Celebrating This Precious Life - Honest Conversations about Death and Dying

This six month program offers the opportunity for authentic and engaging conversations and deep listening to ourselves and others on death and dying.

'Remember, friends, as you pass by, As you are now so once was I. As I am now, so you must be. Prepare yourself to follow me.'  This was a common epitaph in the 18th Century. Let's prepare to die... and in so doing, live fully!

Through honest, generous and inspired conversations and practices, with no set beliefs or agendas, we will talk about death, dying and what's important to each of us. We will meditate, write, talk, listen, be quiet. We will play, be serious, research, discover and listen deeply to find out what's alive in us.

During our time together I will offer practices including mindfulness/presence meditation, nonviolent communication (NVC) empathy practices and working with universal needs, creative writing, reflection, sharing in dyads and in the larger group. Each month there will be home practices that can deepen the process and inspire profound conversations with those you love.

We will enter into topics that will bring clarity on what we want and what we can let go of. We will traverse through practical concerns such as end of life care, the funeral ceremony, disposing of the corpse, legal documents and also topics that will bring healing and renewal - life review, unfinished business, practices that support mindfulness and connection, releasing and belonging. We will find a greater understanding and knowing of our inner song by listening to ourselves and to others. You will also have access to a rich body of resources for further study and contemplation.

Wendy Haynes will be your guide with the possibility of guest speakers on specific topics (to be confirmed closer to the dates). Wendy has been a family celebrant for 25 years conducting weddings, namings, funerals, pre death ceremonies, memorials and more. Since 2003, she has offered professional development, mentoring and resources to celebrants Australiawide and internationally. She is the author of many celebrant related books and resources. 

Wendy's commitment has been to encourage mindful presence, compassionate communication, play, connection and care in ceremonies and also preparation for death and dying. In 2006 she graduated as a Yoga teacher and in 2014 as a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) facilitator. In 2013 she completed her first training in NVC and has since studied NVC Mediation, Convergent Facilitation and other NVC programs. For the last three years she has participated in and guided the Ongo: Everyday Nonviolence program, created by Catherine Cadden and Jesse Chu Wiens. Ongo is a blend of mindfulness, nonviolent communication and somatic practices. Wendy also loves to play the ukulele, camp under the stars, garden, play and be with her family.

This program, Celebrating this Precious Life brings together many areas of her interest and expertise.

This program is offered freely and open to all who are interested. Over six months (seven sessions) you will make some great friends from all walks of life and from all over the world.

Come and be inspired!

DETAILS:

There will be seven group gatherings, on the third Thursday of the month, starting on 21st August, 2020 and finishing on the Thursday 18th February. (Including 17th December). They will be held ONLINE using Zoom. 6.30-9pm AEST (Sydney, NSW)

I pay respect to the original inspiration for this project, Stephen and Ondrea Levine's book, A Year to Live (excellent read and preparation for this program), my Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction teachers, the many families I've worked with who were dying or bereaved and my dearest friends and colleagues. Also a special thank you to my Ongo teachers, Catherine Cadden and Jesse Wiens as we will be utilising many of the NVC and mindfulness practices that I've come to love and live by.

Once you register for this call you will receive an email with further information about what to bring and also the Zoom link that will be the same for each meeting. 

I am looking forward to meeting you!

My contact: info@wendyhaynes.com + 61 422507517   www.wendyhaynes.com

Testimonials...

"There are not enough words to express how special this programme truly is. It is both gentle and powerful. Wendy is a remarkable person, with a soul that seeks to connect - and who succeeds in creating a safe space for others to delve inside themselves, to explore and enrich what living and dying means to them - and to learn what more they can do to connect with the earth - in life and death. I have benefitted greatly, and appreciate it all." Moira Hill End of Life Conversations End of Life Coach & Educator, England. 

"I have loved the variety in the programme. The highlight has, however, been focusing my Life Review around the concepts of forgiveness and gratitude ... so powerful on so many levels, both personally and professionally!" Helen Rutledge, Celebrant, New Zealand

"Wendy Haynes is incredible. The challenge of considering ones imminent death is confronting however Wendy encourages openness, compassion, empathy and understanding of an individuals thoughts and beliefs. This program has allowed me to consider death openly, for myself, for my family and for others. Wendy's guidance has allowed me to embrace my passion of assisting others preparing for death. I confidently have the foundations to proceed with End of Life Doula training, thank you Wendy." Heather Hinton, Celebrant, NSW, Australia.

"The program and Wendys presence & guidance have benefited my life, relationships & decisions profoundly! I am 22 years old  and I have learned so much about myself and my desires, perceptions and deepened the connection with myself and others. I have already shared and recommended the program to everyone around me.  Because I started talking about death, suffering and disconnection with my family, friends & colleagues they got really curious and also inspired. I love the gatherings and practices that brought me back to myself and supported me to speak and listen from my heart: being authentic & present. Talking about death during the sessions, I started feeling during the month more & more alive and intensify my relationships. I could write so much more but i would recommend you to just trust and go on the journey, I promise that the programme will be a huge gift for you. Everyone will have their own unique experience and understanding." (Elisa, Student, Germany)

"Wendy's course is so full and rich. There's so much to learn about the practicals of the life journey, and to uncover the deep learnings that come from within. All in all - a very special uncovering of how it just might feel if you are given an 'end date'. I'm so grateful to be part of this group." Julie Weston - Celebrant, Australia