Death Cafe write-ups
Sonntag Nachmittag, der erste schöne Tag nach einer verregneten Woche, noch dazu Wahlsonntag, und dennoch kamen 14 Menschen wieder zum Death Cafe. Es war wieder eine schöne Mischung aus wiederkehrenden und neuen Gästen, die sich in einer sehr wohltuenden und angenehmen Atmosphäre austauschen konnten. Zentrale Themen waren die schwierigen Umorientierung im Leben einer Witwe, der Umgang mit trauernden Menschen (Was hilft? Was kommt überhaupt an? Was mag man gar nicht mehr hören?), die Angst vor dem Verlust, Grabpflege, Erinnerungstätten, Bestattungskosten ... Es sind wieder Tränen geflossen, es wurde auch wieder viel gelacht, und es war wieder eine große Bereicherung.
It seemed that the date for our June Death Café came around so fast this month that I couldn’t help feeling that it was only yesterday when we had last met for Death Café Marrickville, and this time as then, conversation was rich and meaningful, at times painful as tender spots were touched, open, frank and thoughtful.
As is often the case, people brought all manner of life experience/s with them. Some were recently bereaved and grieving, some worked in varying professional capacities with the aged or the bereaved and their families, and some were curious about death and wanted to explore their thoughts and feelings ...
Settle Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Settle Death Cafe on July 6, 2016, 4:49 a.m.
Settle’s fifth Death Café on 25th June had a very welcoming feel. The four tables were all laden with tablecloths, cakes and little vases of flowers. A total of eleven people came to the café, and most were there from the start. It felt like there were enough people for several discussions to be happening at once, but it was a small enough number to feel like a very relaxed and safe space. We changed to different tables about halfway through. Even though not everybody decided to move, the shift meant that the groups changed subtly, and it was a chance to take stock and think ...
St. George, Maine Death Cafe VII Write up
Posted by Sylvia Sienikehä Elysiana on June 27, 2016, 2:08 p.m.
Intimate, lively gathering.
Tampa Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Cat Martin on June 27, 2016, 8:52 a.m.
Cake, coffee, and a wide ranging conversation were enjoyed by the 3 of us.
Calgary Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Death Cafe Calgary on June 26, 2016, 7:53 p.m.
The sign of a great Death Café is one where the participants are so engaged that the noise level is the biggest complaint on the evaluations. This was the experience of the 23 guests at the Death Café held at Good Earth near Westhills in Calgary. Diverse ages, genders, and cultures were present to discuss death, the one thing we all have in common. It was a wonderful turnout for a sunny afternoon in June. Many of the guests were first-time attendees with the promise of return visits. Death Cafés will return in Calgary in October 2016.
Death Cafe in Denmark, Australia Write up
Posted by Kristy Ratcliffe on June 26, 2016, 7:48 a.m. 1 comment
Last week 21 people gathered at Lyra House meditation centre for our town's first Death Cafe. After an introduction sharing circle, we helped ourselves to lovely cake and mingled, naturally forming small groups where a range of topics were discussed. Some people discussed the spiritual, transcendental side of death and the importance of ritual, another group wanted to know more about the practical side especially which documents are relevant for a more self-directed, autonomous experience at the end of life. A very small group was also formed of people caring for a dying person or facing their own death soon. All in all, participants went away feeling ...
A group of 10 gathered here at the library and had a lively discussion. We touched on religion, the afterlife, near death experiences, the existence of souls,and several other topics. We are planning to meet again next month. If you live in our area, please join us
Loveland Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Mindy Mossman on June 17, 2016, 2:51 p.m.
Our intimate group numbered seven (four men and three women) ranging in age from the late 20's to the early 60's. Everyone present contributed to the discussion, which opened with an invitation to share what inspired participants to attend. The conversation that followed included questions such as "Can we consciously choose when we will die?" and covered topics such as near death experience (one participant had a firsthand experience), hospice care, and our lack of exposure in media or in life of what a natural and peaceful death looks like. Participants expressed excitement about attending a future Death Cafe.
Highcliffe Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Lis Horwich on June 16, 2016, 4:46 a.m.
This week was in the name of Death Café. Two meetings were hosted – an evening and afternoon adding a talk for Cruise Bereavement Care in Bournemouth made it very special.
Twenty women came to listen to my talk on Highcliffe Death Café and the Death Café movement in general. They all work voluntary with people in the local community, who are bereaved, they do a fantastic service, where no one else is at hand. It was a pleasure speaking for them and understanding their connection with death.
At our two meetings we said hello to several new takers, which is always a joy. We talked in general and ...
The Lewisham Death Cafe Write up
Posted by LewishamDeathCafe on June 13, 2016, 11:44 a.m.
On Saturday, 1st October we shall be holding the TWELFTH Lewisham Death Cafe!!!
We meet at Cafe Costa at 103-105 Rushey Green, London SE6 4AF, on Saturday [NB] 1st October from 2 to 4 p.m.
Newcomers are specially welcome! There's nothing to feel shy about!
I shall be there from 1 p.m. onwards at a table near the door having lunch.
Look out for a mop of white hair: that's probably myself. By all means come and join me if you are feeling hungry. Excellent refreshments!
Just before 2 p.m we move down to the far end of the cafe where the management ...
Death Cafe in Nelson, New Zealand Write up
Posted by Greeneheart on June 13, 2016, 5:45 a.m.
This was our 3rd satisfying Saturday Session and again there were people who were new to the Death Cafe concept. In the words of one "really enjoyed it - didn't know what to expect but it was so nice to open up and talk about a subject that is not generally up for discussion".
Having been to all three, I notice that each time I attend I come away feeling more acutely alive, the gift of life more in focus. So many ideas about the nature of life and death to explore. Our new attendee summed up by saying, "the time went so fast, enjoyed meeting and hearing ...
Our May Death Café found us in our new home, Parliament on King in Newtown. After a short break while looking for our new locale, it was a delight to once again welcome Death Café devotees to Death Café Marrickville.
As always, death-related interests and life experiences were diverse, at times challenging, and always conversational. One of the impressions I consistently take away with me from Death Café, is how innately respectful people are toward one another. This is something I personally find reassuring, especially in a society where disrespect toward others, which manifests in all manner of ways and situations, seems to be becoming more commonplace.
Although ...
Low Country Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Jan Schreiber on June 11, 2016, 3:22 p.m.
A dozen participants (regulars & several "newbies") gathered on a Tuesday evening for wine, cheese and the conversation surrounding death. Prior to the start of the meeting, one gentleman, stating he was curious, wandered in while we were setting up. He enjoyed a glass of wine, chatted briefly and quickly departed!
At recent Cafes, there had been much discussion about sharing final desires and how detailed they might be. We talked about available options, states offfering assisted dying and the various organizations that provide guidance.
While most of the evening proved to be rather serious and dry, I received positive comments in the evaluations.
Death Cafe Tempe Write up
Posted by Death Cafe Tempe on June 5, 2016, 12:50 p.m.
We had the most beautiful cake. Crafted by a lady in the neighborhood, this cake was made of a vegan and gluten-free chocolate base and topped with chocolate and raspberry creme frosting and adorned with edible flowers, almonds and berries.
The discussion this time went more in depth based on feedback from the last meeting. Instead of adding new topics into discussion each time there was a lull in conversation, I tried listening better to what people had said that I found interesting and asking them more about it. Everything felt more natural! At the end, I checked in with everyone and they hoped for a Death Cafe ...