Coming Together: A Training at Omega Institute
by Loren Talbot
INELDA returned to the Omega Institute for a five-day training on its beautiful Hudson Valley campus in New York. The week was led by educator Wilka Roig, who brought together 74 individuals from around the country and world—each carrying their unique experiences—to explore their mortality and learn how to support others at the end of life.
We were excited to be back in this welcoming environment for a second year. Omega was founded in 1977 and is a nonprofit, donor-supported, educational organization at the forefront of holistic studies. The institute is located on more than 250 acres and puts forth a wide variety of workshops, retreats, conferences, and professional trainings.
Omega housed our training in the main hall, a cathedral ceiling space with views of the field and trees. Participants engaged in convivial discussions, considered the current culture around death and grief, faced serious issues, explored perspectives, reformulated concepts and approaches, and shared from experience, making for a rich learning space.
INELDA returned to the Omega Institute for a five-day training on its beautiful Hudson Valley campus in New York. The week was led by educator Wilka Roig, who brought together 74 individuals from around the country and world—each carrying their unique experiences—to explore their mortality and learn how to support others at the end of life.
We were excited to be back in this welcoming environment for a second year. Omega was founded in 1977 and is a nonprofit, donor-supported, educational organization at the forefront of holistic studies. The institute is located on more than 250 acres and puts forth a wide variety of workshops, retreats, conferences, and professional trainings.
Omega housed our training in the main hall, a cathedral ceiling space with views of the field and trees. Participants engaged in convivial discussions, considered the current culture around death and grief, faced serious issues, explored perspectives, reformulated concepts and approaches, and shared from experience, making for a rich learning space.
Between the rippling soundwaves from her chime, Wilka shared stories of her life, allowing participants the opportunity to see how offering doula support has shown up for her. This included her perspective on how to elevate communities: “Privilege is power. If I am privileged in one of my identities, then I will use it to the benefit of all,” she told participants. She closely carries the people she has been a doula for over the years, and their stories came alive as we gathered in the space.
Walking on the winding paths to lunch one afternoon, we were stopped by an individual in the training requesting more practice, scenarios, and time together. During Omega’s customary community Wednesday afternoon off, the informal “death and dying story hour” turned into nearly four hours of inspired storytelling, moving explorations, and deep sharing.
INELDA’s director of operations, Katina Perkins, offered her perspective on the five-day training:
“Being the educator assistant supporting Wilka during INELDA’s end-of-life doula training at the Omega Institute was a deeply rewarding experience. The tranquil and nurturing atmosphere of Omega enhanced our ability to guide participants through this profound journey, fostering a supportive and transformative learning environment. It was truly inspiring to witness the dedication and growth of each individual as they prepared to make a meaningful impact in end-of-life care, and to be part of a community committed to compassionate and holistic support.”
In gratitude for this powerful shared experience: a deep dive into our nature as people who go through losses and transform through our grieving, as equals and as people who are going to die—and who are called to this labor of service.
We love having our online trainings, yet being able to come together in person and see the informal connections that occur at meals or outside of the hall fosters a rooted level of community and connection.