What does a peaceful, dignified death, a “good death” look like for you? How can facing death help us live more fully each day? What would you do differently if you learned that you had just six months to live? These questions and more will be discussed at a new, monthly “life cafe” being offered by the Silver City Public Library, and facilitated by Lisa Jimenez, certified death doula and practitioner of Shamanic healing.
The first cafe happens Thursday, March 23, from 4:00 to 5:30 pm in the library conference room, and the cafe is open every fourth Thursday of the month at the same time.
“The goal is to simply get people from all walks of life talking about death and having fun while doing so,” said Jimenez. “Understanding what a good death looks like and planning for it now allows us to live more fully in the present. And I believe like anything in life, if we have a solid plan, it’s all likely to go that much more smoothly for the dying person and their loved ones.”
The monthly cafe format will include a topic for discussion, information sharing and occasional guest speakers. Jimenez said that she sees her role as a facilitator of a community conversation regarding all things death related, and wants to hear from participants about their interests, ideas and needs.
“I want to hear from people about what they would like to know more about, or learn about. There is no intention to lead people to specific actions, conclusions, products or services. I will be creating a safe, open, confidential venue where people of all religious faiths, belief systems – all “walks of life” – can express themselves fully without cross-talk or unsolicited advice or comments. My primary goal is to open up the discussion and have fun.”
Potential life cafe topics and guest speaker events include: New Mexico’s Aid in Dying Act; advance directives and other planning tools; green burials; cremation and aquamation; estate planning; life celebrations; home funerals, Hospice, working with death doulas, and other topics that participants express an interest in exploring. The monthly event is free. For more information, please contact Lisa Jimenez, lmjimenez13@gmail.com or (575) 574-5473.