How has the idea of death, or the experience of losing those close to you shaped the way you think about life? Has it been a part of why you value "spiritual speculation" enough to participate in this discussion group?

How has the idea of death, or the experience of losing those close to you shaped the way you think about your own eventual death?

Have you experienced gatherings that focus on death (Funerals, wakes, Good Friday services, commemorations etc). How was death talked about in these gatherings? Was there opportunity for you to participate or were these passive experiences? Were these events helpful to you?  

Does our society generally deal healthily with death? Why do some societies integrate the experience of death while others marginalize it? What grief and death practices are included in your cultural background? 

How does privilege vs poverty impact dying people and grieving people? Have you encountered charity or government supported care available to those without financial privilege? Have you encountered care only available to those with the ability to pay for it (ex. funeral homes, private medical care, death doulas)? How can we bring more equity to the experience of dying and/or grieving?

What beliefs about life after death have you encountered among people you know?