Life and death define each other. Truly recognizing the fleeting nature of life can help us live with more purpose and joy. It can also motivate us to plan so that the dying process may be lived through with less distraction, and with fewer worries left to our loved ones. In this course, we will discuss cultural variations in approaches to death, our ideas of empathetic care and a good death, and the practical paperwork that will take the guesswork out of decisions for all involved. We start each session with a short mindfulness meditation. We will walk through exercises that gently open the door beyond taboos, highlight our priorities, and inform our decision making as we take up the process of planning for the end of life. This process is also useful in clarifying our values, which not just inform, but transform how we live now. This course is for people interested in or engaged in matters relating to death, dying, bereavement, palliative and end of life care—personally or professionally. Interactive components meant to enrich our relationship to complex topics will be facilitated under guidelines that promote respect and privacy.
