BookClub/GroupCoaching (BcGc)

is an in-person LiveWise series

This series is a forum in which to learn, share, and explore (with a small group of 6-12 people) the subjects of dying and death. My intention is both to engage in the practice of exercising our "gathering-together-muscles" to foster and feel the benefit of being in physical proximity, showing up for one another in community. And to grow with one another in understanding and empathy as we pursue a mutually-created common goodness in relating to the dying and death of others, as well as our own. By combining reflective inquiry with somatic practices in this series, we are empowered to face death as a potential teacher, one that can invite greater authenticity, joy, and creative expression in every moment of life.

This is a subject I am passionate about. Having walked the journey of the dying & death of my father this past year, it feels timely, even urgent, to engage in this conversation with those of you who are ready and wondering. Those who are of a mind to dive into this multi-faceted subject, who are bravely willing to face and explore what their own mortality means to them, and those who have experience and wisdom to share which can illuminate and offer welcome insight to others delving into this realm.

When we gather with others to explore death and dying, something magical happens. In that shared space, the fear and taboo that normally surrounds the topic dissolve a bit in the light of honest, heart-to-heart dialogue. The process becomes less about morbid curiosity and more about cultivating a heartfelt acknowledgment of life’s impermanence, which in turn enriches our sense of purpose, creativity, and overall well-being. We begin to see that death isn’t simply an end—but rather a transformational doorway that can deepen our appreciation for every moment of life.

In a supportive group setting, the conversation shifts from isolation to community. Each person’s insights and reflections act as a mirror, helping everyone involved to witness and gently challenge their own limiting beliefs about mortality. This not only diminishes the fear of death but also opens up space for a greater love of and commitment to life. The vulnerability shared in such a setting creates profound trust, allowing individuals to step past their defensiveness and embrace more authentically who they are—a process that is at the heart of my work and the Hendricks with whom I trained and became a certified coach over 10 years ago.

When individuals have the opportunity to discuss these deep existential questions in a group, they often find that they’re not alone with their questions or anxieties, which can be incredibly liberating. I look forward to being with you on this adventure!

In this Fall series we will be reading/listening to this book together:

Die Wise: A Manifesto for Sanity and Soul

by Stephen Jenkinson 

Drawing on his decades of experience as a palliative care worker, Jenkinson asserts Dying is not a passive event that happens to us, but an active skill that we must learn and cultivate throughout our lives in connection with others, which creates a more cohesive and caring community.

The author, a poet and philosopher as well as a storyteller, challenges modern Western culture's deep-seated anxiety and avoidance of death. The book critiques society's "death-phobic" tendencies, including the medicalization of dying and the empty platitudes offered in the face of grief. 

Warning: This book and it’s subject of dying and death are not for the faint of heart - courage will be asked of you as you face toward this topic both within yourself, and in the experiences shared by others, as well as in the directness of the author’s words. And it’s easier in a group of like-minded individuals. You are welcome to join us.