Notes from Tucson’s 2nd Death Café, January 8 2013

By Kristine Bentz

Despite pretty darn cold weather for we desert dwellers, we shared another illuminating Death Café at Bookman’s Community Room. Overall, the experience keeps exceeding our expectations. Everyone who completed a brief feedback form noted they are glad they attended and felt the event had a positive impact on them.

In summary, we were 14 strong again, including two facilitators and 12 guests. Our ‘star’ guest, Claire, contributed quite delicious handmade pumpkin bread! We enjoyed informal chats for the first 15 minutes, while getting to know each other more and making introductions, and then sat down into smaller circles of three of four folks for more in-depth conversations (around 45 minutes). We closed with a large-group open acknowledgement from anyone who felt so moved to share what “aha” moments occurred and began compiling a resource list, to be posted on the TDC Facebook page.

Attendees described their experiences as: informative, refreshing, comfortable, relaxed, interesting, revealing, thought-provoking, enlightening, opportunity, open, peaceful, intimate, vital, fun and affirming.

Based upon a few great suggestions from participants, we’ll be trying a new format at our February Café. We’re excited to see how it goes and will let you know!

Our upcoming Tucson Death Cafes will be: March 5th, April 9th and May 7th May 3rd.

May Death Cafe SPECIAL EDITION happening at a private residence south of Tucson, on Friday May 3, 2013. As a result, there will be no May 7th meeting. Anyone who would like to participate please RSVP to Kristine via the Tucson Death Café Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TucsonDeathCafe or May 3rd event page at www.facebook.com/events/346464808791604/

All apart from May's will be held at Bookman’s Community Room on Grant at Campbell, from 4:00-5:30pm. We may hold summer Cafés at satellite locations throughout the larger metropolitan area.