Death Cafe write-ups
The second Death Cafe in Iowa was held on September 20, 2014 at a comfortable coffee shop in a historic part of the city. Six participants and two facilitators gathered on a sunny Saturday afternoon to talk about a subject one woman called taboo amongst her aging friends. She voiced appreciation to actually have permission to talk freely about death. Participants and facilitators shared why they came to the Death Cafe. Sweet treats and coffee kept the conversation flowing and everyone engaged in the discussion. The Death Cafe ended with an evaluation form that included the question, "What three words would you use to describe this Death Cafe ...
The last three Death Cafe of Ocala meetings flew by! We are still the same, consistent group of 6-10 people, who meet monthly.
And we were interviewed by Carrie Seid, a journalist with the Sarasota Herald Tribune. Her article was published in Sarasota,http://finaljourney.heraldtribune.com/extra.aspx?page=2 as well as in the Ocala Star Banner http://www.ocala.com/article/20140915/ARTICLES/140919801/1455?p=5&tc=pg&tc=ar
Alan Young was the photographer. I would like to thank everyone who participated in these interviews!
Potluck Brunch @ the PDX Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Holly Pruett on Sept. 28, 2014, 11 p.m.
- Provided opportunities for all to speak.
- Shared personal experience without going to great length – just enough to be informative.
- Having a facilitator helped the conversation feel comfortable from the start, but not over-directed.
- Empowered the table to be engaged.
- Well done.
- Sensitive, informative facilitator.
- Wonderful!
- Excellent job! She did a great job of directing the ...
Death Cafe Calgary Write up
Posted by Death Cafe Calgary on Sept. 28, 2014, 7:15 p.m. 2 comments
Death Cafe Calgary on Sep 21, 2014 was filled to capacity with 33 attendees and their lively conversations! The Kensington Riverside Inn was a wonderful venue for what turned into a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon. The private patio accommodated many of our guests for the second round of conversations making it easier for everyone to hear one another.
Most liked the opportunity to sit with two groups for 45 minutes each, and a few wished there would have been time for a third group. Several had been to previous Death Cafe events in Calgary, but most were first-time guests. The most commonly used words on the evaluations were ...
Flagstaff August Death Cafe Write up
Posted by aleia@furthershore.org on Sept. 27, 2014, 2:15 p.m.
This Cafe was attended by 31 participants ages 21 to 83, men and women. We enjoyed lemon drizzle cake and chocolate chip cookies. Round table groups of 10 each discussed various topics including:
- miscommunications that can happen between the dying and their loved ones
- the ways that grief can become celebrations of life
- embracing the "presence" of loved ones who have passed
- exploring the ways that avoid mortality (fears, belief in afterliffe, needing 'something more')
- how to start a conversation with VERY reluctant family members about our burial wishes
Westport Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Val Lovelace on Sept. 25, 2014, 8:18 p.m. 1 comment
We had a wonderful gathering of folks from Westport and surrounding communities, most of whom were new to Death Cafe discussions. One woman celebrated her 73rd birthday by attending with us, saying her family found it a bit surprising that she would want to join a discussion about death.
The conversations moved freely between experiences people had with their dying loved ones to talking about cemation, funerals, and whether it was up to the dead to have a ceremony or not (some felt like they did not want a memorial service or gathering while others felt that memorials are for the living and not the dead). One learned ...
DødsCafe København/Death Cafe Copenhagen Write up
Posted by Karin Westh on Sept. 24, 2014, 3:06 p.m.
We sat around two tables, having coffee, tea and cake. After a short intro and everybody said a little about their intention in participating this evening.
After that the conversations went on at the two different tables: Thoughts, whishes, worries and other dimensions on the topic: death and dying. And of cause, what this means for the quality of life.
If was a warm and giving evening with participants from around 35 to around 80 of age. During the meeting, 2 persons ...
SW London Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Suzanne Michal on Sept. 24, 2014, 8:53 a.m.
We were eight gathered around a very long table. And it very quickly got pretty deeply emotional and profound. The first strong emotion that came up for me was privileged. That is it: I felt privileged for being giving the opportunity to hear stories that people don't normally share. Really poignat and honest stuff. It is so refreshing, so moving and beautiful. Our common humanity definitely shines in those moments.
Bruce shared: "My first Death Cafe turned out to be a wonderfully surprising experience. It was great to be able to share my thoughts and feelings in a safe, respectful gathering. This topic can be so raw ...
Our first Death Café in Marrickville was launched in spectacular style. Hosted by Lazy Bones Lounge, by night a Jazz club but by day open for Death Café, we met as a group of strangers sitting together in overstuffed couches, dim lighting and eclectic décor all of which was perfect for our conversation.
It had taken some time to find the right location, but I knew I had when after speaking with Craig the owner about the possibility of holding a Death Café he had said to me, “what a great idea”. And the rest is history.
I had woken at 4:00am that morning to bake ...
The Cafe was a lively gathering of people from the local area, including Anderson, IN. Evaluation comments included descriptions such as "inviting, intriguing, timely", interesting, provcative and shared commonalities". and "valuable, spiritual and enlightening."
The environment was described by one person as "peaceful, calming and thoughtful".
The most enjoyable aspect of the Death Cafe included "Hearing stories about death from people with wisdom and different life experiences", "meeting others with compassion", and "Sharing with others who are open in heart and in mind."
Several people signed up for the next cafe being held on Sunday, October 19. To register for this free event, call Elaine at 317-730-5481; seating ...
Death Cafe Seattle - Greenwood Write up
Posted by Seattle Death Guyz on Sept. 19, 2014, 12:12 p.m.
Here's what we had to say afterwards: open and safe conversation, nurturing, honest, awakening, deep connections formed quickly, thoughtful and informative, low key. Oh the places we roamed - playing ukuleles in beautiful cemeteries, what we want for our own deaths, new and old ways to approach death, caring for our dead. Brownies, the homeys at ‘the Couth’, and little Luna in her chair. We want to do it again and again.
Highcliffe Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Lis Horwich on Sept. 17, 2014, 3:33 p.m.
Today's Death Cafe had to move indoors, first one hosted indoors.
With 3 new members we had some fasinating discussions as we differed in opnions on afterlife, suicide, Karma and much else. A warm and loving respect was easily kept between us all. Mail Online article from 28th Sep 2014: Australia's Dr Death starts UK "Suicide club" was looked at too.
Longmont Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Death Doula on Sept. 17, 2014, 3:01 p.m. 2 comments
We were a small group and were able to discuss a number of issues about death, dying and living. Looking forward to growing this group around this topic. We so need to talk about our dreams and desires for our exit out, and learn to bring the topic up comfortably with our loved ones. See you on October 11th, 9 AM, in the Community Room at Lucky's in Longmont!
Denver Death Cafe-August Write up
Posted by Anita Larson on Sept. 17, 2014, noon
Denver Death Café Summary
August 24, 2014
Many thanks to Karrie Filipios with Agape Hospice Services (independently owned) for hosting the August Denver Death Cafe and providing refreshments. The cake was delicious and beautifully decorated.
The room was overflowing with 55 participants ranging in age from 20-89. No one seemed to mind because the chairs were comfy and everyone could hear each other without a microphone.
Below is a summary of our discussions and thoughts in no particular order.
Burial, Cremation, Whole Body & Organ Donation
The majority of attendees indicated they prefer cremation over burial. There was discussion around burials, cremated and buried on top of another grave ...
Death Cafe in Reno, NV Write up
Posted by Paula Schneider on Sept. 15, 2014, 7:55 p.m. 1 comment
Our death cafe drew 20 or more people who enjoyed over two hours of in-depth explorations of death and dying. We met outside in picture-perfect weather. Many participants are doing great work in the community in the areas of education, hospice, and caregiving. We are already planning more events of this nature! Our evaluations showed the majority of attendees derived much satisfaction from the sharing.