Breath and Death: Contemplating the End to Live More Fully Now
With Jacquie Brown
March 21, April 25 and May16
full course $150 Early bird | $170 regular
single session $60| $75 for the April session
We spend so much energy avoiding the topic of death, yet contemplating our impermanence is one of the most direct paths to living a vibrant, intentional life.
Join us for Breath and Death, a transformative 3-part series designed to help you contemplate the inevitable in a held container and live this moment with presence and joy. Whether you are curious about Buddhist philosophy, looking to get your practical affairs in order, or seeking a deeper connection to your life’s purpose, this series offers a grounded, communal space to explore what it means to be mortal.
We don’t just experience life in our minds, and we won’t experience the end of it there, either. By integrating asana and pranayama with contemplation and pragmatic planning, we honor life and death as a wholistic experience, ensuring our physical, emotional, and practical selves are all in conversation.
The Sessions
Session 1: The Five Remembrances How does the practice of remembering impermanence change the way we live? We explore the Buddhist "Five Remembrances" through asana practice, pranayama, and discussion. Learn to use the reality of change as a catalyst for joy.
Session 2: The Practical Path Death isn't just a concept; it involves logistics. This extended session combines gentle asana with pranayama to prepare our nervous system for thinking about the practicalities of our end. We will do pragmatic end-of-life planning*. We will breathe through the discomfort of documentation to ensure your wishes are known and your mind is at ease.
Session 3: The Life Review We don’t have to wait until the end to look back. Through gentle asana, pranayama, personal reflection and small group sharing, we will review our journeys so far, using the perspective of our final moments to clarify our current path. A full life review will not be possible in the time allotted but we will learn the practice so that we can continue reviewing and healing.
To name 'Death' alongside 'Breath' is to acknowledge the full circle of our humanity. This series is not about dwelling on the end; it is about using the breath we have now to live without the weight of the unspoken. We move and breathe together, we plan together, and we wake up to our lives together.
IMPORTANT: In the spirit of mutual aid and community support, we offer a flexible sliding scale. If the standard investment feels out of reach, please reach out so we can make this series accessible for you.
*FAQs regarding end-of-life planning
What is end-of-life planning?
End-of-life planning is a thoughtful and empowering process of reflecting on, discussing, making decisions about, documenting, and sharing your wishes for the end of your life. It's about ensuring your preferences are known and honored, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
This comprehensive planning includes:
Selecting someone to make decisions for you if there comes a time when you cannot.
Clearly outlining your wishes for medical treatment, such as life support, resuscitation, and pain management.
Deciding what you want for your funeral or memorial services and how you'd like your life to be celebrated and honored.
Expressing your preferences for what you would like to happen to your body.
Compiling important information and documents related to the administrative aspects of your life, making things easier for those you leave behind.
Why do end-of-life planning?
Engaging in end-of-life planning offers profound benefits:
End-of-life planning is an act of LOVE. It makes things easier and less stressful for your loved ones during a time of grief. When your wishes are documented, your family can focus on mourning and healing rather than making difficult decisions under pressure.
You can have the death you want. By clearly articulating your wishes, you increase the likelihood that your end-of-life journey will align with your values and desires.
Cultivating intimacy with your own mortality often leads to a deeper appreciation for life now. Understanding and preparing for the end can inspire you to live more fully, intentionally, and joyfully in the present.
I’m still young and healthy. Why should I do end-of-life planning?
Planning for your future death is one of the most effective ways to ensure you are living fully now.
Think of end-of-life planning like getting a fire extinguisher. You're not expecting your house to burn down tomorrow, but you have one just in case. It’s that same kind of peace of mind.
By taking the time to clarify your wishes—for your healthcare, your legacy, and the administrative side of your life—you're not inviting death. Instead, you're giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind.
This process removes the burden of making difficult decisions from your family during a time of grief. More importantly, it allows you to reflect on what truly matters to you, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and intention to your life today. It’s a proactive, life-affirming act, not a morbid one.