Friends of California Grief Center,

We owe much to the women who have shaped justice, economic empowerment, and civil rights, often without recognition. To Charlotte E. Ray, who broke barriers as the first Black woman lawyer in the United States, using her legal expertise to fight for justice in a world that tried to silence her. To Maggie Lena Walker, whose vision and leadership in banking empowered Black communities, proving that financial independence was not just a dream but a reality within reach. To Tye Leung Schulze, who defied societal norms, becoming the first Chinese American woman to vote in the U.S. and paving the way for greater representation in government.

May their dedication remind us that progress is not granted—it is claimed by those who refuse to accept exclusion, by those who push forward when the door is closed, by those who insist on justice, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Honoring Women’s Wisdom: A Free Virtual Gathering for International Women’s Day (Saturday March 8th)

Join us online this International Women’s Day—Saturday, March 8th, from 5:00 to 6:30 PM (PST) / 8:00 to 9:30 PM (EST)—for a free virtual gathering that celebrates the contributions of women, past and present, and the wisdom they have carried through generations.

We’ll begin with a short ceremony, honoring the knowledge, resilience, and perspectives of women—so often overlooked, dismissed, or written out of dominant (male) historical narratives. From there, we’ll move into a guided meditation, followed by an interactive mindfulness activity centered on "The Invisible Work of Women," inspired by Ursula K. Le Guin’s powerful reflections.

For those who would like to read Le Guin’s essay Introducing Myself (also published as What Women Know in some collections), you’ll find a copy below.

This is a space to witness, acknowledge, and embody the ongoing impact of women in our families, communities, and the world. All are welcome.

🔗Register Here

5-Year HOPE Group Celebration with Trudy Goodman: Mindfulness, Deep Suffering & Finding Light in the Darkness (Free Virtual Event)

Join us on Saturday, March 29th, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM (PST) as we celebrate five years of the Mindfulness and Deep Suffering HOPE Group (Healing Ourselves through the Present Experience).

We are honored to welcome back Trudy Goodman—renowned mindfulness teacher, psychotherapist, and founding teacher of InsightLA—for her annual dharma talk. Trudy has played a pivotal role in integrating mindfulness into Western therapy and secular spaces, blending Buddhist wisdom with modern mental health practices. In these challenging times, her presence and guidance are a gift.

Our gathering will begin with a guided meditation, followed by Trudy’s dharma talk to help us stay present amidst life’s uncertainties. We will then open space for reflection and connection, sharing what keeps us anchored through change.

Come as you are—with hope, exhaustion, or anything in between. Let’s navigate this moment together.

🔗Register Here

Upcoming Opportunities for Connection

💛 Mindfulness-Based Grief Relief (MBGR) Practice Group

Healing Ourselves through the Present Moment (HOPE)

📅 Next Virtual Session: Saturday, April 26 | 10:00 AM (PT) | 1.5 hours (Zoom)

🔗Register Here

At the California Grief Center, we offer grief therapy and group experiences designed to support you through loss. Visit www.caligrief.com to learn more about our services and upcoming events.

With care and compassion,

Brian Stefan, LCSW

Founder, California Grief Center