Death Cafe write-ups
Thanks very much to the curious souls that attended our first meeting. It was great to meet our neighbors. Two couples even knew each other, and were surprised, but not surprised to run into each other. What a delight to share in the curiosty together.
Dunstable Death Cafe Write up
Posted by DunstableLibrary on Jan. 21, 2023, 4:45 a.m. 19 comments
We've had a small group of 5 (including 2 facilitators) and had a lovely conversation about grief: how sometimes grief is different depending on the cause and time of death (sudden deaths vs long-term illnesses). We also dived into the problems one faces when publicising death-related content i.e. on social media but also mortuary services or death-related scientific studies, as it is hard to use a public, visual medium to promote this already repressed subject.
Online Death Cafe Halifax Nova Scotia AST Write up
Posted by Death Cafe Halifax Nova Scotia on Jan. 16, 2023, 11:39 a.m.
The first virtual Death Cafe of 2023 was held on January 5, 2023
Over 20 curious people shared their questions and ideas about a good death, and about talking to parents and others approaching death. Here are a few follow-up notes and suggestions.
VIDEO: This video was recommended -- “The Story Behind Death Cafe with co founder Susan Barsky Reid” about Death Café, including a short clip made on the 10th anniversary of Death Café. If you search “Death Café Youtube” you will find many more interesting videos as well.
If you’d like to know more about the global organization, check out their site – there you can ...
Glasgow Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Bob Stoner on Jan. 10, 2023, 9:45 a.m.
When you attend a meeting there is normally an agenda, something to look to agree upon. Today, everyone brought their own personal agenda, they sought to find understanding, perhaps a bit of peace. We discussed natural burial grounds and whether they offered dignity:
Did this offer sufficient dignity to their loved one if people were walking possibly over them;
but how might that compare when scattering ashes on a golf course?
We compared this with mentions from From Her to Eternity by Caitlin Doughty, wrt Japan
The Death Cafe meets again at G431LH, in the Church, between 12-1pm on Tuesday 14th February.
Death Cafe Carbon County PA Write up
Posted by withinharmony on Dec. 20, 2022, 1:36 p.m.
Lot's of repeats and people with the right heart! Event goers came out in winter weather to share their perspectives and experiences. Lots of laughs, good food and people.
Death Cafe Carbon County PA Write up
Posted by withinharmony on Dec. 20, 2022, 1:13 p.m.
Our Second event had even more attendees and is picking up momentum! Lot's of laghter, reflection. Good food, coffee and tea with lots of repeat people too! Death Cafe Carbon County is here to stay!
Death Cafe Carbon County PA Write up
Posted by withinharmony on Dec. 20, 2022, 1:08 p.m.
Death Cafe Carbon County Pa had it's first event and was welcomed by the community with open arms! Great conversation, reflection and feed back. The response was confirmation Death Cafe Carbon County was launched at the right time!
Dunstable Christmas Death Cafe Write up
Posted by DunstableLibrary on Dec. 19, 2022, 6:42 a.m.
Our meeting was formed of 6 people (with the facilitator), we talked about our attitudes to death and why it is so difficult to discuss this when people are alive and well, despite of how necessary it is in the long run. Different cultural perspectives were noted and different traditions and beliefs around burials and how the dead are treated from the moment they become 'the loved one'.
Glasgow Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Bob Stoner on Dec. 13, 2022, 12:45 p.m.
who would have thought that discussion would mention Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire, the problems of non recyclable oasis from flowers, second hand coffins (!), how the funeral is that portal for our emotions seen when curtains close or the coffin descends, and whether we could view the cremation itself. How grief and the persons sense of humour can become entwined.
Next session Tuesday 10th January. All are welcome
We had a small but very engaged group at our recent Death Cafe. The conversation was open and clear and, at times, personal.
Worthwhile for the people who attended.
As a Unitarian minister serving an open minded spiritual community, I encounter discussions about death regularly. Families who are adrift having lost a loved one, agonise over planning a funeral which would honour the wishes of the deceased. The most successful memorial services combine suggestions from the person who has died with suggestions from the family; a completely pre-planned service gives no room for manoeuvre but if the loved one has not talked at all about what they want, that can cause even more distress to their family.
This is why I wanted to ensure that there was a safe space where people could talk about death in ...
Death Cafe Dunstable Write up
Posted by DunstableLibrary on Nov. 18, 2022, 8:22 a.m.
A wonderful session with just a few of our regular members (3 + 2 moderators). We had an enlightening session talking about being of help to a dying friend. We asked ourselves how could one truly understand someone who is dying without one being ill and also how would we ourselves react if we found out we were terminally ill. The idea of emotional vs. logical reactions to such diagnosis was a focal point in the discussion. End-of-life plans were also discussed in an attempt to understand how we can help our elderly loved ones when the time comes.
Death Cafe New York City Write up
Posted by Nancy Gershman on Nov. 16, 2022, 12:36 p.m.
The first Death Café in Praia da Luz, Algarve was facilitated yesterday by Natercia Godinho Walsh at Madrugada's premises. Six wonderful ladies participated in a conversation about death. Several points were raised:
1) Hospitals and lack of support for people in their final stages of life
2) Fear of ageing and how to care for loved ones whilst respecting their wishes
3) Family conflict when a family member refuses to be hospitalised
4) What is it like to be dead and to live again. It was mentioned it is peaceful and wonderful on the other side. Loss of fear of dying
5) Continuing bonds with the departed ...
Deloraine Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Dr Annetta Mallon on Nov. 10, 2022, 2:17 p.m.
I set up a Death Cafe and advertised, but no-one came (possibly due to COVID) so there is nothing of note to report.