Death Cafe write-ups
I held the first ever Mansfield Death Cafe last week and it was a total success. I invited students who were taking my course on the psychology of Death & Dying. Word got out to other professors, who promoted the event in their psychology courses. In all, I had 19 students and faculty show up, which is 3x more than I was expecting! Luckily, I had purchased a second cake.
The conversation was a bit awkward at first, but the ice was broken with a few jokes about death. The book "All My Friends are Dead" was passed around, which helped to loosen people up. After that, people were ...
Death Cafe Auburn CA Write up
Posted by Cindie Wilding on March 18, 2014, 5:04 p.m.
We held our very first Death Cafe in Auburn on March 11, 2014.
Eleven of us gathered in the evening in the warm environment of AHmbiance, upstairs in the Gold Country Mall in Downtown Auburn, CA. We all shared our reasons for coming, for wanting to participate. Only a couple people had ever been to a Death Café before and reasons for coming ranged from curiosity to the desire to be more present in the now in order to prepare for our eventual passing. Words used by participants to describe the experience were “safe, encouraging, open, enlightening, accepting”.
Sipping on tea and enjoying delights such as a gluten-free ...
This was the first Death Cafe event that we hosted. It was held on a very chilly evening in a private family home. Tea and coffee, cakes and berries were served. We planned for and limited it to twelve participants and eleven came.
We began the evening in a large group to make introductions and share our hopes and fears for the evening. In the large group we explained the history and purpose of the event and oriented everyone to the evening.
We broke into two discussion groups, each facilitated by a host. One group met around a kitchen table and the other stayed in the living room ...
Death Cafe Memphis Write up
Posted by Death Cafe Memphis on March 16, 2014, 11:20 p.m.
We discussed how animals in the wild instinctively & actively grieve (elephants, gorillas, dolphins, magpies & others)& how it has been documented that loss of a pet can be as traumatic sometimes as losing a family member or close friend. Fascinating how each person attending our gatherings always has unique prospectives to bring out. And always such wonderful, open-hearted stories which is a part of why Death Cafe is so unique and has become so popular - its not a training or a lecture, its A CONVERSATION and a very organic way of allowing people to come together.
Death Cafe Teleconference Write up
Posted by Merilynne Rush on March 10, 2014, 3:38 p.m.
The Teleconference went really well. We managed to have a great, polite and meaningful conversation even though we couldn't see each other! I'm really glad we did it.
- The importance of planning ahead
- How can we make burial green(er): Education, Advocacy and Advance Planning (conference flier attached)
- How to start a Death Cafe (Practice your elevator speech, garner support, approach the media)
- How to run a death cafe (Small groups, discussion starter questions, etc.)
- How to sell a pre-purchased niche at a cemetery (Call the cemetery and good luck!)
- Discomfort dealing with illness and loss and death (see about NPR spot ...
Death Cafe at Cafe Rouge in Hampstead, London Write up
Posted by Josefine Speyer on March 10, 2014, 2:37 a.m.
To be deleted! Thank you.
We had another lively and interesting gathering, 10 of us altogether. Our discussion ranged from the philosphical, beliefs about the afterlife: did we meet our loved ones, or is there nothing? Other areas were sudden death, early loss of parents, losing a younger partner and organ donation. Feedback forms showed an interest in discussing dignity in death and making plans for what you want in your own funeral.
Looking forward to March 9th's meeting.
SW London Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Suzanne Michal on March 5, 2014, 7:09 a.m. 1 comment
Well, I now have the absolute proof that it does not matter how many people attend a Death Cafe to make it a super special event.
We were 2 and looking back on it, it is as if it was went to be that way because what we shared in our intimate Death Cafe was so rich, powerful, reflective of our respective experiences of life and death that we are both still integrating our exchange a few days later !
I am so looking forward to the April SW London Death Cafe I can assure you!
" I went to a cafe in Putney to talk about death. I've ...
Death Cafe at Cafe Rouge in Hampstead, London Write up
Posted by Josefine Speyer on March 4, 2014, 8:56 a.m.
Report on the Death Cafe at Cafe Rouge Hampstead, London, on 10 February 2014 with Josefine Speyer
This month the attendance was even lower than last month. So we decided that instead of two small tables we would have one double table for everyone to sit around, three facilitators and six guests, to make it just one group from the start. That way everyone was sharing in one conversation. But for two new comers this proofed to be somewhat inhibiting. They would have preferred the intimacy of small tables first before coming together in one group. But not everyone had arrived when we had made this decision. For ...
Denver Death Cafe February Write up
Posted by Anita Larson on March 3, 2014, 4:15 p.m. 2 comments
Denver Death Café Summary
February 23, 2014
A beautiful sunny day in Denver as people gathered together at the historic Fairmount Mortuary for the monthly Denver Death Café. Kevin Torres and Neha Sheth from Channel 9News were there to film and interview those who agreed to be on air for an upcoming Storyteller’s segment. Many thanks to Michael Long with Fairmount for hosting the event and providing refreshments. Michael announced that the next time Fairmount hosts in April they will be offering Historic Cemetery Tours after the Death Café. I post updates and announcements regularly on our Facebook page so like us at www.facebook.com/denverdeathcafe ...
Death Cafe a Montreal - Cafe Mortel Write up
Posted by Kit Racette on March 1, 2014, 12:31 p.m.
Our third cafe was the best attended yet, with sixteen people - not bad for a small market town venue.
We even attracted coverage of Radio Lancashire with several attendees being interviewed by Joe Wilson. Thier views on the importance of Death Cafes could be heard on his Sunday morning "Faith" programme - and you can still listen to it on BBC iplayer.
As usual we had a fascinating mix of people of all ages and from all walks of life.
Those who didn't know what to expect said how much they'd enjoyed the evening and that they'd bring a friend to the next event!
So why ...
Death Cafe in Fairfield, Iowa Write up
Posted by Thresholdingjennifer on Feb. 24, 2014, 7:59 a.m.
Our first Death Cafe in Fairfield, Iowa was a great success. We had 32 people divided in two groups. The cozy setting of a classy coffee shop made for a wonderful afternoon of sharing, stories, laughter, tears and loving kindness. The response was overwhelmingly positive and as we had a 'wait list', we are planning our next Death Cafe in a month. The format really supported the ease and effectiveness of this event!
Death Cafe - Northumberland, Canada Write up
Posted by Northumberland on Feb. 23, 2014, 4:45 p.m.
Our first Death Cafe event, even with the winter storm, was well attended.
Our first event took place in Warkworth Ontario with an attendance of 27 people. There were 23 women and 4 men. The age range was predominately between 65-74, followed by the range of 55-64. We allowed a half hour for everyone to get settled with their tea and treats before we started our meeting.
Introducing what a death cafe was and where it all began was a good beginning. The venue we had arranged, allowed for wonderful conversations to unfold. Warm fireplace and individual tables created an intimate, but open atmosphere. Participants felt safe.
Everyone ...
The first Lawrence Death Cafe was a colossal success! The success is due 100% to attendees! Intriguing, profound, illuminating conversations whizzing by so fast the time disappeared. A huge thanks to Mari, Bar, JoAnn, KC and everyone for a thought provoking, exciting afternoon and treats fit for kings and queens. Posted on Facebook: Went far beyond my expectations for intrigue, education, mystery, profound contributions, spellbound interest, each person sharing with dignity and respect!
from host: Constance
I met with others for the first Lawrence Death Cafe and it was brilliant! I feel quite inspired to do more reading on the topics we discussed. I especially enjoyed the diversity ...