Dates: Thursday, August 26, 2021, 7:00 - 8:00 pm ET
Available by: Join by Videoconference Only (learn more about videoconference)
Suggested Love Offering: $ 10.00
Making Friends with Impermanence: Writing your own Obituary
"Death never takes the wise man by surprise, he is always ready to go."
- Jean de La Fontaine
In modern-day North America, how many of us ever contemplate our mortality, let alone "do the work" of preparing for it? Death happens to the body on the physical level but it is also, undeniably, a spiritual process. The writing of an obituary is an act of "sifting-" sifting through the people, the experiences, the love, and the moments that we choose to highlight and that will "remain" after we are gone. Examining our lives in this way brings us closer to the core of who we truly are. Daring to look our mortality squarely in the eye and acknowledge our impermanence can actually bring greater peace and acceptance for that which we know is inevitable. Rather than shrinking in fear at the thought of our demise, we can move forward with more relaxation and openness. If you could write your own last words, what would they be? How would you sum up the lessons you've learned? The experiences that you've had? What if you could offer final wishes and blessings to family and friends? To the World? An obituary, in the end, is a portrait. Who better to write the portrait of your life than you?
In this Gathering, we will consider the reasons why someone might want to write their own obituary and what can be gained, psychologically and spiritually, from the exercise. We will read and discuss examples of obituaries written by people before their deaths and we will conclude with time to begin writing some notes for yourself and questions for reflection in the event that you'd like to try penning your own.
Facilitator
Rev. Carin M. Bonifacino
Reverend Carin M.Bonifacino offers highly personal planning, support, guidance, and ceremonies for the many stages of death and dying. Carin is a highly sought-after Funeral Celebrant, an End of Life Doula and a Home Funeral Guide. Carin is also a Death Educator who encourages people to think about their mortality before they have a serious illness or terminal diagnosis. To that end, she offers classes and workshops on end-of-life planning, alternatives to modern burial and funeral practices, and obituary writing. For more information about Carin and her work, visit: RevCarin.com
If you have questions about registering for this course, please contact One Spirit Learning Alliance by email to info@1spirit.org or call 212-931-6840.