor Information Visit this link for information for directions and parking.

Generosity Policy The Berkeley Shambhala Center is funded solely by your membership and program donations. Thank you for your generosity as you consider what you can pay for each program at our Center. We strive to price our programs in a way that accurately reflects the financial need of our Center and the cost to us of producing the program. We are committed to offering our programs to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. Most programs include a base program price as well as a sliding scale. If you need to reach a member of the Shambhala Center Staff, email shambhalaberkeley [at] gmail [dot] org with your inquiry.

What is the Patron Price? The other aspect of our Generosity Policy is our Patron Price. Those who are able to offer more than the regular program price can select the Patron Price option. By selecting this option, your generosity is helping to cover the costs of those who may not be able to pay the full price of the program. Thank you for your consideration, and for helping all to receive the treasure of the Shambhala Dharma. We appreciate you registering and paying online. This helps us not only to plan for the program, but speeds up the registration line on the day of the program.

Work Study We depend on volunteers to make all of our programs happen. If you are interested in offering your support in this way, please contact shambhalaberkeley [at] gmail [dot] org. We would be very grateful. Please note that we have limited work-study options for online programs.

Refund Policy If you are unable to attend a program for which you have pre-registered and paid, and contact us to cancel participation at least one week (seven calendar days) prior to the start of the program, you are entitled to either receive a refund less the cost of processing the payment, or you can apply the full payment amount to the cost of an upcoming program of your choice. If you cancel your participation within the week prior to the program, you can apply those funds to another upcoming program of your choice. No refunds will be given for cancellations after a program has begun.

Non-Discrimination The Berkeley Shambhala Center is open to everyone, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, faith, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, height, weight, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, or marital status.

Membership For information about becoming a Berkeley Shambhala Member, please visit our Membership page.