Upcoming events and workshops
December 8th- Sip, Shop and Soothe Your Soul – in West Boylston
Reserve your space today for this intimate gathering for women. Erin Tanner, Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Laura will explore “The Most Wonderful Time of The Year,” because as many know, it is not always the happiest or most joyful time, especially for those experiencing new losses in their life, missing traditions and so much more. Join us, won’t you?
5:00 pm is the Sip and Shop and as long as you come over by 6:00 pm you will be right on time for the workshop portion. Registration is on Erin’s website by clicking here
January 5, 2026- Living Fully & Dying Prepared Six Week Workshop in West Boylston
Mondays from 9am to 11am starting on January 5th
Specific dates: Mondays, January 5, 12, 26, February 2, 9, 23 (hold March 2 as a makeup date)
You will find clarity and peace of mind as we gently wade into conversations about life and death. Engaging activities, discussions and holding space for one another as we reflect back, plan ahead and find peace on our journey.
Register at the West Boylston Senior Center desk 508-835-6916
Special Rate: $65.00 includes the Living Fully and Dying Prepared Workbook (a $21-24 value) and other resources. This rate is made possible by a grant from The Community Death Literacy Project. Workbooks are available to you as soon as you register.
February 4, 2026- Life Review with Templeton Seniors
Have you ever stopped and taken a few moments to reflect back on the life you have lived? What decade is your favorite? Where did you go as a child? What are your favorite memories? and, of course, what was difficult?
We’ll gather after lunch to enjoy our coffee and dessert and talk about these things…. see what comes up for you and how you wish to continue making memories in the time to come. Maybe other’s stories will inspire you, and or help to form a connection with a like minded individual. Maybe it will be a chance to plan a gift for a family member or friend.
We never know where our conversations will lead when we begin exploring our life! Join US! Won’t you?
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 thejourneybeforeus@gmail.com 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: thejourneybeforeus@gmail.com
WAITLIST–Living Fully, Dying Prepared Community Series! 2025-2026 Programs-See Info Below
Coming Soon: Multiple locations in Worcester County, Massachusetts- PLEASE Scan the QR Code or click here and add yourself to the waitlist to receive updates on Fall 2025 workshops
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.
November 3–Living Fully and Dying Prepared- A six-week workshop in Barre, MA
A welcoming workshop that invites you to reflect back, turn inward, plan ahead and find peace on your journey. We will use the book “The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared” by Francesca Arnoldy.
Anticipate engaging activities & discussions about life and how to prepare in advance for its end, adding to clarity and your peace of mind. Led by a caring, knowledgeable educator.
DATES : Mondays: November 3, 10, 17, 24 and December 1, 8 (please hold 15 for make-up class)
Please REGISTER online by scanning code or clicking here.
Special Rate: $65.00 includes the Living Fully and Dying Prepared Workbook (a $21-24 value) and other resources. This rate is made possible by a grant from The Community Death Literacy Project. Workbooks are available to you as soon as you register, Laura will arrange for delivery.
December 1– Free Info Session-Living Fully Six Week Workshop
Come by the West Boylston Senior Center and meet Laura. Learn about the upcoming six week workshop series, ask questions and try a sample exercise from the program.
Monday, December 1st at 10:00 a.m. Please register for this Free Info Session by calling the West Boylston Senior Center directly at 508-835-6916.
Free Information Session at Paige Memorial Library
Tuesday, October 7th at 6:00 p.m. Meet Laura and learn about the Living Fully and Dying Prepared Six Week Community Series. We’ll have an engaging conversation about what one can expect in the six week series. You can view the workbook, hear about other resources and ask questions. We’ll do an interactive exercise from the series that you can participate in/experience and sharing is optional. This info session, as well as the six week series offer a gently way to wade into conversations about our own mortality, how to prepare in advance by reflecting on where we are, what we wish to do with our one life and how we want to leave- what it means to live our life fully.
Please let the library know you are going to attend by calling them at 413-477-6704 or emailing them at director.paigelibrary@gmail.com
Free Information Session at West Boylston Senior Center
Tuesday, September 23rd at 2:00 p.m. Meet Laura and learn about the Living Fully, Dying Prepared Six Week Community Series. We’ll have an engaging conversation about what one can expect in the six week series. You can view the workbook and ask questions. We’ll have an interactive exercise that you can participate in, sharing is optional.
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.
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 thejourneybeforeus@gmail.com) 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
“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
Gift Certificates to “The Journey Before Us” for all of your holiday shopping needs. A gift certificate is a wonderful option when you aren’t sure what “just the right thing is for someone.” Laura loves gift certificates that way she can pick out something herself, and not feel guilty about shopping! Maybe someone you know feels the same way.
Our gift certificates are valid in any denomination and for any of the services offered, whether one-on-one coaching, workshops, consultations or planning. It is “truly” a gift. Please reach out with any questions.
Email us at thejourneybeforeus@gmail.com 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 thejourneybeforeus@gmail.com with any questions. Full details of workshop on flyer. Additional offerings will be coming up in the future in various locations.
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.
Death Cafe in Barre, MA, April 15, 2025
Death Cafes happen across the world to increase awareness of death with an aim to help people make the most of our lives.
Woods Memorial Library in Barre, MA is offering this space and refreshments for our conversation. This is a discussion group, not a therapy or counseling. There is no agenda or objective, only discussion. Spaces are limited. Registration at the Library click here to go to their events page.
Free to attend. There will be tea and cakes. Please register!
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.
This event is cancelled.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.
