Death Cafe write-ups
The death cafe was attended by 15 people. It was the first event of this kind in the region and people were not sure what to expect. Conversation flowed and in the evaluation at the end in general people felt that it was a good idea and people felt that they had had a safe space to be able to discuss how they felt, their ideas and beliefs. We discussed books and movies. People talked about personal experiences and how that has changed how they see death. We talked about death as taboo and how death is dealt with in schools. One person asked the group to share ...
Death Cafe in White River Junction, VT Write up
Posted by Cynthia Stadler on April 10, 2017, 3:33 p.m.
I realized this was scheduled for Easter Sunday, so we are meeting the following weekend.
This is a great group- we have regulars and new people. lively and fun.
The April meeting we will be joined by a group og interested dartmouth Students!!
Monmouth County Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Beth Almerini on April 10, 2017, 12:03 p.m.
Nourishing conversations, tasty treats, happy laughter, gentle disagreements, new participants, and many points of view charactericized this meeting. This was a more intimate group than at our last Death Cafe and the conversation was a bit deeper. The newer participants were in their 30s and had a great deal to contribute. We all enjoyed the conversation so much, we've decided to meet again in May!
Death Cafe SE Portland Write up
Posted by Christine Borchert on April 7, 2017, 3:03 p.m.
April 7th turned out to be a pretty major windstorm but that didn't keep the 2 guests from traveling 45+ minutes to attend.
The conversation flowed really well after the introduction.
We talked about protecting each other from sadness around dying.
We talked about how to offer the opportunity to talk about a loss with a friend.
We talked about how to be okay with not being everything to everyone and how to prioritize our needs without feeling selfish.
We shared our stories of loved ones who died, shed a few tears and left feeling like kindred spirits who just spent an hour and a half together ...
Belleville, IL Death Cafe Write up
Posted by maggieboone on April 3, 2017, 12:53 p.m.
3252017 Belleville Death Café Summary
We had another great discussion. One thing that came up with one of the participants was the idea of saying, “He’s dead” did not feel quite natural (and maybe in my opinion uncomfortable anxiety on both ends of that conversation) and the preferred reference was “passed away” or “passed on”. Where did these euphemisms originate and why? The rational attitude is not fear of death or a desire to put it off for as long as possible, but perhaps to make it more comfortable to talk about it. What happens when a loved one has died and someone calls or asks about ...
Albany WA Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Albany WA Death Cafe on March 31, 2017, 9:27 a.m.
Nice change of scene for today's gathering - we had a picnic at Allambie Park Natural Burial Area. Around eighteen of us got together, complete with chairs, tables (even a lace tablecloth) and of course, our Thermoses and cake.
Given the location, it's not surprising that the discussion today largely centred on funeral options, including relative costs, the range of caskets available and build-your-own coffin projects.
We talked at length about Natural Earth Burial - what it is (interment in a fully biodegradable coffin, with no synthetic materials, in a relatively shallow, minimally marked grave), how it came about in our region (extensive lobbying around 6-7 years ago ...
Cheddar Death Cafe Write up
Posted by elizabethherridge on March 31, 2017, 7:14 a.m.
This was a lively, interesting Death Cafe. Full of laughter. Good cake. Interesting subjects. 21 attendees, split into three groups. With hindsight we would have moved around halfway, but it was a learning curve. Hope to have another one in the not too distant future. Conversation flowed easily and we had lots of literature for people to pick up... like, Is Your Green Burial Really Green, etc. Useful tool is the Good Funeral Guide. Topics covered a large range from euthanasia, roadside shrines, who do you want present at your death, end of life care, end of life care plans, DNR and many more. We used this website ...
Death Cafe ZARAUTZ (SPAIN) Write up
Posted by Iñaki Peña Bandrés on March 29, 2017, 11:11 p.m. 1 comment
It took place on March 23, 2017. In the coastal town of Zarautz (Basque Country), at Hotel Alameda.
Hosted by nurse Amaia Artze and doctor Iñaki Peña, and attended by a total of 14 people:
- 7 women and 7 men.
- Below 50 year old 7 people and >50 another 7.
- 6 health proffesionals, 8 people holding another employment status.
People came from different backgrounds:
- One man came from a Christian parish an one couple from a Buddhist community.
- One 60 year-old woman was going through the anticipatory grief for her husband, ill with cancer.
- One 40 year-old woman told us about having esoteric experiences.
Short video ...
Death Cafe in Nelson, New Zealand Write up
Posted by Kristinerose on March 28, 2017, 11:54 p.m.
There was a small number of particapants at this meeting..which allowed all present more time to speak There was a palitable sence of intamacy as stories around loss were shared.. The particapants are aware it is not a bereavement support group. But the safety in the group is such that the emotion of saddness showed its face. One particapant suggested the language to desribe Death Cafe as " Refreshing-Delicious".. and I dont think she was refering to the beverage and cake, although that was good too. Other coments were "Great to share thoughts-hope open speech (about death) spreads to more people in the community...and " Wonderful- THank-you."
Hornby Island, BC Death Cafe VIII Write up
Posted by Sylvia Sienikehä Elysiana on March 28, 2017, 3:28 p.m.
Great group and conversation... Alternative options for burial and cremation. Creative ideas and solutions.
The venue was welcoming and comfortable with lots of yummy cakes to choose from. The Death Cafe meeting took place in the private dining room which was a lovely space for a couple of hours of interesting and thought provoking discussion. Everyone comes to a Death Cafe for a different reason and everyone has a different perspective to offer or a different question to ask.
Aberystwyth Death Cafe Write up
Posted by NicolaDunkley on March 27, 2017, 8:36 a.m.
There were 7 of us at the latest Death Café in Aberystwyth. It was co-facilitated by Nic Dunkley and Ian Kavanagh. Viv Hammond gave her apologies. Evaluations came back saying:
Overall, how would you rate this event? 5=excellent. 1=poor.
2 offered 5, 4 offered 4 and 1 offered 3.
-Thankyou, it feels like I made an important start.
-Comfortable environment.
-small group - intimate and easy to talk
-I found it really insightul, hearing others speak about what I fear
-Again, an interesting and engaging discussion
Would you say that attending this event affected your feelings about death and/or life? If yes, please attempt to say ...
We had 12 people attend, and enjoyed some delicious lemon cheesecake squares, tea, coffee and water Participant comments included:
" I felt free to talk about death and not feel awkward or judged. Grateful that this is offered! Thank you!"
"Three words: open, helpful, nonjudgemental!"
"Heartfelt, compassionate and caring group."
"Thoughtful, safe and confirming."
"I enjoy this gathering. There is always a lively discussion and sharing. Interesting and curious people come to share their viewpoints."
"Having common thoughts and questions and ideas about death and life. Reaffirming the commonality of people thinking about death."
"It's always a pleasure to have your facilitation; you are helpful in the way ...
Chambana Death Cafe March 2017 Write up
Posted by Sherry Gilles on March 21, 2017, 12:32 a.m.
Chambana Death cafe March 4, 2017 was held at the Unity Church and Spiritual Center in Urbana, IL. There were 13 of us and six people were new and, some were not. There were about four no shows also.
Three people found us through the death cafe website and several through public FB event posting. Also the church advertised through their bulletin as well.
Eve joined us at the last death cafe and this time brought cake. She is an archaologist with the U of I and has been involved in human remains excavation in IL among her many responsibilities.
Deb is a minister at the church. She ...
Highcliffe Death Cafe Write up
Posted by Lis Horwich on March 15, 2017, 11:40 a.m. 1 comment
Such an interesting death café this afternoon with some very lively discussions with a large group of people including a few newcomers, which is always lovely.
Talked about funerals, the fact that there is a waiting time for a death certificate often, more than the 5 days dictated by law! What do we do with the ashes from our death relatives, they can weigh up to 6-7 pounds where half is the coffin. What about direct disposal, which means that the body of the person who has died goes straight off to be cremated or buried without a funeral ceremony. John Lennon was directly cremated, as were Anita ...