Latest Death Cafe News
Link: What role theatre-making and the performing arts can play in opening conversations about dying
Posted by MovingPieces on Jan. 4, 2018, 6:17 a.m.
An upcoming weekend workshop that looks at how creative techniques from physical theatre and the performing arts can help protect emotional wellbeing during grief and initate open conversations about dying.
Death Cafe write up: Chambana Death Cafe December 16, 2017
Posted by Sherry Gilles on Jan. 3, 2018, 2:12 p.m.
We met at Unity Church and Spiritual Center in Urbana, IL. There were six of us. I speculate that attendance was low due to the holidays. One person came and then left because he felt ill.
Coffee and cookies were served. One of the attendees brought home made cookies. They were very tasty.
We had an interesting conversation covering old and fertile ground including types of burials and customs surrounding some of them. Also, this being the time of year when focus wanders to death of family members and friends, people talked about that as well.
The most interesting part of this death cafe is that one of ...
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe Atlanta
Posted by Lisa Oliver on Dec. 22, 2017, 9:47 a.m.
Admittedly, I wasn't too excited about holding the Death Cafe on this day. For one, it was raining and in Atlanta Georgia, any inclement weather is a reason for people to NOT show up.
Six (6!) people showed up! One person even took the bus to attend. The group brought diverse perspectives to the discussion.
One factor I need to get a better handle on is people going off topic and holding the group hostage with their stories. I want to be polite and I feel that the individual must NEED to get it off his or her chest, but mannnn....it can take the joy out ...
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe ZARAUTZ (SPAIN)
Posted by amaiartze on Dec. 20, 2017, 11:19 a.m.
In this fourth edition in our city 17 people attended to the invitation. As in previous opportunities, most of them were women (13).
Some different approaches about death appeared:
· No acceptance: incomprehension of death, rejection to loss, “I don’t want to think”, “I don’t want to die”.
· Questions: about great beyond, about how to confront the farewell when there is a fight for remaining, the fear of what is to come.
· Decision about the own death: suicide and freedom.
· Positivity: illness as a learning tool, for opening, for developing the willingness to live thoroughly without so many limitations.
· Hope: near death experiences, the belief that there ...
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe Lagos
Posted by Hope Ogbologugo on Dec. 19, 2017, 10:31 p.m.
“Why are you here?” The host asked each of the attendees gathered around the white round table in a KFC outlet in Surulere.
“I’m curious about the meeting and wondering why people will be talking about death.”
“The only reason I’m here is ‘cos I came along with my brother, to make sure he doesn't have suicide tendencies, this one he is meeting up with people that are talking about death." This caused an outburst of laughter around the table and set Death Cafe; firmly underway for the last time in 2017, the year it first began in Lagos, Nigeria
Within the next 90 minutes ...
Death Cafe write up: Carmel Death Cafe
Posted by evoci on Dec. 18, 2017, 2:57 p.m.
We met at the Church and 12 people attended, 4 of them new to the group. Our conversation was free-ranging as we discussed how we want to be remembered, and our life legacies, along with describing a death that influenced how we think of death. Holiday cupcakes added a festive and delicious touch for our gathering and our fellowship of kindred spirits.
A great big congratulations to HUCI who have co-ordinated the 2nd Death Cafe Massive taking place on 13th December across four countries and 23 cities:
Tucumán (Argentina), Toledo , Lima (Peru), Madrid and Madrid 2 , Collado Villalba , Seville , Pamplona , Hospitalet , Granada , Talavera , Alicante , Vigo , Malaga , Zarautz , Algorta , Burgos , Donostia , Murcia ...
http://humanizandoloscuidadosintensivos.com/es/131217-hablemosdelamuerte/
Death Cafe write up: Death Cafe Michigan
Posted by David Small PhD on Dec. 5, 2017, 3:55 p.m.
On November 16 we had in attendance 6 people who were very interested in talking about and sharing their personal expereinces concerning death. There is a lot of curiosity out there about this subject - one which many of us have been taught not to talk too much about. However, our group demonstrated that given the opportunity and a truly safe place to talk about it and lots of feelings, thoughts and emotions will come out. I am looking forward to our next Cafe to be held on December 14 in the same location.
Death Cafe write up: Low Country Death Cafe
Posted by Jan Schreiber on Dec. 5, 2017, 2:59 p.m. 1 comment
Apparently, a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon didn’t keep people away! With over 17 participants, 11 were first-timers. Possibly, because it was scheduled at the beginning of the (sometimes difficult) holidays or because the venue, Bridge To Avalon, “is a “spiritual center & collaborative environment for the healing arts” ...either way, people arrived ready to share. And share they did!
It was a deeply emotional afternoon, with discussion relating to profound loss, resistive acceptance, deep sorrow & rage.
Comments included: ok to be angry, thankful for the conversation, healing, expanded perspective/compassion, very uplifting, less prompting from the facilitator, meet more often please!
Am hoping to schedule the next Low ...
Death Cafe write up: Chambana Death Cafe November 25, 2017
Posted by Sherry Gilles on Dec. 4, 2017, 10:40 a.m.
We met in the basement of the Urbana Library and had a good conversation. Four attendees were new. We served coffee and cake and it was well-received.
Conversation topics were: history of death through the ages, home versus funeral home funerals, and unscrupulous behavior by family members at the time of or after death.
One woman discussed that her Mom gave her post it notes to mark items she would like to have after her mother died.
Another person said she had a similar experience with colored dots. Every sibling marked what they wanted and, if two or more people claimed something, they had to work it out ...
Death Cafe write up: Annville Free Library’s Second Death Cafe
Posted by BLLLINK on Dec. 2, 2017, 6:24 p.m.
This second Death Cafe of the year at the Annville Free Library was another intimate setting that attracted 10 people who didn't know one another before today.
Following the two hour conversation with cake, coffee, tea and chocolates, the mutual trust and, yes, friendship was special.
Everyone was so glad they came and they'll look for the next one.
Death Cafe write up: Monmouth County Death Cafe
Posted by Beth Almerini on Dec. 1, 2017, 11:09 a.m.
As usual, we had a wonderful meeting with very interesting conversation. Those attending included a member of clergy, two death doulas, a pet bereavement specialist, a nurse, and others from all walks of life. Some of the topics were how the lack of community and connections contribute to difficulties around death and dying, the ethical issues around suicide and assistance in dying, and how realizing the inevitability of death can help make life so much more full and meaningful. Looking forward to December's meeting!
Death Cafe write up: Swindon Death Cafe
Posted by Sue Holden on Nov. 30, 2017, 7:28 a.m.
We looked at whether the original meaning and celebration of Halloween has been lost in the commercialism of our present world. There followed a very interesting discussion of our ancestors and how pagans view death dying and living.