Join us for Death Cafe
Have you ever heard of or attended a Death Cafe? My first time going to one of these death-centered discussion groups, I was immediately comforted by the fact that everyone there is supported by our commonality of mortality. United in this analogous topic, whether our thoughts and feelings leaned towards death as an ending, a new beginning, a passageway or maybe even death as an illusion; we were all there showing up authentically to talk (or just listen) about death with no agendas or conclusions. And the best bonus, we could partake in some of life's simple pleasures...tea and cake!
Death Cafes began in the UK in the autumn of 2011, stemming from the ideas created by Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz and his cafes mortel to have community gatherings to share thoughts about death, mourning and the experience of letting go. The free gathering is not intended to be a grief support group, but providing comfort in openly talking about dying, engaging with the subject that has become so feared in our lives. The Death Cafe model developed and grew globally over the years as others experienced the respectful, accessible, and confidential space in which one could open up to ideas of planning ahead for their own death or death of loved ones. The Death Cafe has simple guidelines in place in order to foster its accessibility and growth so others can now host with ease. They operate on a not-for-profit basis. There are no intentions of leading anyone to any specific conclusions, product, or course of action. And there must always be access to tea and nourishing food or cakes!
As a host for upcoming in-person Death Cafes, I invite you to join in the discussions and the supportive confidential space. In this Cafe model, we allow for a group-directed discussion without specific topics or speakers, but as a facilitator I may provide one or two questions if some structure feels needed. An example might be "What does a 'Good Death' look like to you?" or "Have you heard of different afterlife body care options?" I feel we can certainly expand on a myriad of ideas and feelings as we support and hold space for each other on this sometimes-fearful tabooed topic. I am excited to share more as we navigate through the natural unfolding of a subject we can all relate to.
See you soon at the next Death Cafe!
In Joy,
Johnny