Death Cafe write-ups
Bucks County Death Cafe Write up
Posted by buryingyourown on Nov. 11, 2015, 6:02 a.m.
Twenty happy folks (19 guests, 1 facilitator/host) met in our local library, introduced oursleves as we went around the circle and dove into anything but small talk! After intros we broke into two groups of 10 and had at it for a good 1.5 hours. It wasn't until the library staff began lingering around the door that we realized we'd gone over our alotted time, eagerly taking and giving ideas, memories, and observations. At the conclusion, I found a majority of the group is inteterested in going forth with more DC's AND with a few topic-lead gatherings (for which I'll have to ...
Des Moines Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Carmen Elliott on Nov. 10, 2015, 1:21 p.m.
We had another GREAT Death Cafe last month! It was a cold, rainy night, which contributed to this being our smallest Death Cafe yet, with 3 facilitators and 8 particpants. However, I would venture to say that the small numbers provided even better conversation, because we all had a chance to speak at length, if we wanted to.
As we've seen before, the conversation developed a few "themes" as people shared their stories and ask questions. Tonight's conversation revolved around the body: what happens after we die (physically), how we prepare bodies, and how we dispose of bodies.
Our conversation was kicked off by a member ...
The first time hosting Death Cafe went smoothly. It was scheduled from 3-5pm. We had some social free time at the beginning. We stayed on time though feedback included that someone wanted more time in the conversation about death. Duly noted.
Attendees ranged in age from 18 to 75. Cake and other goodies were served with tea, coffee and of course plenty of water in Arizona. The "comfortable" rating averaged "4.5" on the 1-5 scale. The "overall experience"rating averaged "3.7" on the 1-4 scale.
Words from the "big take away" include;
Rich, Deep, Wisdom has no age, Transparency, Practical, Changes, Arduous, Relevant.
Looking forward to ...
Death Cafe, Winchester, VA Write up
Posted by Mary Jane Lee on Nov. 2, 2015, 7:45 p.m. 2 comments
Seven people drank Mexican hot chocolate and ate pan de muerto to celebrate Dia de los Muertos at the Death Cafe on November 1, 2015. We remembered those who have died with special reverence, and wondered how the Aztecs who originated the idea celebrated this ritual 3000 years ago.
We also spoke of the fears we face in life be it accidents that take our lives quickly or staring down a bear who threatens us, and wondered if those are metaphors for death bearing down on us.
We hoped that the practices that we have done to cultivate lovingkindness, compassion, and equanimity in our lives have prepared us ...
Seaside Death Cafe in Encinitas, CA Write up
Posted by carolineboaz on Nov. 2, 2015, 2:20 p.m.
While we had a small turn-out for this cafe', it was probabbly the richest discussion I have ever participated in at a Death Cafe. All of those that came were transformed from the heart-felt sharing. Thank you to everyone that came, opened your mind and spoke your truth. I am grateful.
Death Cafe Grants Pass OR Write up
Posted by grantspass on Nov. 1, 2015, 7:25 p.m.
Our second Death Cafe Grants Pass was a great sucess. The room was filled with chatter and the clinking of tea cups and forks on dessert plates. Most folks talked through the break and 15 minutes past the closing.
Glastonbury Death Cafe Write up
Posted by KrissyElliott on Oct. 30, 2015, 5:01 a.m.
... And following the Samhain celebrations and the Day of the Dead in Glastonbury this weekend, our Death Cafe will reduce to a more manageable FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, starting on 04 November.
Low Country Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Jan Schreiber on Oct. 26, 2015, 9:26 a.m.
Our 4th Low Country Death Cafe was again held on a beautiful, sunny day, at Serenity Now Yoga Studio. Of the 15 people that attended, the majority were newcomers. Introductions were lengthy and personal.
Although, this large group was candid with their sharing, I think in the future, it would be advantageous to break into smaller groups. We will also return to a 2 hour schedule (rather than 90 minutes)!
Hopefully, this will insure a more indepth and expansive conversation.
The feedback was positive, with many requesting the next meeting to be scheduled sooner, rather than later!
Death Cafe Red Bluff Write up
Posted by ovaccenter on Oct. 24, 2015, 11:44 p.m.
It is very freeing to talk about death and dying.Everything that is discussed is very light and informative. It puts my heart and mind at ease. LR-Red Bluff
Highcliffe Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Lis Horwich on Oct. 21, 2015, 10:10 a.m. 1 comment
We had a very interesting afternoon at Highcliffe Death Café today. Two 3rd students from Art University Bournemouth joined us and had many questions to ask. Studying Visual Communication they have entered an international competion on designing a publication on “visit death”. It was a pleasure to share time with the young men; discover and discuss the topic of death.
This was my first time doing a Death Cafe. I chose to have it in a private group I am in. CUUPS is a group of pagans on different paths associated with a Unitarian Universalist church. It went very well. There was lots of discussion. I recieved several compliments afterwards telling me "this was the most interesting discussion we have had in a long time". People were so interested the meeting went longer then normal. Several people asked if we could do another one sometime. Hopefully I will be able to do one open to more people in the future. I made and decorated the cake myself.
This was an energetic and inspiring afternoon. We had thirteen people come together at the Whitstable Umbrella Centre, plenty of cakes, tea and coffee.
Everyone took part in the various conversations and the trust grew with each other very qiuckly.
After our break, more personal material was shared and yet there was also light heartedness at the end.
The buzz of conversation was immense after the offical end and people wanted to swap email addresses to stay in contact.
It was humbling and exciting to be a co host at this event. Julie and I also want to thank the Whitstable Umbrella Centre for their support by allowing ...
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http://joannawarringtonauthor-allthingsd.co.uk/writing/d-is-for-death-cafe-discussion/
I found the experience of the Death Cafe rich and purposeful....it always challenges me to face that death is all our fate and to feel the realness of people's responses to death. Having said that it was not all doom and gloom and was a privilleged and interesting experience with some learning and some wonder ... and the cake was really good ... thank you for all those that shared
Death Cafe, Newtown, Sydney Write up
Posted by Melissa Halliday on Oct. 14, 2015, 6:10 p.m.
A small but positive start.
Run in my own home so a comfortable environment and people commented how the Chai tea was a winner!
Discussion was open and freeflowing. Topics ranged from a 21 year old American male discussing the suicide of a room mate and the impact on him, how he now deals more proactively with depression in colleagues to let them know they have options and relief of being able to speak about it to others. Another attendee was older and death literate, had experienced breast cancer that sharpened her awareness in this area. She clarified the importance of end-of-life discussions in creating normalcy in this ...