Why are we here, and what gives life meaning? We will explore how major religious traditions answer this question, how poets, artists, and people from different walks of life have searched for purpose in their own lives, and how we make meaning ourselves.

Anna Kruse is a midlife Master’s in Social Work student at Columbia and a Master’s in Divinity student at Union Theological Seminary. She has led groups for people experiencing all kinds of life transitions.

She is an avid reader and loves movies. Having lost many people close to her, she knows what it’s like to feel like you’re doing grief wrong! She believes that storytelling, community, laughter, and practical care can help diminish feelings of grief and create more joy.