From workshops and seminars to drop-in classes, I provide a unique variety of
instruction throughout the year that is designed to generate fresh perspectives, clarity
of mind, a connection between the body, mind, heart and spirit.
Please take a look through my current course offerings and click on the link below to register. Feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions regarding any of the courses provided.
MARTINA’S OFFERINGS FOR WINTER 2023
(January to April)
Registration is now open for another exciting slate of courses I will be offering this Winter - via Zoom and some IN PERSON in the Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, area.
Sign up early as space is limited for each event. All course times are listed in Eastern Standard Time or Eastern Daylight Time beginning March 12, 2023.
I invite you to contact me here, by email at martina@martinasteiger.com so I can respond with further details. If you are interested, but times conflict with your schedule, let me know as well. I would also be curious to hear of any expression of interest in future courses for the Winter and Spring.
Registration is simple: Register here and send your payment via e-transfer to martina@martinasteiger.com to secure your space (auto deposit is enabled). Please include the course title when you send the payment. If you live outside Canada, alternate payment options are available to you. Just contact me.
Check out the FREE offerings as well, which include monthly virtual Death Cafes.
Early Bird discount ends January 15, 2022.
WINTER 2023 (January-April)
Grace and Grit: What True Forgiveness Takes
When: 4 sessions on Monday, from 7-8:30pm: March 6, 20 & 27; April 3, 2023
Cost: $150 (Early Bird fee $120)
this is the continuation of the Thursday evening group
When: 4+ sessions on Thursday, from 7-9pm: January 26; February 9 & 23, March 9, 2023 – with an optional SHOWCASE evening on Thursday, March 23, 2023
Cost: $150 (Early Bird fee $120)
***The Only workshop for this year
When: 4 sessions on Thursday, from 7-8:30pm: February 2 & 16; March 2 & 16, 2023;
Cost: $150 (Early Bird fee $120)
Kintsugi Bowl - IN PERSON *** Just 2 offerings this Winter and Spring
**Just two offerings this fall
When: A full day in-person workshop with two options:
Option A: Friday, February 24, 2023, from 9:30am-3pm EDT
Option B: Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 9:30-3pm EDT
Cost: $150 (Early Bird fee $120). ***Hospice Volunteers receive a special rate of $60; please contact me for more details.
Location: Hospice of Waterloo Region, Waterloo
When:
A) Once per month online via Zoom on the last Tuesday of each month:
January 31; February 28; March 28, April 25, 2023; 7-8:30pm EDT
Free admission; registration required at least 4 hours before the event
B) I host an in-person Death Café at Hospice of Waterloo Region (HWR) on the
second Wednesday of each month, from 1-3pm: January 11, February 8, March 8 and April 12, 2023.
Contact me for registration and more information at martina@martinasteiger.com
GUS Practice Circle/Hospice GUS Practice Circle
When: Online via Zoom on the last Thursday of each month, from 2-3pm: January 26; February 23; March 30 and April 27, 2023.
If you have not participated in GUS before and are not one of my clients or a current participant, please let me know ahead of time so we can discuss how to best prepare you before you join the group.
Free admission; registration required at least 4 hours before the event
Book Studies and Story Circle - free to join
I will facilitate various events for Hospice of Waterloo Region this Winter (October/ November):
A) a once per month online Story Circle (no preparation required): January 9, February 13, Mach 13 and April 10, 2023, from 7-8:30pm
B) an intensive online book study where we read one book together over the course of 5 weeks: January 31, February 7, 21, 28 & March 7, from 1-3pm. If you are interested, simply contact me for me information.
Please note: I may also be offering events at Luther Village and through Laurier University in the Winter and Spring. I’ll will keep you posted when I know more details.
COMING SOON/AGAIN!
(Spring and Fall 2023)
Re-Story I for newcomers/beginners
Transitions: A Journey of Transformation through Loss,
Grief and Mourning
Story Matters: Explore the Power of Storytelling
Your work is to discover your work
and then with all your heart
to give yourself to it.
- Gautama Siddhartha, the Buddha
Course Descriptions
KINTSUGI BOWL -
THE ART OF EMBRACING IMPERFECTIONS
Kintsugi (‘golden joinery’) serves as an inspiring metaphor for how we approach life, in particular the unexpected events and imperfections in our lives. In this experiential and reflective full day workshop we engage in joining shards of a beautiful, yet broken bowl as a tangible means to deepen our capacity to heal and build resilience. We highlight the cracks that symbolize our scars as we move towards appreciation of the fragility, strength and beauty on our journey through life and loss.
All necessary materials are provided and included in the cost. Lunch will be extra.
“The true life of the bowl began the moment it was dropped."
- Ancient Kintsugi quote
RE-STORY YOUR LIFE:
LIFE REVIEW WRITING PART I
In this workshop we gather to explore how our lives unfold in the stories we tell. Together, we reflect, write and share moments and events in our lives in a small group environment. You receive guidance, structure, topics and helpful exercises along the way to excavate the stories that want to be told. These processes lead you to discover new or previously overlooked and unappreciated aspects of your past in a way that may help you generate new perspectives on your life right now. All of this play and work will help you build resilience and acquire coping strategies for the transitions in your life now and in the future.
This workshop is intended for individuals of all ages either new to telling their stories and individuals who are interested in exploring their lives in new ways. No writing experience is required, just a willingness to explore possibilities.
If you are interested, but not sure which level is right for you, just contact me and we will figure it out together.
RE-STORY YOUR LIFE:
LIFE REVIEW WRITING PART II
In this workshop, we come together again to continue our exploration of how our lives unfold in the stories we tell, remember and share. We reflect, write and share moments and events in our lives in a small and supportive group environment. We explore new topics and questions and build on what we covered in the first part. You also receive structure, guidance and helpful exercises along the way to excavate the stories that want to be told. You may reshape existing stories in a manner that generates new perspectives on your life right now and builds resilience and coping strategies that serve you well now and in the future.
Part I serves as a prerequisite. If you are interested, but did not take Part I, check out the unique offering this Fall to combine Parts I & II. See the explanation above.
RE-STORY YOUR LIFE:
LIFE REVIEW WRITING PART III
In this workshop, we continue to review how our lives unfold in the stories we tell, remember and share. In a small and supportive group environment, we reflect, write and share moments and events in our lives. In addition to new topics and questions, you receive further guidance and helpful exercises designed to aid you in excavating the stories that want to be told. As before, you may also reshape existing stories in a manner that generates new perspectives on your life right now, leading you to re-story your life.
Prerequisite: Part I. If you are an experienced journal writer but have not yet participated in my workshops, contact me.
RE-STORY YOUR LIFE:
LIFE REVIEW WRITING PART IV
This workshop serves as a continuation of deepening our writing journey together. We build on the stories explored and gathered so far. We work towards a precious treasure trove of stories that help us create our legacy documents.
Together, we examine carefully and with intense curiosity how our lives unfold in the stories we tell, remember and share. In a small and supportive group environment, we reflect, write and share moments and events in our lives. In addition to four new topics and sets of priming questions, you receive further guidance and helpful
exercises designed to aid you in excavating and reshaping your stories in a manner that generates new perspectives on your life right now, leading you to re-story your life.
Prerequisite: Re-Story Your Life: Part II
RE-STORY YOUR LIFE:
LIFE REVIEW WRITING PART V
This workshop serves as a continuation of deepening our writing journey together. We build on the stories explored and gathered so far. We work towards a precious treasure trove of stories that help us create our legacy documents.
Together, we examine carefully and with intense curiosity how our lives unfold in the stories we tell, remember and share. In a small and supportive group environment, we reflect, write and share moments and events in our lives. In addition to four new topics and sets of priming questions, you receive further guidance and helpful exercises designed to aid you in excavating and reshaping your stories in a manner that generates new perspectives on your life right now, leading you to re-story your life.
Prerequisite: Re-Story Your Life - Part I. If you are interested but have not yet taken Part I, contact me so we can determine together the best way for you to proceed.
RE-STORY YOUR LIFE:
LIFE REVIEW WRITING PART VII
This workshop serves as a continuation of deepening our writing journey together. We build on the stories explored and gathered so far. We work towards a precious treasure trove of stories that help us create our legacy documents.
Together, we examine carefully and with intense curiosity how our lives unfold in the stories we tell, remember and share. In a small and supportive group environment, we reflect, write and share moments and events in our lives. In addition to four new topics and sets of priming questions, you receive further guidance and helpful exercises designed to aid you in excavating and reshaping your stories in a manner that generates new perspectives on your life right now, leading you to re-story your life.
Minimal Prerequisite: Re-Story Your Life: Part III
WITH THE END IN MIND: IN-DEPTH ADVANCE CARE AND LEGACY PLANNING
This workshop centers on the question of how we live now with the end in mind. We consider how our values, purpose and beliefs about our life connect to our desires for our dying and death. We also devise concrete plans on how to prepare ourselves, our families and friends and our healthcare teams through thoughtful conversations for a well lived future.
We begin with Advance Care Planning, such as clarifications on important terminology and on what is expected and recommended in Ontario (or your own province or state) with regards to end-of-life care. We discuss how to relate your wishes or concerns to members of your health care team and your family, and much more. Your specific questions, concerns and scenarios form an important aspect of our time together. We engage in difficult and crucial conversations and share tools and strategies in small group gatherings. Lastly, we examine the importance and benefits of intentional legacy planning that is focused on your non-material life as a means to consciously express who you are and what you wish to convey to others. Your story matters.
All are welcome, regardless wherever you - or a loved one - find yourself on this journey. Multigenerational participation is encouraged.
GETTING UNSTRESSED & UNSTUCK (GUS) AT ANY TIME
Level I
This experiential workshop is built on the ABCs of GUS to build a solid foundation to accomplish the goal of getting unstressed and unstuck. Each session focuses on a variety of exercises, tools and strategies that have proven to lower the stress response. We apply the new skills to current specific concerns that pose challenges for the participants in their lives right now, with the intention to foster greater levels of balance and choice.
Finally, this workshop offers an opportunity to build a community in which we can share creative approaches to the questions, anxieties and perhaps feelings of loneliness and helplessness with which we may feel confronted during these uncertain times.
GETTING UNSTRESSED & UNSTUCK (GUS) AT ANY TIME
Level II
This experiential workshop is a continuation of Level I. After reviewing Level I materials and practices, we delve into the second layer of the ABCs of GUS. Each session, just like before, focuses on a variety of exercises, tools and strategies that have proven to lower the stress response and build resilience. We apply the new skills to current specific concerns that pose challenges for participants in their lives right now, with the intention to foster greater levels of balance, choice and coping strategies.
Finally, this workshop offers the benefits of a community of peers who provide meaningful support and encouragement.
GUS - MONTHLY PRACTICE SESSION
This is open to anyone who has participated in the GUS workshops before or is one of my private clients. If you are interested, but have no prior experience with it, just contact me and together we will determine a way forward that facilitates your participation.
Free Participation - just send me a message to receive the link at least 12 hours before the event
FREE PARTICIPATION -
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
DEATH CAFÉ: CANDID CONVERSATIONS ABOUT DEATH AND DYING
This informal gathering provides a free and supportive space once a month to share thoughts, ideas, concerns, questions and experiences about end-of-life, loss, death and dying. Without a set agenda, this is an engaging way to connect with others in candid conversations to help us live life more fully now.
Be mindful that this is not a counseling or grief support group. And of course, feel free to bring your own snacks and beverage to our online gathering.
This is a monthly event, open to anyone 16 years of age and older who is interested in exploring various aspects of death, dying and end-of-life, all with the view of how to live life fully at any time.
Free Participation
A) Via Zoom- just send me a message at least 24 hours before the event to receive the link
B) In-Person at Hospice of Waterloo Region in Waterloo - register with martina@martinasteiger.com at least 2 days before the event so we can prepare the room and the snacks accordingly
TRANSITIONS: A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION THROUGH LOSS, GRIEF AND MOURNING
Our lives are replete with changes that indicate a time of transition. These changes can happen suddenly and unexpectedly or slowly and over a long period of time. Every change begins with an ending that invites us to enter into a journey of transition. This often paradoxical journey provides the opportunity to explore our losses, while we evaluate, reorient and redefine our thoughts, beliefs, emotions, even our body and spirit. Grief and mourning that accompany loss are painful, yet may also be mysteriously hope-filled when we move through transitions with awareness and courage.
In this interactive workshop and lecture, participants will receive practical tools to apply to their lives. They also will have ample opportunity to ask questions.
STORY MATTERS -
EXPLORE THE POWER OF TELLING YOUR STORY
“Baby shoes for sale, never worn.”
Ernest Hemingway illustrates the power of skillfully crafted words with this poignant six-word story that evokes deep emotions and curiosity. We are hooked; we pay attention.
As human beings we are hard-wired for story. Everybody has a multiplicity of stories and everyone can learn to access these stories. How we tell them to others also requires an understanding of how we listen, which in turn shapes the stories we tell. Story Matters is designed as an immersive and interactive oral storytelling workshop in which participants discover the power personal stories hold in their lives. We focus on learning how to tell brief (3-5-minute) stories through collaborative exercises that foster specific skills to craft and deliver the stories. Many of the skills taught here can be readily transferred to the process of life review writing.
As a workshop participant, you learn to reflect on your personal experiences in memorable ways. Developing to connect with your audience will enable you to become a more effective communicator. And you will have an opportunity, if you wish, to share one of your stories with the other participants on the last day.
STORY MATTERS - MONTHLY PRACTICE SESSION
This is open to anyone who has participated in the Story Matters workshop before or is interested in finding out more about personal storytelling.
FREE Participation - just send me a message to receive the link to the session at least 2 hours before the event.
BOOK STUDY
CIRCLE OF A DIFFERENT KIND
In this book study circle, we come together to explore one book in depth over the course of six sessions. For each session, we read about 30-50 pages which we delve into at our pleasure. I facilitate the conversations while you have the opportunity to articulate your questions and comments and share your observations with the circle. While all books provide insights and new understanding on subjects related to aging, transitions, loss, grief and end-of-life, this book study circle is also designed as a means to discover how to wake up fully to life.
DROP-IN CLASS:
WHAT MATTERS NOW
These gatherings provide an opportunity to read and discuss a meaningful essay, article or a piece of literature that inspires us to reflect deeply on what matters most to us in this rapidly changing world. The reading is sent out in advance of the class. In our time together, we enter into conversation about the challenges we are experiencing as well as the beliefs that support our resilience when we tap into our inner strengths. You also receive suggestions for further reading, reflections, and writing. I provide all materials needed and facilitate the conversations we share.
I provide all materials needed and facilitate the conversations we share.
DROP-IN CLASS:
STORY CIRCLE -
WRITING ALONE TOGETHER
Story Circle offers a unique opportunity to encounter pieces of writing or art as a focal point for our conversations. We meet to read and reflect together, to engage in conversation and share short written reflections. The topics we tackle together pertain to life and death, health, and illness as well as age-ing and sage-ing with the purpose of enhancing our capacity to enjoy life in the moment. I provide all materials needed and facilitate the conversations we share.
SEMINAR:
FROM AGE-ING TO SAGE-ING -
CHOOSING CONSCIOUS ELDERHOOD BY HARVESTING LIFE’S POTENTIAL
What does aging mean to you? Do you consider yourself an elder? What difference exists between “age-ing” and “sage-ing?” What is elderhood and how does it distinguish itself from retirement of old age? And how might your understanding of conscious elderhood support your own sense of wellbeing and the larger community?
We will explore these questions together and engage in conversation about their significance in our third act of life. Aging is a natural process of life we tend to celebrate when we are young. A shift to conscious elderhood contributes to our ability to harness our intelligence, courage, resilience, passion, and grace to cope well with the changes and new complexities life provides us. Through stories, videos, art and poetry we will journey through a life review in all seven dimensions of wellness.
When we confront the challenges and opportunities of aging, we increase and deepen our potential to cope along with our passion and sense of purpose. We then create the space to serve as storytellers, wisdom-keepers and stewards, in short, as “elders.” This seminar explores the meaning of “age-ing” and “sage-ing” and its implications for ourselves and the world around us. We will examine a reimagined model of conscious elderhood that can serve as a foundation to supporting ourselves and future generations in a sustainable, joyful, and purposeful fashion. Although this course is structured as a seminar, your active participation is encouraged. You also receive a wealth of resources to pursue at your own leisure.
SEMINAR:
DEATH MATTERS -
LIVING FULLY BY INVITING THE WISDOM OF DEATH AND DYING INTO LIFE
This informal gathering provides a free and supportive space once a month to share thoughts, ideas, concerns, questions and experiences about end-of-life, loss, death and dying. Without a set agenda, this is an engaging way to connect with others in candid conversations to help us live life more fully now.
Be mindful that this is not a counseling or grief support group. And of course, feel free to bring your own snacks and beverage to our online gathering.
This is a monthly event, open to anyone 16 years of age and older who is interested in exploring various aspects of death, dying and end-of-life, all with the view of how to live life fully at any time.
Free Participation
A) Via Zoom- just send me a message to receive the link at least 12 hours before the event
B) In-Person at Hospice of Waterloo Region in Waterloo - register with martina@martinasteiger.com at least 2 days before the event so we can prepare the room and the snacks accordingly
KINDRED SPIRIT CIRCLE
Who are the kindred spirits? If you are over 55 and sometimes feel alone or separate from your other circles of friends, or perhaps you perceive yourself on the outside looking in or questioning your sense of belonging, then this gathering is for you. The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the peculiar position many of us find ourselves in as single people, childless couples, people without significant family or with children who live at a considerable distance.
What are we planning to do here? We will provide a forum where we address any question that arises about our needs, hopes and dreams that allow us to carry on during these challenging times and beyond. The idea is to listen from the heart and serve as compassionate witness for the other people in the circle. We share our stories, which also means we are willing to discover something about ourselves in the stories of the other participants.
No preparation is necessary. Just bring an open heart and mind to our virtual circle along with your questions and concerns.
NEW: GRACE AND GRIT: WHAT TRUE FORGIVENESS TAKES
This brand-new series explores what it takes to forgive, based in part on Danya Ruttenberg's exquisite offerings in her new book On Repentance and Repair. We will examine how remorse, regret, resentment, harm, self-forgiveness, empathy, mercy, amends, change and transformation fit into the process of forgiveness, which may be much more nuanced and potentially rewarding than expected. We will further discuss the effects of granting and withholding forgiveness, even in the context of trauma.
This workshop provides opportunity for contemplation and self-reflection, which in turn invites participants to bring a courageous heart and an open mind to each session. All necessary materials will be provided.