CHANGING SHOESTM – Exploring Death, Dying and the Afterlife

“Death is absolutely safe; it’s like taking off a tight shoe.” — Ram Dass
BROCHURE
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Course Overview

Knowledge reduces fear. This course invites you to explore death, dying, and what may follow, with the goal of fostering understanding, preparation, and peace for both individuals and their loved ones. 

We will examine personal and cultural attitudes toward death, along with practical and spiritual considerations surrounding the end of life.

Course Goal

The goal of this course is to deepen understanding of death and dying, emphasize the importance of thoughtful planning, and explore—together—what may come next.

Key Topics

Throughout the course, we will explore:

Planning and Preparation

  • Advanced planning for a peaceful transition
  • Financial considerations and practical arrangements
  • Organ donation and end-of-life directives

The Dying Process

  • What the dying process may look and feel like
  • Approaches to easing the transition, including:
    • Music and meditation
    • Visualization and reiki
    • Laughter and (where appropriate) alternative therapies

After-Death Arrangements

  • Burial and cremation options:
    • Traditional burial or cremation
    • Water cremation, green burial, sea burial
    • Human composting and other alternatives
  • Laying the body to rest and memorial practices

Legacy and Remembrance

  • How you want to be remembered
  • Creating a personal legacy
  • Living wakes and celebration-of-life planning

Emotional and Spiritual Exploration

  • Coping with grief
  • Near-death experiences and past-life regression
  • Religious and spiritual perspectives on the afterlife

Session Schedule & Descriptions

Session 1 – Introduction and Personal Perspectives

Sept 3 (6:00–8:00 PM)

  • Overview of the course
  • Discussion of expectations
  • Exploration of personal, family, and cultural attitudes toward death

Session 2 – Practical Planning for End of Life

Sept 17 (6:00–8:00 PM, Assembly Room)

  • Guest-led discussion based on Because It Matters by Cheyenne Mease
  • Guidance on organizing personal affairs in advance
  • Begin your own end-of-life planning process

Session 3 – Exploring Options and Financial Considerations

Oct 1 (6:00–8:00 PM, Conference Room)

  • Review insights from Session Two
  • Introduction to “Five Wishes”
  • Discussion topics include:
    • Body disposition options (burial, cremation, alternatives)
    • Asset management and legacy planning
    • Care arrangements for pets

Session 4 – The Dying Process and Creating Meaning

Oct 15 (6:00–8:00 PM, Conference Room)

  • Understanding signs and stages of dying
  • Creating rituals and vigils
  • Exploring alternatives for comfort and pain management
  • Developing legacy elements:
    • Personal messages
    • Living wakes
  • Group discussion on grief

Session 5 – Beliefs About the Afterlife

Oct 29 (6:00–8:00 PM, Assembly Room)

  • Exploration of religious and spiritual perspectives
  • Discussion topics include:
    • Near-death experiences
    • Reincarnation and past-life regression
    • Mediumship and psychic experiences
  • Sharing personal reflections and experiences

Session 6 – Exploring the Afterlife (Continued)

Nov 12 (6:00–8:00 PM, Conference Room)

This is a broad topic and warrants further discussion.

Conclusion

  • What have we learned?
  • Did the course meet our expectations?
  • What do you wish we had covered?

Closing Thought

This course creates a safe and open space to reflect, plan, and discuss one of life’s most profound transitions—helping you approach it with knowledge, intention, and peace.