As a death worker and former grief counselor, I often hear how many things went unspoken at the end of someone's life because no one knew how to have the tough conversations. There is regret, shame and a sense of unfinished loss. It doesn't have to be this way.

What if we reframed these conversations from impossible talks that only lead to loss to opportunities to show the people we love how much they mean to us?

Inspired by the Japanese art of ikebana and the saying "give them their flowers while they're still here to enjoy them," While There's Still Time is a gathering to turn our feelings - whether easy or difficult to hold - into a physical gift. Using written prompts and the gentle rhythm of communal presence, we will explore how to put words to grief while you create a floral arrangement to give to someone who needs to know what is in your heart.

Ideas for who to gift your While There’s Still Time flowers to: a loved one who is sick or dying; an ancestor via an altar or a grave visit; a mentor, elder, sibling or friend you are grateful for; someone you have a strained relationship with; someone who brings you joy; yourself!