Upcoming events and workshops
Creative Connections, a workshop for kids, ages 3-5, February 18th or February 20th in Barre, MA
Together, we’ll read the book “Map of Memory Lane” by Francesca Lynn Arnoldy, Contemplative Doula. Then, we’ll explore, draw and color our favorite memories. Each participant goes home with their own copy of the book, and a handout packet.
Cost is $16.00 per participant. Ages 3-5 years old. Parents should plan to stay with child.
Inquiries for ages 6-10 year olds can be made with Laura directly (email her at [email protected]) or through Listening Wellness Center by contacting the office.
Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching, What is it? Ask Laura! Free Info Session February 25th in Barre, MA.
Join Laura for a free one hour conversation. You’ll hear about what integrative coaching is, how it is is similar and different to other types of coaching. Also, how it could support you and your needs in daily life, in special circumstances and with your own wishes for preventative wellness and support for chronic illness or diagnosis.
Question and answer time is included.
At Listening Wellness Center Barre, MA. Tuesday, February 25th 10:00 am-11:00 am
RSVP needed. Please click here to register.
If the timing doesn’t work for you, but you are interested in learning more, please reach out and schedule a one on one with Laura.
Death Discussions with a Doula, February 27th
Join us for a meaningful conversation about death and dying in a safe, comfortable environment. Our aim is to increase awareness, to shift the conversation from one of fear and avoidance to one of familiarity and comfort.
Thursday, February 27th 11:00am-12noon
FREE and open to the public. Being offered at Woods Memorial Library 19 Pleasant Street Barre, MA
Please register on library website, click here.
Facilitated by Laura Dusha Nelson, Death Literacy Specialist/End-of-Life Doula
Please NOTE: This is not grief support, bereavement support or counseling.
Being a Friend in Grief Workshop, March 25th in Barre, MA
An interactive workshop where we’ll discuss the language of grief including what to say, what not to say and how to offer emotional care and assistance to the bereaved with sensitivity. We’ll also explore what we might need in our own times of grief.
Register online by clicking here. Workshop is at Listening Wellness Center in Barre, MA.
Tuesday, March 25th 6:00pm-7:45pm
Living Fully & Dying Prepared at Worcester Nightlife Thursday nights March 2025
A six week workbook series to Reflect Back, Plan Ahead and Find Peace on Your Journey.
Full details of workshop on website( see link below)
Thursday nights March 13- April 17, 2025, Time: 6:00- 8:00 PM, Fee:$129
Location: Worcester Technical High school 1 Officer Manny Familia Way
Worcester Nightlife: click here to go to website, for details on this class and others, and to register
Living Fully & Dying Prepared at Bay Path Adult Evening School, Charlton, MA Wednesday nights March 2025
Immersive book group, full details on website. This class starts on Wednesday March 19th for 6 weeks, excluding the vacation week, so ending April 30th 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
Click here to visit Bay Path website for more information and to register.
Please note: SPRING 2025 CATALOG WILL BE AVAILABLE & REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN 1/13/25
Nature Mandala Spring Workshop, April 5th
Nature Mandala Workshop for Adults on Saturday, April 5th 10 am- 12 noon
FULL DESCRIPTION: Join us for this two hour workshop where we will learn about mandalas, their history and use. Then, we will talk about rituals and impermanence and finally, move into an “active” workshop where we will explore the grounds and gather nature objects to create our Mandala(s). Your choice of working on a collective Mandala or a personal smaller version.
Rituals are a lost art, and yet a chance to reflect, lean in, and focus all while slowing down. Impermanence is yet another experience, showing us how life is fleeting and how experiences are meaningful and precious.
Please register online to ensure space, supplies and to receive a detailed email prior to the event.
From The Sound Temple: “Mandalas are found among the most ancient art forms created by human beings. Rock carvings found all over the world incorporate the circular form and its variations such as spirals, crosses, concentric circles. It is thought that they express worshipful awe of nature’s cycles and the mysteries of life and death.”
This workshop is not meant to be mental health support. Please reach out directly to Laura should you have any questions prior to or during the registration process.
Cost is $ 25.00 per person. Register for Spring only here. Light Refreshments
There is an option for Spring to sign up for all four sessions, called “year long” and it is 75.00 for four; a savings of $25.00. Only available if you register and select “Year Long” 75.00
Workshop is being held at Listening Wellness Center 35 South Street, Barre MA
Recommended gear: footwear, clothing, hat and jacket or light clothing that you would wear outside in the weather of the season. Spare clothes can be brought and changed into if needed. Should you need bug spray or sunscreen, please bring with you.
World Labyrinth Day, Saturday May 3, 2025
FREE and open to the public The Gardens at Listening Wellness Center 35 South St. & 28 James St. Barre, MA
Available from 12:30pm-1:30pm. If you would like to join in the “Walk as One at 1” please arrive by 12:50 pm
Details about World Labyrinth Day can be found here on their site.
Benefits of walking a labyrinth
Stress reduction: Quieting the mind can help relieve anxiety and stress
Self-reflection: The practice of walking can help you reflect on your life
Creativity: Labyrinth walking can enhance creativity and imagination
Spiritual centering: Labyrinth walking can help you center yourself spiritually
Laura is hosting this event.
Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference-Vendor
Stop by and visit with me in my booth at the DCU Center in Worcester Massachusetts for the 16th Annual Women’s Leadership Conference . Learn all about my offerings, and check out the other vendors, all made possible through the Worcester Chamber of Commerce.
Details can be found by clicking the above links.
Nature Mandala Summer Workshop, June 28th
Nature Mandala Workshop for Adults on Saturday, June 28th 9 am- 11 am
Full description and recommended gear is listed on Nature Mandala Spring Workshop.
Join us for this two hour workshop where we will learn about mandalas, their history and use. Then, we will talk about ritual(s) and impermanence and finally, move into an “active” workshop where we will explore the grounds and gather nature objects to create our Mandala(s). Your choice of working on a collective Mandala or a personal smaller version.
Rituals are a lost art, and yet a chance to reflect, lean in, and focus all while slowing down. Impermanence is yet another experience, showing us how life is fleeting and how experiences are meaningful and precious.
This workshop is not meant to be mental health support. Please reach out directly to Laura should you have any questions prior to or during the registration process.
Cost is $ 25.00 per person. Register for Summer session here. Light Refreshments
Workshop is being held at Listening Wellness Center 35 South Street, Barre MA Please register to ensure space, supplies and to receive a detailed email prior to the event.
Nature Mandala Fall Workshop, October 18th, 2025
Nature Mandala Workshop for Adults on Saturday, October 18th 10 am- 12 noon
Full description and recommended gear is listed on Nature Mandala Spring Workshop.
Join us for this two hour workshop where we will learn about mandalas, their history and use. Then, we will talk about ritual(s) and impermanence and finally, move into an “active” workshop where we will explore the grounds and gather nature objects to create our Mandala(s). Your choice of working on a collective Mandala or a personal smaller version.
Rituals are a lost art, and yet a chance to reflect, lean in, and focus all while slowing down. Impermanence is yet another experience, showing us how life is fleeting and how experiences are meaningful and precious.
This workshop is not meant to be mental health support. Please reach out directly to Laura should you have any questions prior to or during the registration process.
Cost is $ 25.00 per person. Register for Fall session here. Light Refreshments
Workshop is being held at Listening Wellness Center 35 South Street, Barre MA Please register to ensure space, supplies and to receive a detailed email prior to the event.
Nature Mandala Winter Workshop, December 20th, 2025
Nature Mandala Workshop for Adults on Saturday, December 20th 10 am- 12 noon
Full description and recommended gear is listed on Nature Mandala Spring Workshop.
Join us for this two hour workshop where we will learn about mandalas, their history and use. Then, we will talk about ritual(s) and impermanence and finally, move into an “active” workshop where we will explore the grounds and gather nature objects to create our Mandala(s). Your choice of working on a collective Mandala or a personal smaller version.
Rituals are a lost art, and yet a chance to reflect, lean in, and focus all while slowing down. Impermanence is yet another experience, showing us how life is fleeting and how experiences are meaningful and precious.
This workshop is not meant to be mental health support. Please reach out directly to Laura should you have any questions prior to or during the registration process.
Cost is $ 25.00 per person. Register for Winter session here. Light Refreshments
Workshop is being held at Listening Wellness Center 35 South Street, Barre MA Please register to ensure space, supplies and to receive a detailed email prior to the event.
Map of Memory Lane, a children’s book & workshop
Coming soon: If interested, please inquire to get put on the list for the next session.
Children can join Laura for a 30-45 minute workshop or individual session where they can explore “Memory Lane.” Using a wonderfully written picture book by Francesca Lynn Arnoldy with art by YoungJu Kim, this book can actually be used for “children of all ages.” It is a gentle walk through the main character’s life with her Nana, and how Memory Lane can be accessed. Francesca has included a companion activity book for supporting kids through the process. In addition there will be a one page “Tips for Supporting Children through Difficult Conversations and the Inevitability of Loss” for parents to take home.
Gift Certificates
Holiday shopping? special occasion? just because… but you can’t quite come up with something unique or creative? A gift certificate is a wonderful option. Laura says, Personally, yes, send me one, I love to have the flexibility to buy something for myself and not feel guilty about it!!
So, “The Journey Before Us” offers a solution for your gift giving needs, a gift certificate in any denomination and it is valid for any of the services offered, whether one-on-one coaching, workshops, consultation or planning. You can’t go wrong.
Email us at [email protected] or call 802-734-0879
Living Fully & Dying Prepared, 6 week workshop
Coming soon to a town / location near you. Would you like to host in your town? at your Senior Center, Church/Synagogue, Place of Business or at your Organization? If you are interested, please inquire with Laura. Email: [email protected]
Past events
These are past events and workshops. Should you not find what you are looking for in our current offerings, please reach out to inquire, our schedule is always changing.
Integrative Health & Wellness Coaching, what is it? Ask Laura! February 12th in Barre, MA
Join Laura for a free one hour conversation. You’ll hear about what integrative coaching is, how it is is similar and different to other types of coaching. Also, how it could support you and your needs in daily life, in special circumstances and with your own wishes for preventative wellness and support for chronic illness or diagnosis.
At Listening Wellness Center Barre, MA. This is being offered on two dates. Wednesday, February 12th 6:00 pm-7:00 pm or Tuesday, February 25th 10:00 am-11:00 am
RSVP needed. Please click here to register.
“Being a Friend in Grief” Workshop – Thursday December 12th in Barre, MA
an interactive workshop led by Laura Dusha Nelson at Listening Wellness Center in Barre, MA on Thursday, December 12th 7:00 pm-8:15 pm
Grief is universal. Grief is personal. And grief can be overwhelming. How can we show up for people facing loss? What can we say? What can we do? What kind of support is actually beneficial? We’ll discuss the language of grief including what to say and what not to say, how to offer emotional care and practical assistance to the bereaved with sensitivity.”
$10 per person, register online-click here (see flyer for QR code and contact information if questions.)
**This is not mental health training or grief support; it is a community education event meant to help increase our courage, confidence, and connection as friends, loved ones and neighbors.
Gift Certificates available
Holiday shopping? special occasion? just because… but you can’t quite come up with something unique or creative? A gift certificate is a wonderful option. Laura says, Personally, yes, send me one, I love to have the flexibility to buy something for myself and not feel guilty about it!!
So, “The Journey Before Us” offers a solution for your gift giving needs, a gift certificate in any denomination and it is valid for any of the services offered, whether one-on-one coaching, workshops, consultation or planning. You can’t go wrong.
Email us at [email protected] or call 802-734-0879
Living Fully and Dying Prepared 6 week workshop in Barre, MA Thursday evenings January 2025
A six week workbook series to Reflect Back, Plan Ahead and Find Peace on Your Journey.
Starts January 30th in Barre, MA 6:30 pm for 6 weeks.
Join us for this series at Listening Wellness Center 35 South Street, Barre, MA
Don’t miss out! Reserve your space-click here $129.00 per person. Only 7 spaces available.
Please purchase “The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared” workbook, available at Barnes and Noble or Amazon.
Email [email protected] with any questions. Full details of workshop on flyer. Additional offerings will be coming up in the future in various locations.
Free Information Session in Berlin, MA
Join Laura at 19 Carter in Berlin, MA for a free information session exploring the role of an End-of-Life Doula, and Death Literacy Specialist as well as information about the Living Fully and Dying Prepared 6 week workshop series.
Tuesday, September 24th at 5:00 pm
Free Information Session in Barre, MA
Join Laura for a free information session in Barre, MA on the role of an end-of-life doula, death literacy specialist, and the Living Fully and Dying Prepared Workshops.
Wednesday, August 7th at 6:00 pm at Listening Wellness Center
Living Fully & Dying Prepared (6 week) Workshop offered as part of Bay Path Adult Evening Classes
Limited Enrollment – Registration Begins August 12, 2024
Register directly with Bay Path Fee for this series is $129.00 plus workbook.
Living Fully & Dying Prepared Workshop-Barre, MA
A six week book series in Barre, MA. Join us for this series at Listening Wellness Center on Friday mornings UPDATED START DATE of September 6th This will run September 6 -October 11th, 8:30 am-10:30 am Don’t miss out! Reserve your space at this introductory price of $85.00 per person. Limited to 10 participants.
Please email [email protected] with any questions. For more information on Listening Wellness Center visit their website www.listeningwellness.org
Additional offerings coming up in various locations. Pricing after September 1 is $129.00 with sliding scale.
Evening offering is now only at Bay Path. The Wednesday evening session that was scheduled at Listening Wellness Center is cancelled.
Death Literacy Book Group for June
June 2024 The FREE book discussion group meets on ZOOM on the first Monday* of the month starting June 3rd at 6:30 pm EST. Please email [email protected] with the Subject: BOOK GROUP: Death Literacy to get ZOOM link and details.
Book for June 2024 “Annie Freeman’s Fabulous Traveling Funeral” by Kris Radish. Visit her website for more info.
The forward says, “This book, which some might think is about dying, is really about living. It is for any woman-every woman-who has ever lost something or someone she loved and then grieved, touched the sorrowful edges of her own soul, embraced the heart of loss-and then moved forward. “
Check out our other monthly group, Health and Wellness related topics. * Dates may be adjusted due to holidays.
Living Fully & Dying Prepared Workshop-Evening
A six week book series EVENING Option for this workshop is currently through Bay Path Nights. See description above for details.
Please email [email protected] with any questions or to inquire about future evening programs.
Death Literacy Monthly Book Group
A monthly book discussion on a topic related to Death, Dying, Grief or a related topic. This group meets on ZOOM on the first Monday* of the month at 6:00 pm EST. Please email [email protected] with the Subject: BOOK GROUP: Death Literacy to get further information. 2024 list of books in photo (always subject to changes)
Check out our other monthly group, Health and Wellness related topics. *
Health & Wellness Book Group
A once a month book discussion on a topic related to Health & Wellness related topics. This group meets on ZOOM on the second Monday** of the month starting July 1st at 6:00 pm EST. Please email [email protected] with the Subject: BOOK GROUP: Health & Wellness to get further information. Check out our other monthly group, Death Literacy with Death, Dying and Grief related topics. **Always subject to changes. Dates might be adjusted due to holidays.
Worcester Women’s Leadership Conference, Vendor
Thursday, May 2nd, 7:30 am-4:00 pm, DCU Center, Worcester, MA
Details can be found by clicking here
Rutland Historical Society Spring Fair, Vendor
Saturday, May 18th, 10:00 am-2:00 pm, Main Street, Rutland, MA
Details about the event can be found here
Barre MA 250th Anniversary Fall Fair, Vendor
Saturday, September 14th, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, On the Common, Barre, MA
Living Fully & Dying Prepared, 6 week workshop
March 27-May 2nd, Princeton, MA –This workshop is full. Please inquire about the next one.