Changing the conversation about Life & Death
my Life WILL end...
How I contemplate my life now, inevitably influences how I meet death and decline. In this program we hope to stimulate insights and challenge beliefs regarding this taboo subject. We lean into the work of Stephen Jenkinson, “Die Wise”, Lydia Dugdale, “Lost Art of Dying” and Lucinda Herring, “Reimagining Death” to inspire new conversations.
We are riding a challenging wave in the story of humanity. I go through phases of existential angst, speeding up things that need doing and feeling an overwhelm regarding time and space in my life. Or I paralyse in overwhelm. Watching the news regarding war, death and destruction at times feels compelling and other times way out of my range of tolerance. I don’t even want to know.
I’ve also experienced the paradox of slowing down enough to face and feel my fears or despair, where surprisingly they softened and lessened. That in turn gave me a larger perspective, moving me forward. Out of paralysis.
* This series is our collaborative experiment to slow down enough, so the nervous system calms, open perceptions of the present moment where new ideas and thoughts can emerge regarding the personal to the collective realm of 'decline'.
*If this speaks to you at this particular time in your life, do join us on this journey!
* 8 weeks of slowing down, contemplation, new connections, exploring tools to ground the nervous system, ongoing support to stay present, while gaining more understanding and resilience in a time of decline and uncertainty.
Collaboratively we create opportunities for inspiration, growth and transformation impacting us personally and the people we touch.
IN-PERSON SERIES IN NEW DENVER starts on Nov 7th for 8 weeks. Few spots still open.
ONLINE series starts Sunday Oct 29th, registration still open
The 8 sessions of the series are interactive
Between sessions we explore home practices, contemplating certain issues.
We create a booklet with our insights from each session. Our ‘ what matters to me booklet’.
You may find it helpful to join the series with a friend, by supporting each other thru the process. Especially if you are not used to talking about death.
If you don’t bring a friend, it is ok, because you will make new friends in small groups that meet between sessions (online sessions).
We also have a forum, where you can share your thoughts, insights or difficulties with the larger group during the week (online).
Introductory session
is free of charge.
theme: REVISITING AND CHALLENGING OUR BELIEFS AROUND LIFE & DEATH
duration 2 hours
Option 1: register your circle of friends and family. minimum 7 people.
Option2: register individually for the next upcoming intro session (when it becomes available)
.
this is an opportunity to 'taste' into the subject of the series
8 weekly sessions-CONTENT
from personal to collective
#1 Strategies for building resilience in troubled times
#2 Exploring our relationship to life's purpose and legacy
#3 How are my belief systems and habits serving me? do I have innermost spiritual priorities? what does that even mean?
#4 How do I relate to my changing (or ailing) body and my community from this perspective? exploring the 'Ars Moriendi' (Ancient Art of Dying)
#5 Diagnosis, treatment choices. the moment of turn-around. we have a palliative nurse as a guest, navigating the medical system to meet our choices.
#6 Getting clear, difficult conversations and legal forms, how to best support a dying person
#7 Precious time between last breath and interment. conventional funerals, embalming, cremation, aquamation, green/natural burials. purpose of ceremonies or rituals.
#8 Knowing Death, Loving Life. reflecting on what has become clearer, what has changed. show & tell of where we are with our “What Matters to Me Book”
The next online series starts on October 29th, Sunday from 10 to noon PST. Every Sunday with exception of Nov 5th and the holiday season. Finishing on January 7th.
F.A.Q.
about addressing this generally taboo subject
we can provide you with the basic forms for Canada. we can give you support to find equivalents elsewhere. you will have clarity on how to go about filling them out and where to get additional help in case you need it.
no, we have all ages. we are ALL old enough to die, or support someone who is dying.
it is when we are well, that we want to get clear on our beliefs, values and wishes. when we are sick, we are naturally stressed and that is not the best time to make clear and sound decisions. it is very helpful to have thought about this before we are under stress of being sick or supporting someone who is seriously sick or hurt.
death is part of life. We will all face ‘death’ in one way or another some day. in our death denying culture, we are unprepared for this most significant event that awaits us. studies show that there seems to be increased ‘suffering’ for those who resist the inevitable, because they are scared. those who befriend the idea, that death is nothing to be feared, those who are curious of what awaits them, suffer less and seem to perceive less pain.
it actually has the opposite effect. it demystefies death, and we appreciate life more fully, allowing the great mystery of life & death to unfold with less fear and anxieties.
you do not have to. we invite you to participate in the exercises to get the full benefit and it is totally your choice. we use break-out rooms for confidential small group exchanges and discussions.
pay what is significant to you and affordable
ONLINE: Canada & US suggested donation: $200 , none in the global south. If $200 is is a financial hardship, contact me to express what is affordable for you.
IN-PERSON: if you are in the Kootenays, ask about in-person requirements and workshop fees- **no one is ever turned away for lack of funds**