Caring for a loved one can be deeply meaningful – and deeply exhausting. The Heartful Compass is a welcoming workshop series designed to help family caregivers pause, reflect, and reconnect with themselves. Through expressive arts, storytelling, and gentle movements (can be done from sitting position,) you’ll explore your caregiving journey in a supportive space that honors your experience and fosters emotional renewal. No artistic experience or other supplies needed – just a willingness to show up and breathe. Whether you’re caring for a parent, partner, child, or friend, this series offers tools to help you navigate the emotional terrain of caregiving with more clarity, creativity, and connection.
What participants will experience:
Guided creative non-judgement exercises (art, writing, gentle movement, music.)
Reflective prompts to explore the caregiving story
Supportive group sharing (optional, and always gentle)
Practice tools for emotional resilience
Who should attend?
This series is open to any family caregiver age 18 and over. No creative experience, educational obtainment, or other pre-requisites required or necessary.
Overview of the Series
WORKSHOP ONE: ROOTED IN GRATITUDE (April 17, 2027)
Focus: Cultivating Awareness of the Good
Objectives:
Help caregivers recognize moments of joy, connection, and meaning
Use expressive arts to explore and express appreciation
Foster a sense of community and shared humanity
WORKSHOP TWO: THE HONEST MIRROR (May 15, 2027 | registration opening soon)
Focus: Reflecting on Challenges with Compassion
Objectives:
Encourage honest reflection on the personal caregiving experiences
Use movement and writing to explore emotional complexity
Support emotional release and self-compassion
WORKSHOP THREE: IMAGINING RENEWAL (June 19, 2027 | registration opening soon)
Focus: Envisioning a balanced future
Objectives:
Assist caregivers to articulate their hopes and intentions for the future
Use visual and sound representations to express renewal
Support integration of insights into daily life
Event Details
Cost: $25, includes the workshop and lunch
Registration deadline: April 10, 2027
About the Facilitator
Alice Jacobs Vestergaard Ed.D., MA, MS, MCHES is an internationally recognized author, trainer, and consultant with work in both the private and public sectors. She brings her passion and advocacy for new models of caregiving and wellness. She served as a Chaplain Resident at Sutter Health, and as a University Professor, and is the Director of Brain Gain: www.braingain.info
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