Death Nesting And the Roles We Play

We are so happy to bring the 8th Vermont Death & Dying Retreat to Karmê Chöling. All are welcome to join this intimate gathering where we will explore our emotions and the roles that we play when tensions run high through the death and dying process.

Through discussions, meditative practices, role playing and theater (narrators, amateurs, and stage managers are very welcome!) we will open to our heartbreaks, judgements, and conditions of "who we are." All of which will come to the forefront when we are caring for another who is dying and arises during our own dying time. Exploring this now will awaken you to living life with more gratitude, joyousness and peace.

Heading into the very darkest time of the year makes way for a beautiful opening to contemplate dying and death. Rather than ignore the holidays or fully embrace them, we will examine carefully the impact that they have on us as individuals, families, and as a culture. Creating space to gather with others in a safe and uplifted environment is a deeply nourishing way to explore the preciousness of life.

Though the topics may feel heavy, or uncomfortable, humor is always incorporated into how Anne-Marie leads groups. Participants are invited to drop all expectations and arrive gently, humbly and ready to engage in living.

Recommended reading in advance of the retreat:

• Death Nesting: The Heart-Centered Practices of a Death Doula by Anne-Marie Keppel. Copies will be available at the retreat as well.
• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens 

We will engage in activities and exercises which include:

• Examination of the emotional pressures, poisons & gifts of the holidays
• The ghosts of past, present and future
• Perimeter practice (contemplations on distancing emotions from the physical body)
• Role playing and explorative death & dying theater
• Mindfulness practice & contemplation
• Ancestor altars
• Gingerbread coffin making
• Storytelling around the fire

Special Guests

• Spirit Gallery with psychic medium Salicrow
• Dreamscape, sleep practice & hormetic stress pracitces for healing with Pablo Coddou
• Yoga, movement & spatial awareness exercises with Juli Gramo

Participants will leave the retreat with an expanded vocabulary, confidence for engaging in conversations around death and dying and feeling refreshed and awake.

Whether or not you have previously or are currently caring for one who is dying, these trainings and discussions will enhance your everyday living experiences while also mentally preparing you for times in the future.

Though tears are welcome and will certainly flow, this program is not recommended for those who are actively grieving or for one who has received a recent diagnosis that feels acutely traumatizing.

Pablo Coddou and Anne-Marie Keppel