Thus Concludes The First Rose Garden Death Cafe!
A write up of Rose Garden Death Cafe San Jose, CA
By Chelsea
As one participant perfectly framed our purpose: "It (death) happens, so why not talk about it?"
Our conversation centered on the universal fear of death; the loss of control, anxiety of the unknown, and the fear of the dying process itself. We acknowledged the deep desire to not be isolated in our final moments and to spare our families from fear and stress. Amidst these concerns, a participant shared the beautiful idea of appreciating that their molecules will one day rejoin the universe, and perhaps one day bump into their grandparent's molecules, turning a fear of ending into a hope for reconnection.
We left with some powerful, candid mantras for living with mortality: enjoy the moments you have at face value, visit cemeteries, and "PROCESS YOUR SHIT."
Resources Shared: For those who wish to continue their exploration, we recommend:
- Books: The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning by Margareta Magnusson and The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van der Kolk
- Planning Tools: Five Wishes and The Conversation Project
- Community: The Social Prescription
- Poetry: "The Peace of Wild Things" by Wendell Berry, which was shared by a participant as a beautiful closing to our afternoon!
Thank you again for your courage and openness.
With warmth,
Alexis and Chelsea
Rose Garden Death Cafe