South-East Brisbane Death Cafe April 2019
A write up of South-East Brisbane Death Cafe
By Jacqui
12 April 2019 It was with a mixture of excitement and a few nerves that I - with some like-minded friends - launched into our first South-East Brisbane Death Cafe last week (12 April 2019)...
With a wonderful eclectic group of people - of all ages - we met over a cuppa and light refreshments and talked about such a rich variety of death and dying topics and experiences.
Topics included :
- facing one's own / questioning one's own mortality
- importance of advance care planning documents and conversations and the positive impact that can be made
- place of death and importance of supporting dying at home
- dying on your own terms; acknowledging that not every death is a 'good death' & fear about dying in pain
- impact of sudden death
- leaving a legacy - If I died today would it matter?
- rituals around mourning
- cultural considerations
- grief and loss
- language used e.g. what does "palliative' mean?
- interesting books people have read around the topic of death & dying
- ageing parents
In total, 13 people attended our first Death Cafe (that includes me). A wonderful turn-out given it was on a Friday night and also had been raining..
And in response to the evaluation question "If someone told you they were thinking of attend a Death Cafe what would you say to them?" were:
"Do it! It can positively change the way you think, feel and talk about death"
"Go enjoy - interact"' & "Go for it"
"Yes!! It is a wonderful experience were everyone is welcome & comfortable"
"Do it, it’s very positive I'm very glad you did"
"That it is a great idea to go!"
"To engage more in talking about our own mortality"
"Can I come too!"
"Be open and share your heart"
Everyone left with a smile on their face after a relaxed 2 hours of conversation and descriptors such as "inspiring; thought-provoking; friendly; insightful; peaceful; happy; comfortable; enlightening; engaging; hopeful; interesting; positive; enjoyable; inclusive; informal; even a bit of fun; interesting; stories!; openness; personal; eye-opening; calm; affirming; chatty"
Can't wait for the next one!
Jacqui