Death Cafe write-ups
Our third cafe was the best attended yet, with sixteen people - not bad for a small market town venue.
We even attracted coverage of Radio Lancashire with several attendees being interviewed by Joe Wilson. Thier views on the importance of Death Cafes could be heard on his Sunday morning "Faith" programme - and you can still listen to it on BBC iplayer.
As usual we had a fascinating mix of people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Those who didn't know what to expect said how much they'd enjoyed the evening and that they'd bring a friend to the next event!
So why ...
Death Cafe in Fairfield, Iowa Write up
Posted by Thresholdingjennifer on Feb. 24, 2014, 7:59 a.m.
Our first Death Cafe in Fairfield, Iowa was a great success. We had 32 people divided in two groups. The cozy setting of a classy coffee shop made for a wonderful afternoon of sharing, stories, laughter, tears and loving kindness. The response was overwhelmingly positive and as we had a 'wait list', we are planning our next Death Cafe in a month. The format really supported the ease and effectiveness of this event!
Death Cafe - Northumberland, Canada Write up
Posted by Northumberland on Feb. 23, 2014, 4:45 p.m.
Our first Death Cafe event, even with the winter storm, was well attended.
Our first event took place in Warkworth Ontario with an attendance of 27 people. There were 23 women and 4 men. The age range was predominately between 65-74, followed by the range of 55-64. We allowed a half hour for everyone to get settled with their tea and treats before we started our meeting.
Introducing what a death cafe was and where it all began was a good beginning. The venue we had arranged, allowed for wonderful conversations to unfold. Warm fireplace and individual tables created an intimate, but open atmosphere. Participants felt safe.
Everyone ...
The first Lawrence Death Cafe was a colossal success! The success is due 100% to attendees! Intriguing, profound, illuminating conversations whizzing by so fast the time disappeared. A huge thanks to Mari, Bar, JoAnn, KC and everyone for a thought provoking, exciting afternoon and treats fit for kings and queens. Posted on Facebook: Went far beyond my expectations for intrigue, education, mystery, profound contributions, spellbound interest, each person sharing with dignity and respect!
from host: Constance
I met with others for the first Lawrence Death Cafe and it was brilliant! I feel quite inspired to do more reading on the topics we discussed. I especially enjoyed the diversity ...
Louisville's 1st Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Justin Magnuson on Feb. 20, 2014, 8:17 p.m.
Louisville's first Death Cafe went off without a hitch! It was a small, invitation only, group, but the conversation moved easily over a myriad of topics in the 90 minute session.
Although much of the discussion revolved around the perception that the medical field has played a large role in our cultural disconnect from death there was still several personal themes and stories that emerged. I had some trepidation about moderating potential conflict or establishing boundaries, but overall the time passed very quickly and everyone in attendance participated.
When it was time to close several people stayed and talked, closing ideas and offering topics for "next time ...
At our last Death Cafe we had a participant who shared his Near Death Experiences, someone shared the experience of accompanying their parent through the process of dying and the postive feelings they both recieved from it, we discussed cremation vs alkaline hydrolysis, green cemetaries, having a "Death" file for family and friends to access after you die, etc.
We enjoyed tea and cookies while we visited and welcome anyone who would like to join us.
Death Cafe Ukiah Write up
Posted by Death Cafe Ukiah on Feb. 17, 2014, 10:38 p.m.
We had a wonderful group in February with heartfelt discussions. Our next Cafe is March 1, 2914, same place, 2-4PM. New faces are always welcome.
Death Cafe, Brisbane, Queensland Write up
Posted by Beth OBrien on Feb. 16, 2014, 8:39 p.m.
Discussion as usual was lively and interesting. We had a discussion about whether there were any movies on the afterlife, and how people rely on information from TV and film. Talk then moved to the topic of dying at home, and how most people don't know about the local palliative care teams, and rely heavily on hospital admissions instead. We discussed the process of when a person dies, and how they are cared for before taken into the care of a funeral home. On a digital note we noted the interesting webpage e-closure that offers a service to turn off all of your digital life when you ...
Death Cafe Blue Mountains Write up
Posted by Death Cafe Castlemaine on Feb. 16, 2014, 5:08 a.m. 1 comment
This latest Death Cafe was co-hosted by myself (Hayley West) and Kerrie Noonan.
I opened procedings talking about my arts practise and research topic as a Masters candidate - 'The Vestigial: remnants of the dead and demands on the living'. My interest area being what to do with objects and memories left behind when loved ones die. I read a passage from 'Objects of the Dead' by Brisbane writer Margaret Gibson, a fabulous book.
With a few artists present it made for interesting creative talk around arts practises and death related inquiries.
We were also introduced to the 'Shroud Momento' project by Helen Dunne who came up from Sydney ...
Lincolns Death Cafe held on Feb. 6 was a great success! We had 19 people and everyones responses on the survey were positive. They are asking for more, wanting friends and family to attend. The Loveknot Coffee Shoppe was a great venue, big thanks to Roxanne. Thanks to all who helped and participated. Watch FaceBook for further Death Cafes!
Death Cafe in Charlotte, NC Write up
Posted by Gaye Dimmick on Feb. 14, 2014, 12:13 p.m.
Because of snow. Next one Feb 25.
Friendly & Fearless Tucson Death Cafe Write up
Posted by tucsondeathcafe on Feb. 13, 2014, 2:27 p.m.
Tucson meeting #16 happened Feb 4th at Big Moe's Coffee Emporium, in the Metal Arts Village. The turn out was enough to pleasantly crowd the coffee shop on a chilly evening in the desert, opened exclusively in the evening for Death Cafe by owner/host Tammi. As a special treat Tammi featured "Death by Chocolate" hot cocoa - your choice of white, mild or dark chocolate no less!!
Also lending a bit more excitement, an independent, documentary film crew from LA was here to film us (willing participants only). Facilitators Kristine and Cindy began with brief introductions, and reviewed the suggestion for tonight. Participants had been invited to ...
Death Cafe in Fairfield, Iowa Write up
Posted by Thresholdingjennifer on Feb. 12, 2014, 7:41 p.m.
This Death Cafe is now full. We will keep you posted on future Death Cafes in Fairfield in the coming months. Please go to www.thresholdingcare.com for updates for these events in this area!
Albuquerque Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Gail Rubin, CT on Feb. 11, 2014, 5:40 p.m.
On Saturday, February 2, 18 people came to share their thoughts on mortality to get the most out of this [finite] lifetime at the latest Albuquerque Death Cafe. The eight men and ten women all had their individual reasons for attending the free event at Sheila’s Sweets, and the conversation was fascinating, as always.
Lola the plastic skeleton presided at the head of the table, wearing a cowboy outfit. Remember, “whatever Lola wants, Lola gets.” Death is a lot like that.
The conversation started with the topic of New Mexico’s new status as a state that allows physician aid-in-dying, joining Oregon, Washington, Vermont and Montana. Talk ...
It has been said that a helpful approach to any issues we encounter is to ‘begin with the end in mind’ (Covey’s Highly Effective Habits)
The evening of January 28th saw the first Death Cafe Hitchin. It was a great success with people coming from across the region. They had travelled from as far away as Norwich & Brixton! And a big thank you to them all. For it is people & the relationships we create that ensures the intimacy & sharing that occurs in this unique forum.