Let’s Talk about Death, Baby!
An online course about death, dying, community care, ritual, paperwork & pleasure.
Who is this for?
Anyone who is thinking about end-of-life transitions, no matter how near or far that time may be. This is for singles, couples, queer kin, parents and adult children. This is for people who would like to make plans for their own good death; learn ways to support a loved one through transition; or reprocess a recent experience of loss. This is an eat the fish, spit out the bones kind of space: maybe you are just curious to learn more about death and dying with a supportive community; or maybe you are eager to draft your end-of-life wishes and prepare everything for your next-of-kin; both kinds of participation are welcome.
Why join me?
I have worked for 20+ years as an oral historian collecting life stories. My reason for recording these memories usually went unspoken: there will be a future when this person is no longer here on earth. I hold this story collecting work with great reverence and care, and death has always been part of it. However, it was not until I lost my father, step-father, and mother in the span of less than two-years that I realized I wanted to bring conversations about death and dying to the forefront, and so I trained to be a death doula.
Even just one or two generations ago, we had more skills as a community for how to care for the dying. Talking about death does not have to be scary or sad, especially when we have these conversations in a way that is somatically-attuned and held by landscape, spirit, and ancestors.
My teaching approach is queer, feminist, antiracist, neurodivergent-affirming, sex-positive, land-honoring, somatically-attuned, trauma-informed, and fun.
What will we do?
During our weekly gatherings, we will practice ways to expand our capacity to be with these big questions and big emotions. I’ll share some practical information, resources, and inspiration and then there will be time for discussion. We’ll call in support from trees and whales and other benevolent beings. Death is an experience that humans have been tending for thousands of years. Our time together won’t feel heavy!
Some of the Topics covered:
Dying process: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual
Envisioning a good transition: sensory experience, rituals, altar tending, song, somatic bodywork, healing touch, autonomy, Eros, open communication, clear boundaries
End-of-life choices: palliative care, hospice, home hospice, VSED, MAID, green burial
Important Documents: Living Wills, Advanced Directives, MOLST/POLST, Healthcare Proxy, Power of Attorney, Next of Kin
What to do if you don’t have an Emergency Contact
Being with grief, Honoring ancestors, legacy projects, deep listening, planning a celebration of life
Schedule:
4 Thursdays in October:
Oct 1, 6:30-8pm ET
Oct 8, 6:30-8pm ET
Oct 15, 6:30-8pm ET
Oct 22, 6:30-8pm ET
Space is limited to 12 participants
Course Fee
· Solidarity $100
· Sustainer $250
· Supporter $500