Are You Ready for Death?

We like to plan for the future. We think about our homes, weddings, trips and dreams. But have we thought about what we want the final chapter of our lives to look like, and what happens after we die? We invite you to a meeting where we’ll talk openly and practically about planning for the end of life. We’ll discuss what we might want to consider while we’re alive, what choices we can make for ourselves, and how to let our loved ones know our wishes. Talking about death doesn’t have to be gloomy or frightening. Thinking through our wishes and sharing them with loved ones is an act of care that helps us make informed choices and gives our loved ones greater clarity during a difficult time. The end of life won’t plan itself!

The meeting will be led by cemetery guide Iris Kreen and death doula Jane Kaju, who will share their knowledge and experience of burial culture, death and planning for the final chapter of life. The meeting is suitable for anyone who would like to learn more about the subject; no prior knowledge is needed.

The event takes place on 21 November, 10:00–12:00, in the Eastern European conference room at Hestia Hotel Europa (Paadi 5, 10151 Tallinn). Tickets cost 15 euros and are available in advance through the Vivencia website.

MEET THE SPEAKERS:

Cemetery guide IRIS KREEN leads guided tours at Tallinn’s cemeteries and researches and introduces death culture more broadly. As an art historian and historian who has worked in the field for 10 years, Iris is especially fascinated by the appearance of cemeteries and how it changes over time—memorial art reflects not only the deceased, but also the wider culture and people’s understanding of death. Yet the themes of remembrance and memory on cemetery tours are never only about the past. Tours often prompt discussions about whether people have thought about what they would like their funeral and gravestone to be like, whether they have discussed their preferences with loved ones, and what happens after death. Iris believes that visiting cemeteries and thinking about death can help us live more fully. When she isn’t giving cemetery tours or writing newsletters and posts about death culture, she leads tours and museum sessions at Kumu, Kadriorg and PoCo art museums. More information: https://www.kalmistugiid.ee/

JANE KAJU is a death doula, a lecturer in palliative care nursing and an advocate for death education. She teaches healthcare professionals and the general public about death and the end of life. Her aim is to help people understand the dying process, find support when needed and ease the fear that comes with uncertainty. Jane has created an end-of-life planner and advises people as they consider their wishes and plan for the end of life. She is also the founder of Vivencia, Estonia’s first death education school, and believes that speaking more openly about death helps us make more informed choices and better support ourselves and our loved ones.

Those interested can buy end-of-life planners created by Jane Kaju at the venue for 20 euros. Payment at the venue is in cash; alternatively, let us know before the event by emailing info@vivencia.ee.

Come listen, reflect and perhaps begin your first end-of-life plan. Because talking about death doesn’t mean waiting for death. It means being prepared, making informed choices and caring for those who remain.