Although not many things in life are guaranteed, death is promised to each and every one of us. Mortality is not a regular topic of discussion in our culture, yet when the time comes and people pass, we still offer them a honorable ceremony of some kind. Life seems to be designed in a way that we grow attached and love each other more over time. With our closest loved ones, we build more and more complex relationships the longer that we live. Life is so cruel that at some point, when you’ve known someone the longest, they pass. Mortality hits us all in different ways and at different times.
Death Cafe is a place to gather and reflect on mortality with other kindred spirits. All are welcome to share in turn about their experiences, the wonderment, and all that comes up regarding the topic of death. Grief is expected and supported, but this discussion is not intended to be entirely grief support. Death Cafe is a moment to humbly reflect on our mortality as a community. Sometimes it’s comforting simply hearing that you are not alone in awe and wonderment of death; our ultimate fate.
It has been my honor to host Death Cafe community, and each time I have been humbled by the humanity that brings us all together. No matter people’s proximity to death, dying or grief, the resounding unifying fact is that mortality is a theme in all of our lives. Death Cafe is a program designed to create a safe and intimate space for those who wish to reflect on this. This year I will be able to honor the seasonal tradition of death by hosting this event during the fall time. In seasonal places, fall is a visible time to see change and transformation but it also has cultural significance of being a time of death. Many festivals, such as the Mexican Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), as well as the Catholic feasts of “All Souls Day”, fall during this time as well. These are annual ceremonies to honor the legacy of those left behind, by those who pass before us, especially our ancestors.
Please feel welcomed to join us in this intimate gathering, to honor those who have passed within the last year, decade or even further back, who still have an impact on your life. Feel free to bring memorabilia such as a photo or token, as well as your stories. This will be a judgement free zone, but we also ask that people maintain confidentiality, so that each member can share their stories freely. Although I have training in mind & body support, I will be suspending my professional titles and training for this event, so that I too can join this group as a peer. Death Cafe is not meant for a professional of any kind to host; it is a peer support group with the theme of mortality. I hope that you join us for this event and find that it is a place for you to connect in life, with your community.
