DEATH-POSITIVE EDUCATION
It’s no surprise most people avoid the topic of death.
The “D” word is taboo in western culture. Why?
It’s because most of us don’t want to deal with the underlying meanings and associations we have attached to one of the biggest experiences we will have in our lives. Many of us shun away at thinking who will be left in our final moments, or who/what we will have to leave behind. Some of us don’t want to think about potentially being unable to take care of ourselves, or having to take care of others in their final moments.
We live in a society where anti-aging and youth are celebrated, as if buying into a market that makes us ‘look good’ will actually delay the process of getting older or keep us from the fate that inevitably rests ahead.
But the truth is, death is not going away just because we ignore it. The longer death and dying are kept in the dark, the more likely we are to be dis-empowered in our lives.
What I am further pointing to is that the limited (but growing) availability of death education in the western world and the avoidance of death - particularly in the form of owning death as a process ‘that will certainly happen to me’ or ‘I will die’ - keep most people from experiencing their lives fully and consciously. My experience has shown me that most people are unaware that their fear of death, dying, the unknown, or uncertainty hugely affects the quality of life they have while living.
The reality is that death, although uncertain, will certainly happen to each and every one of us, making it a universal living Truth and rite of passage for all human beings and life forms. Think about it: how many other experiences in life can you recall that collectively unite us more than this cycle of birth, life, and death?
When you learn to embrace death as a natural part of the cycle of life, regardless of what spiritual traditions or religious beliefs you hold true, there is an immediate re-connection to the beauty of life that results in true freedom, connection, self-empowerment, and gratitude simply for BEING ALIVE.
Death is part of the cycle of life.
Death is part of the cycle of life.
Workshops
Take a look at the most popular workshops I’ve held. If you’re interested in collaborating on a workshop or would like me to facilitate a special interest workshop, use the contact form below to get in touch.
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A Death Café is a unique gathering where people meet to have open conversations about death and dying. It's not a traditional café with coffee and pastries; rather, it's a safe and welcoming space for individuals to discuss a topic often considered taboo in our society. Participants come together to share their thoughts, experiences, fears, and questions about mortality.
In a Death Café, there are no experts or set agendas. Instead, people from diverse backgrounds engage in compassionate and non-judgmental conversations, creating an atmosphere of mutual support and understanding. These discussions can cover a wide range of topics, including end-of-life wishes, grief, cultural perspectives on death, and the profound philosophical and existential questions surrounding our mortality.
By fostering open dialogue and promoting death awareness, Death Cafés aim to reduce the fear and discomfort that many people associate with death, ultimately helping individuals embrace life more fully. -
As a death doula, I facilitate Advance Care Planning Workshops with deep empathy and a focus on supporting individuals as they navigate these crucial decisions. These workshops provide a safe and compassionate space for participants to explore their values, fears, and desires related to their end-of-life care. I guide them through the process of creating advance care plans and appointing healthcare proxies, ensuring their voices are heard and their choices respected.
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A grief circle is a supportive and structured gathering where individuals come together to share their experiences of loss and grief. It provides a safe space for participants to express their emotions, memories, and challenges associated with their grief journey. The circle encourages open and empathetic listening, allowing people to connect with others who understand their pain. It can help individuals process their grief, reduce isolation, and find comfort in the company of those facing similar struggles. Grief circles are an essential resource for coping with loss and fostering healing in a communal and compassionate setting.
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Navigating Uncertainty & Loss is a workshop originally created as a response to COVID-19 with the intention to support people dealing with collective change and uncertainty.
The workshop opens people to an enlivening conversation that provides practical tools to cope with uncertainty, deal with challenging emotions and access joy.
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In addition to the above workshops, I have given workshops and talks on the following special interest topics:
Green Funerals & Funeral Planning
The Art if Gratitude
How to Talk about Death & Dying
Self-Care for Carers
Please use my contact form to enquire further about these workshops should they be of interest.
Feedback from a recent Death Café…
“Last night we held the Death Café in our meeting room. It was a successful event and we had a great response from the participants. Quite a few people arrived saying they felt quite nervous. However, stories were swapped, plenty of laughs were had (and even some hugging), and people left asking when the next session was going to be held.”
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“We had people from various backgrounds and perspectives. An18 year old boy with his mother, an 85 year old man who said he wasn’t ready to die yet and when asked said he loved sugar too much, paramedics, and aged care workers all happy to open up, tell their stories, and share their thoughts and feelings. One lady came in with very closed body language and stated firmly that she was going to listen but not talk. About halfway through the session, her group facilitator gently prodded her with some questions. She tearily shared her story and by the end of the session, her body language had completely changed. She walked lighter and looked happier. We even had someone travel all the way from the Mornington Peninsula to attend as they couldn’t find any Death Cafés in their area.
I would highly suggest we do another Death Café in future. As death is often a taboo subject, people are looking for opportunities to discuss it with like-minded people.”
