I am always looking for ways that could help you with your unique grieving process. You might like to join a grief support group, want to be alone, like to step into a guided grieving process with a therapist, or travel the world to find healing.
There is no right or wrong way, only your unique grieving process.
I discovered a new possibility that might be of interest to you if you don’t already know it. It is the Death Cafe.
Death Cafes encourage people to meet in coffee shops to discuss anything and everything to do with the subject of death, which is still a taboo in our culture.
A month ago, I joined a Death Cafe group in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I was curious to see what it was all about and how it might help the healing process.
I checked their website first: A Death Cafe is a group directed discussion of death with no agenda, objectives or themes. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session. The aim is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives.
About 16 people gathered at a local coffee shop* to talk about death over a cup of tea or coffee.
As a new member I felt immediately welcomed due to the shared interest, respect and the openness of all group members. I was not the only new person in the circle that day.
We shared:
- feelings of grief
- stories about near death experiences
- exchanged information about caregiving for the dying
- and relieve to be able to speak about death without any hesitation.
There was a lot of empathy, encouragement, and openness to everyone's concerns and stories.
I will go back for sure.
If you feel inspired to see if there is a Death Cafe in your neighbourhood you can check the Death Cafe website at or your local Meetup listings.
Let me know what you think about the concept of the Death Cafe.
If you would like personal help please let me know. We can arrange a free call so that you can move forward on your unique healing path.
Take good care,
Jacqueline
PS: I am not affiliated in any way with Death Cafe.
Jacqueline's Healing for Grieving Hearts program was an oasis in my life at a time when I was grieving two losses: the loss of a beloved pet, and the loss of a significant relationship (through conflict, not death).
Jacqueline's caring presence and guidance, together with the exercises she created for me, created a safe space to voice and explore my difficult feelings. I loved how the exercises helped me get out of my head, and into the truth in my heart. Through the program, I found peace and clarity, and a renewed sense of direction in my life.
~ K. Nova Scotia