The Art of Living and Dying / 6 Months to Live

A six-month journey inspired by Stephen Levine’s book A Year to Live — living six months as if it were our last.

About the Course

We will gather once a month on the first Monday of each month, starting October 6th, in Bellingen.

Drawing on the teachings and practices from Levine’s book, we will explore what it means to treasure life, let go, and connect deeply.

Together we will:

Engage with guided meditations and creative/experiential exercises
Reflect on readings and practices from A Year to Live
Take part in small-group work and whole-group discussions
Be offered home practices and journaling reflections
Explore ways to connect with a small group between sessions

This is not a fixed curriculum - we will adapt to the needs of the group as the journey unfolds.

Why Join

We are conditioned to look away from death, yet in this course you are encouraged to contemplate it as a doorway into life. Rather than being morbid, this practice helps us see more clearly the preciousness of each moment, celebrate what is here, explore mortality, and soften death anxiety.

“We do not practice dying in order to prepare for a single moment called death. We practice dying to awaken to life itself.”

— Stephen Levine

Practicalities

When: First Monday of each month, starting October 6th, for six months. (Group will decide holiday schedule and if they meet in January.)
Where: Bellingen Youth Hub
Cost: Sliding scale $120–$240 for the whole 6 months. Miindala is a not-for-profit and costs are too cover room hire, tea, snacks etc. Any extra will go into Miindala's community work.
Accessibility: If funds are an issue, please email contact.miindala@gmail.com