Celebrating the Last Chapter of our Lives

Celebrating the Last Chapter of Our Lives Increasing age, and increasing turbulence in all aspects of the wider world are making me more and more aware that I am in the last (and possibly most exciting and most beautiful) chapter of my life, and that the time of my death, and possibly the death of most if not all of humanity is coming rapidly closer. I am therefore inviting you to join me in a facilitated discussion group so we can support each other in celebrating and finding meaning in our lives and our deaths in our remaining days, months or years. WHERE: Bribie Art Centre Labyrinth and Cafe 191 (meeting at the Labyrinth) WHEN: Tuesdays from 8:30 am to 10 am starting Tuesday March 10. WHAT: A focal point for contemplation and meditation will be emailed each Friday (or perhaps agreed on each week for the following week), and read at the beginning of the gathering, perhaps along with a short relevant reading. We will then have a slow walk through the labyrinth, followed by a silent 10 minute contemplation/meditation. This will be followed by a discussion of the day’s focal point in a shady place. Those who want can then adjourn to Cafe 191 (the Art Centre’s new cafe) for coffee and further discussion of whatever topics arise. WHO: This discussion should interest those who are seeking to live with awe and wonder at the mystery of it all, and with a recognition of a greater reality beyond our physical world – or are curious about why I would want to organise this group, and what we are discussing. We will all need to agree that this will NOT be a place for exploring solutions to the many challenges facing us whether politically, economically or environmentally, or to bemoan the lack of available solutions. It will Instead it will be a time to use our collective experiences and energies to explore ways to live this final chapter of our lives with gratitude, and a sense of celebration. Possible focal points for discussion include: 1 Why do we find discussion of death morbid (and even avoid the word ‘death’)? 2. Moving from pettiness to expansion (or in other words, a material focus to a community/environmental/spiritual focus in our lives). 3 What do we tell the children? We may find we want more time than just one week on some points – and hopefully group members will also contribute suggestions for topics. We will let the group evolve to suit our needs. Please let me know if you are interested in being part of the group, or on the mailing list for the group. If you know of anyone who might be interested in joining our discussions, please pass this email on to them. I would also be glad to answer any questions you might have about the group. Lets celebrate together!! Joyce Newell 0439 329 334 Joyce.Newell@bigpond.com