Living funeral: The last words
By Jordan Cleland
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Any last words?
This is a question that has been asked many times over in movies. A question that might make you feel a little squeamish.
Let’s peak behind the curtain of Tilde’s Living Funeral Ceremonies, where we aim to bring death into clear and immediate view, and serve a space of mindfulness and deep reflection on life. In this journal entry (and this one), we’ll give you the scoop so you can feel confident and prepared should you decide to participate in the next Living Funeral Ceremony.
The ceremony is about 1.5 - 2 hours long and (currently) done in the comfort of your own home. One of the best parts, in our opinion, is the opportunity participants get to write their last words.
Seem like a big task?
The good news is there is no right or wrong way to write last words. They can be as long or as short as the person writing them would like.
Last words can be —
Anything you wish to leave behind
Instructions
Thoughts
Memories
Goodbyes
Regrets
Highlights
Reflections
Basically, anything that comes out when you put pen to paper.
There’s no time limit to this portion of the ceremony so participants can relax in knowing there’s no rush.
After everybody is done writing, they’ll get a chance to read their last words out loud to the group. This is not required (you’re always in the driver’s seat).
But reading them out loud might make them hit home. Tears or laughter may come. This is when participants may feel most connected to the group (and we can all use a little more human connection these days). Or maybe reading them out loud makes you realize that you need more time.
And isn’t more time what we’re all after? More time doing the things we love, with the people we love.
Luckily, this is a living funeral, so you’ve got time. Some people choose to read their last words to their loved ones after the ceremony. Others put them away and never look at them again. But one thing is for sure: this ceremony encourages reflection on life and, certainly, on death.
I hope one day you will join us.
If you feel ready to participate in a Living Funeral Ceremony, check out our events page. Both private and group ceremonies are often available.
We’ll be back soon with a look at the somatic meditation portion of the ceremony. Until then, you know where to find us if you have any questions.
