Fellowship
I understand this workbook presents you with a lot of work to do. I also understand it’s easy to procrastinate! Find a friend or two to keep the momentum going.
ALLIES: Find one or two friends who are interested, and get together periodically to update your death wishes and planning. Make sure they know what you want.
GROUP DISCUSSION: Engage in open, frank discussion about death and dying issues. We recommend Death Cafe, an international organization geared toward discussion of death. It is open to public, and strictly a discussion group (not a bereavement or support group). Here in Vermont we have several death cafes. As caregivers or potential caregivers, is important to hone our listening skills and also practice articulating our thoughts. As mortals, it is important to address death directly if we want to articulate our needs. Death Café may also be a good place to find friends or like-minded people to accompany you with your death planning. Find a group near you or form one yourself, guidelines are online. http://deathcafe.com
BOOK GROUPS – Find or form a book group that reads books on death.
SPIRITUAL GROUPS – Whatever spiritual group you are in, you may want to reach out, there may be others who are open to talking about death. Many spiritual groups have service built into their practices. If you need some help, it’s ok to ask. If you want to help, it’s great to offer.
Marcie Vallette