|
Our November Mini-Monday, a Death Café, will be led by Joanne Holmes, a long-time member of the Center for Conscious Living. Coinciding with the traditional “Day of the Dead” (honoring deceased loved ones), Joanne will facilitate a conversation on Zoom in which we are invited to share our thoughts and feelings about death in a safe space.
Joanne has been caring for others, in one way or another, starting at the age of 9 when her twin brothers were born. She worked for 30 years for Bancroft, a pioneering organization that serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. And she has volunteered as a co-minister for the deaf and disabled community through G.I.F.T.S. (Gathering in Faith through Service) at Holy SAVIOUR Church in Westmont, NJ.
After being supportive to her own parents during their transition, as well as
well as being there for several friends during their transitions, a mystic
shared with Joanne that she is a “Death Walker.” That term may sound
familiar, as Ram Dass famously said, “We’re all just walking each other
home.”
The Death Café model, which originated in England and has spread to
many continents, is a “social franchise” dedicated to helping us all “make
the most of our finite lives.” Following the organization’s Guide and
principles for volunteers, Joanne will be facilitating our conversation via
Zoom.
As participants, Joanne encourages us to “pull up to your computer with a cup of tea/coffee (or whatever) and a snack. Pretend we’re in a coffee shop,
and let’s chat!” She looks forward to seeing where our conversation leads
us—inspiring food for thought and maybe even actions we want to take. As
Joanne once heard someone say, "We're all going to die; talking about it
isn't going to make it happen any sooner."
For more information about the topic, go to DeathCafe.com.
NOTE: Mini-Mondays are offered free of charge to all friends of CCL and we always welcome donations if you are so moved.
| 
