Death Cafe write-ups
Let's Talk Death Cafe Shell Lake, WI Write up
Posted by Maureen Skuban on June 30, 2024, 10:35 p.m.
On June 27th, 2024, the group settled into great conversation before the meeting had even begun. Seven participants attended. We shared thoughts about medical advances extending life to a fault as there can be worse things than death. Willingness to donate full body to science versus being an organ donor was contemplated. We were amused to discover two of us were enjoying the same novel, “The Collected Regrets of Clover,” which is centered around a Death Doula who frequents Death Cafes. Other recommended reads shared were “Being Mortal” and “Final Gifts.”
At the Care Cafe we have been hosting a Death Cafe on the first Monday of the month. The gatherings have been warm, encouraging and uplifting. Lots of topics being discussed, emotions and ideas shared and friendships developed. Long may it last.
Summer Death Cafe (Ottawa East) Write up
Posted by spacefordeath on June 26, 2024, 9:14 p.m.
On a sweltering evening in June, 25 mere mortals gathered in a cool room at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre to engage in a lively conversation about death. Many participants were already familiar with the venue from previous celebrations of life or visits to its established cemetery, well-known for community events and serene landscape.
People of various ages and stages came together to share common ground and differing opinions. A recurring theme in many stories was related to the clarity and authentic expression that often emerges during times of grief. There was discussion around the relief that can accompany a death, particularly of a parent or someone for ...
Camberwell online Death Cafe Write up
Posted by annkenrick on June 19, 2024, 8:59 a.m.
A group of people met online to discuss all things death and dying. each one took five minutes to talk about their reason for joining the group:
- realised they were scared about death and responded to the facebook post
- another had lived in London for a few years and this had been inthe back of their mind - curious about end of life planning and surprised that people think about insurance but not death - pracitcal aspects like who would feed the dog but also how considering death brings meaning into life
- the third spoke of her history and how a major back accident had led her to re-examine priorities ...
Swanage Death Cafe Write up
Posted by peterneall on June 15, 2024, 8:02 a.m.
12 people met with Peter and Lucinda for Swanage 's second "Death Cafe on the afternoon of June 14th.
Four had attended the previous Cafe, one other had attended othe cafes in the UK. The rest were 'Newbies'
As before the discussion ranged widely with deeply personal disclosures and renewed feelings of hard times, particularly when the conversation touched on Child deprivation and young suicides.
The wide age range range of the attendees gave valuable experience for all of us and at the end there was a 100% request for Swanage Death Cafe to continue. WE will meet again in September.
Details to follow.
The Guild Death Cafe Write up
Posted by FrancesUnderhill on June 14, 2024, 3:23 a.m.
Thank you to those that came along we had an interesting morning talking about how importnat it is to talk about death and dying and think about putting plans in place for a good death.
Thanks to everyone that popped by, we'll be at the United Reformed Church in Wilmslow next time.
Nantwich Death Cafe Write up
Posted by FrancesUnderhill on June 14, 2024, 3:21 a.m.
Wow! Thank you to everyone that attended, there were no less than 16 people on the evening. What a great evening we had hearing young peoples views on death and dying. We also talked about donating your body to science and what happens beyond death. There were some inspiring gentlemen that also talked about their experiences of death and expectations they felt they needed to uphold.
Thanks for a brilliant evening and we'll see you next time.
Nantwich Death Cafe Write up
Posted by FrancesUnderhill on June 14, 2024, 3:17 a.m.
Wow we had 12 attendees and what a night of talking about alternative funerals and what choices people would like for their own funeral. We had wonderful insight from a couples perspectives and from those living alone. Thank you to everyone for coming along..
See you all next time.
Let's Talk Death Cafe Shell Lake, WI Write up
Posted by Maureen Skuban on June 9, 2024, 3:12 p.m.
On May 30th, not sure of what to expect, ten brave participants gathered for Shell Lake's first Death Café. Most had never heard of a Death Café until reading about the local library's latest offering. Participants showed up out of curiosity as well as hopes to engage in conversations they've been unable to have with their loved ones. A community was quickly created as they found themselves in a safe place, and they could realize their desire to share their unspoken observations relating to death and dying and listen to the thoughts of others. Swedish death cleaning, letting go, and the phenomenon of becoming an ...
Death Cafe Melbourne Northside Write up
Posted by Carmel OBeirne on June 6, 2024, 2:22 a.m. 1 comment
At our last Death Cafe we were honoured to have a creative and passionate film maker attend and film the event for her up coming documentary ...A Story of Endings.
All attendees were comfortable with the filming and understood how important it is for our communities to have conversations around death and dying .
We had deep and vulnerable conversations and really connected as a group.
We intend to gather again to delve further into conversation about death and in doing so open ourselves to living life in a more connected and curious way.
Thanks to all who attended with open hearts and vulnerability .
Death Cafe North Canterbury: Rangiora Write up
Posted by Death Cafe North Canterbury, Aotearoa New Zealand on June 1, 2024, 4:54 a.m.
It was a cold day today and Rangiora’s meeting room is such a great venue for Death Café. We had a small group today, just four of us, all women – and one returning attendee and her friend, awesome, I love the country grapevine!
We were quite explorative and thoughtful today – one of us talked about living in a close Māori community for 10 years and how well the tangihanga gives grief time, space, a process, and a community.
I mentioned too that I had been to the Grief Centre’s ‘Let’s talk about Grief’ conference in Auckland on Friday, we explored the theme and complexities of ...
Benton Harbor MI Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Bre Pickering on May 31, 2024, 1:34 p.m.
Thank you to my new friend, Rabbi W, for attending my Death Cafe. We had a deep, meaningful conversation about how religion should be honored at the time of death, and how, as a Death Doula, I can assist with that. It was amazing to hear his insight and point of view and to learn from him.
Our May Death Café was an intimate affair which took place in our regular cosy nook in the Creative Library. Sitting in our usual assortment of chairs, our conversation and presence was overseen by an exhibition of photographs lining the walls, of long-dead Anzacs, locals who served in World War 1.
As usual the time flew by with free-flowing discussion moving along at a rapid pace. Topics ranged from death and the afterlife, terminal lucidity, transcendental phenomena and such things as UAP (Unidentified Arial Phenomena). And as always, I was struck by the generosity of spirit, openness, and willingness of attendees to share very personal thoughts, feelings and ...
Myrtle Beach hosted its inaugural Death Cafe at Old Town Crepes last night (Monday, May 20, 2024), drawing an intimate group of eight attendees. The evening was marked by lively and enriching conversations as participants delved into personal experiences and thought-provoking questions about life, death and dying.
From the very beginning, the group’s engagement was evident, with no awkward pauses or lulls in discussion. Despite being strangers at the start, the attendees quickly bonded, exchanging nods, smiles, and even hugs by the end of the night.
The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, thanks in part to the delicious homemade cake, cookies, and beverages generously provided by Tanya ...
Come and have rousing conversation on death, dying and all the things surrounding this taboo subject. No judgment, no agenda and no charge. Please come on time as interrupting the conversation can be sensitive. Keep in mind this is not a grief support group.