Death Education

If we’re going to Do Death Differently, we have to educate ourselves and consider all the options. From what to say to somebody who is grieving to weighing the best options for your unique end-of-life experience, The Death Network is committed to offering fact-based information so you can explore and consider what is best for you.

Navigating Grief During the Holidays: Coping Strategies and Support
Experiencing Loss and Grief Penny Waugh Experiencing Loss and Grief Penny Waugh

Navigating Grief During the Holidays: Coping Strategies and Support

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for those experiencing grief, this time can feel especially heavy, bringing a mix of sorrow, isolation, and emotional overwhelm. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, the absence of a familiar tradition, or a major life change, grief can intensify during the holidays. In this article, we’ll explore why grief feels heavier during this season, how to cope with it, ways to ask for help, and practical tips to manage it.

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Human Composting: A New Frontier in Eco-Friendly End-of-Life Care
Planning End-of-Life Penny Waugh Planning End-of-Life Penny Waugh

Human Composting: A New Frontier in Eco-Friendly End-of-Life Care

Natural organic reduction involves placing a deceased body in a controlled environment where it decomposes naturally over time. The process is often facilitated in specialized facilities using biodegradable materials and a blend of organic elements like wood chips, straw, and alfalfa to promote decomposition. Natural organic reduction relies on the organic materials that are readily available locally, Mother-Earth has provided all that we need within our local environment to ensure that our bodies can be reduced naturally, no matter where we live.

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Death Cafe: A Conversation About Life, Death, and Everything In Between
Experiencing Loss & Grief Penny Waugh Experiencing Loss & Grief Penny Waugh

Death Cafe: A Conversation About Life, Death, and Everything In Between

At its core, a Death Cafe is a simple concept: people—often strangers—come together in a comfortable setting to have open, informal conversations about death. There’s tea, there are treats, and there’s no set agenda or expert panel guiding the discussion. The goal? To encourage greater awareness of death, which in turn can help us live more fully in the time we have.

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Embracing the Joy and Beauty of a Life Well-Lived: The Concept of a Living Farewell
Planning End-of-Life Penny Waugh Planning End-of-Life Penny Waugh

Embracing the Joy and Beauty of a Life Well-Lived: The Concept of a Living Farewell

Death is an integral part of the circle of life, yet our culture rarely addresses it in this context. Instead, we often view it as a dark, somber event. It's time to flip the script and celebrate those we love authentically—before they are gone. Sharing love, words of affirmation, and precious memories shouldn't be reserved for after someone has passed away. It should happen while they are still alive and able to receive these blessings. Whether facing a terminal diagnosis or nearing the end of life, planning a living funeral or living wake can be a profound and meaningful way to honor a life.

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