Death Cafe write-ups
Although this was a small group we had an interesting discussion on what we thought 'a good death ' is and if families and friends played a bigger role in the death and funeral of their loved one would that help with the grieving process? And if we could accept our own deaths, would that enhance our lives. Even though we tackled some big topics, we ended the session with lots of laughter.
A big shout out to Bernie for giving us the space for free and to Andy for looking after us.
A local Bellingham author who has just written a wonderful book on facing aging and mortality has just started a virtual mortality club which might be very useful for people finding it hard to get to Death Cafe. Here is her blog site and how to join in the on line conversation. http://www.pamcuming.com/blog.htm
(Check out her book, The Hourglass: Life as an Aging Mortal).
Diane Staves MD
Death Cafe - Toronto West Write up
Posted by lindafhochstetler@gmail.com on May 15, 2016, 2:36 p.m.
We were pleased to have one of the producers of the morning radio show, The Current, attend our Death Cafe on April 6, 2016. She interviewed the host, Linda Hochstetler, as well as numerous participants who gave permission. As well, the show interviewed Jon Underwood, the founder, in England. He speaks eloquently about his reasons for starting this movement, and his encouragement at its growing popularity.
If you missed the show on May 12, 2016, but would like to hear it, you can download the podcast or read the transcript from http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/the-current-for-may-12-2016-1.3578623
Eight participants attended Coventry's second Death Cafe on May 8th. The conversation took quite a spiritual turn with participants opening up on near-death experiences, expectations of an afterlife and whether the dead continue around us, out of signt but still in touch. Interesting and thought-provoking to hear others' beliefs and share our own.
The London Borough of Redbridge held its first Death Café on 9th May to mark Dying Matters Awareness Week and to start our own ‘Big conversation’.
17 people attended and enjoyed afternoon tea in the Hardback café in the main library in Ilford.
Ice breakers to start the conversation weren’t needed as the conversation flowed and we discussed our feelings about death and related matters. People shared their personal experiences and there were tears and laughter.
The evaluations were very positive with comments like “informative, friendly and lively”, “enlightening, heart-warming & thought provoking” and ”it’s completely different to what people think”.
The challenge for the future ...
Death Cafe in Nelson, New Zealand Write up
Posted by Kristinerose on May 9, 2016, 4:56 a.m.
This was the first Death Cafe run by Kristine Rose and Barbara Greene. Although both women have professional lives that are involved in death matters they both strongly support the Death Cafe protocol of not using it as a platform to promote business and so ran the Cafe accordingly. There were 7 participants who initially mixed and mingled with a cuppa and cake outside in the warm autumn afternoon glow. The group then decided to move inside the house and even though people knew there was no agenda, everyone spoke of matters entirely to do with life, mortality and death. The overall ambience was light and there was ...
St. George, Maine Death Cafe V Write up
Posted by Sylvia Sienikehä Elysiana on May 6, 2016, 10:15 p.m.
Lovely, intimate.
Tucson Death Cafe Write up
Posted by tucsondeathcafe on May 6, 2016, 9:21 p.m.
Thank you everyone for supporting Tucson Death Café - Terrific turnout this month! Death Café strives to create a relaxed, safe, and respectful atmosphere where people from all backgrounds with diverse ideas and experiences regarding death and dying can feel free to speak. As reported by previous café attendees it can be a rich and rewarding experience to share as well as to listen.
We had a most excellent evening and enjoyed lemonade, iced tea and yummy chocolate bundt cake – gluten free! Thanks to Claire! Be sure to visit the international website at deathcafe.com. Stay cool and see you June 1st.
Darlington Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Darlington Death Cafe on May 5, 2016, 7:39 a.m. 1 comment
Nine people joined Darlington Death Café's third meet. The topics we covered are listed below. An interesting evening of chat, tea and cake. Thanks to everyone who attended.
• David Bowie, Prince, Ronnie Corbett, Paul Daniels Victoria Wood, Terry Wogan have died prematurely this year. Does this send a message about living - and preparing for death; and a comment on the concept of ‘immortality’?
• Death, human remains and the environment – what are today’s practical issues in a crowded world, and what are the solutions?
• Leaving a burden. What happens to our families and friends when we fail to prepare for death?
• How do you want to be ...
Death Cafe of Metro Denver Write up
Posted by Death Cafe Metro Denver on May 2, 2016, 10:06 p.m.
Hello,
We are ever so grateful for your support and desire to continue the conversation regarding Death. 2023 marks our 9th year of our monthly Death Cafes' . There will be NO Death Cafes June and July, 2023.
Please contact me for further schedule of the Denver Death Cafe.
Nancy
nancykenglish33@gmail.com
Death Cafe - Kaffeekranz Totentanz Write up
Posted by Kaffeekranz Totentanz on April 28, 2016, 8:47 a.m.
Wir waren beim ersten Mal zwar nur 6 Leute, aber dafür war es eine sehr aktive Runde. Nun geht´s an die Überlegung, wie das Prinzip DeathCafé in Halle weiterzuführen sein kann.
Death Cafe in Tauranga, NZ Write up
Posted by Tauranga Death Cafe on April 27, 2016, 3:57 a.m.
Wow, what a fantastic beginning to the Tauranga Death Cafe. We held a lovely gathering in a teepee at the Rose Gardens in Tauranga. It had been raining earlier in the day, but nothing could dampen our enthusiasm. It was hosted by Grace, Carole and Catherine. Catherine made a gorgeous "cruelty free" cake, which was shared around the participants. There were ten of us in all, and the discussion was lively and varied, from talking about the difference between burial and cremation and how that feels for family, to euthanasia and the moral and ethical implications. There was a real interest in hosting another, so we have decided ...
Death Cafe Des Moines Write up
Posted by Carmen Elliott on April 26, 2016, 9:48 a.m.
Our April Death Café was another stellar event! The 11 of us started out the evening discussing practical tips if someone you care about has had a loved one die, from bringing supplies to their home to packing mints, tissues, and water bottles for the visitation and service. One tip I have never heard before is to spray perfume in your hair, because you will be hugging lots of people all day.
We also talked about the well-intentioned but hurtful things that people say when someone dies, and discussed alternatives. This was an especially poignant conversation as we talked about those in our lives who died young (early ...
Highcliffe Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Lis Horwich on April 23, 2016, 12:07 p.m.
30th Highcliffe Death Café hosted yet another meeting with interest from three new ladies with another handful of folks around the table. We discussed a variety of subjects: Friends at the End; how to choose when and how to die; will writing charities; value a person in society when no longer working; writing memories; living longer positive or negative? We laughed and listened a lot.
Low Country Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Jan Schreiber on April 22, 2016, 1:01 p.m.
Very small group (only 5 people), With one new attendee. Yet overall the comments were very positive: "love the open dialogue platform of sharing", "outstanding!", "raging success".
Our discussion was very personal and thought-provoking. The connection between us all was quite profound.
At our previous March meeting, many attendees requested getting together more often. But, due to the small group that did show up, I think we'll skip May and return in June.
Nevertheless, I can't help but wonder, that because our group was small, we created more intimacy...