The temps have finally dropped here along the Quinobequin / Charles River and I am dreaming of a winter filled with rich conversations and a roaring oven. I have some really exciting interviews planned and want to announce the first two installments of “coming into memory work,” a series of experimental winter workshops for reframing and reclaiming the family historian role. Part skill share, part peer support, part history exploration, we will build our practices as memory workers and put them into their larger context of history, collective liberation and repair.
First wil be Listening is Emotional Labor, a workshop I’ve offered a number of times, this time focused on preparing for what for many of us is a time of year filled with family and community gatherings. It’s a nourishing and reflective dive into listening practice, self-care, boundary setting and presence. Rooted in my background in oral history, but bolstered by my recent learning in somatic trauma healing, and the wisdom of the group. I hope you’ll join us.
These workshops are for:
. folks who are new to family history or ancestor practice and want help getting started
. longtime memory keepers who want to reflect on their work, what it means and how it fits in to a bigger picture
. parents and future parents thinking about how to document family in our digital era
. people who want to expand the idea of family by doing lineage work with their communities of choice
. descendants of families who have emphasized hereditary status who want to redirect their generation’s actions towards repair and healing
. folks who work with families professionally, such as teachers, therapists, childcare, and birth workers
. professional listeners and memory workers, such as historians, folklorists, artists, and tradition bearers
. anyone wondering how climate change will affect how we pass memories down to our descendants
Participants will join a recorded live zoom, and get access to downloads and shared resources. $20 FOR CONVENTICLE SUBSCRIBERS or trade accepted. I keep a handwritten list of participants so please let me know if you have questions or would like to join!
Next workshop will be in December, for talking about passing down food traditions and recipes. Can’t wait to learn with and from you.
Diana- The title of this immediately stood out. Listening definitely is an emotional labor. Thank you so much for sharing.