Monthly Archives: May 2014

Death Cafe Saskatoon. Reflection and Gratitude.

Posted in Uncategorized by

Well, we did it. We successfully held Saskatoon’s first Death Cafe* and the night was everything I had hoped for and more. Before I write anymore on my review of the evening, I want to make it clear that this event was not possible without my Co-Host, Penny Aadland. I am completely blown away how a random connection, multiple emails and a few evening coffee planning sessions created both a partnership and an event that I know will only continue to grow and evolve in the City of Saskatoon.

I am extremely fortunate to have so many friends and mentors that not only support me but also fuel me with passion, knowledge and encouragement. Death Cafe Saskatoon was made possible because of a series of fortunate events and fantastic friendships.

Wednesday was quite the exciting day for me. It started at the crack of dawn as I made my way down to Saskatoon’s CBC Studio (94.1 FM) where I had the opportunity to talk about the Death Cafe with Dan Kerslake. I was, and still am, very grateful for the opportunity to speak about the Death Cafe and help spread the world about this amazing global movement . A huge shout out to Dan for reaching out and to the CBC for its continued commitment to the community. My day sped by and before I knew it, we were unpacked and set up at Prairie Sun Brewery ready for the evening to begin.

The location. The company. The conversation. It was a triple threat for the makings of  what was an enlightening, enriching and empowering conversation. As I floated around the room and was lucky enough to join into the small group conversations, I was moved by the openness and willingness a group of strangers had towards such a dark and taboo subject. Each participant brought with them their own story and perspective and an overarching willingness to share. I was humbled and in awe.

I went home that night and reflected on the evening. I was, and I still am overflowing with gratitude.

To each of the participants, I thank you for making this night possible. After all, it was you who brought the conversation.

To Heather and Cam at Prairie Sun Brewery, thank you for taking a chance and opening your business to the Death Cafe. You provided the safe and welcoming space for the conversation to unfold.

To Penny, I cannot wait to start planning the next Death Cafe, then the next and then the next…

To Susan, thank you for capturing the night for us. As always, your work is beautiful speaks to the moment

To my family, friends… my tribe. Your patience, your tolerance and your excitement made this happen. Your texts, emails and phone calls felt like one big group hug that lasted all day.

Photographs from the event can be found here from the Silver Linings Events website.

Yours in living,

Lise

xo.

*The Death Cafe was develop by Jon Underwood based on the work of Bernard Crettaz. Information on this Global movement can be found at www.deathcafe.com. **For any readers interested in Death Cafe Saskatoon, please continue to check back here or ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

Let Go, Make a Wish, Play.

Posted in Uncategorized by

I am currently unwinding after what was a fulfilling, magical weekend at Caring Hearts Camp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoMrfFUeIv4). Each year, twice a year, I have the privilege of volunteering at a grief camp for children. Consistently, I am in awe of the brave, young souls that I come in contact with. I am overwhelmed with emotion and I leave hoping that I have impacted them in a way that they have impacted me.

We spend the weekend moving between activities focused on grief and activities that are simply, fun. We work hard to create a safe place for these children and to give them an opportunity to be ‘kids’ amongst their tragedies. We provide light in the darkness, comfort during a good cry and permission to follow the giggles up with genuine smiles. These children are the guiding force, we follow their lead-we follow their instincts.

Children. They are resilient. They are honest, they are courageous, they are driven by intuition. Their emotions are raw, authentic, and very close to the surface. As adults, we have a lot to learn from these powerful minds; we need to learn how to go back to what is simple. This group of children taught me many lessons in living over the course of the weekend. Below are three of the lessons I encourage you to get back to.

Let Go.

We hold on to so many things; so much weight, so much baggage. It is heavy and rarely do we ever ask for help. Some things we cannot change, we cannot fix, they will not go away. Stop dragging this weight around; let go of the ribbon and release it. If it needs to, if it is important enough, it will come back. Trust me.

Make a Wish.

The wishbone. The candles on a cake. A penny in a wishing well. Remember those moments when we used to make a wish {or maybe still do}? Go back to that. This practice is not about the belief in the wish coming true but rather, it is about paying attention to what that wish actually is. It is about that moment after you have closed your eyes and taken that deep breath, it is the moment right before you blow the candles out and a fleeting thought enters your mind. That thought is what you need to remember. Remember it, hold on to it, DO something about it.

Play.

Yes, play. It’s that simple. Drop your guard, your judgment, have fun and play. Use your imagination, find your inner child and take a break from external expectations. If there is one short cut to hitting the refresh button to your life, this is it.

Tag, you’re it!

Lise

xo.