Many of you have asked for a different format, you want to progress, to explore and to share more. So, we've come up with field trips! For new-comers and past attendees, this event is bound to create new insights and fascinating stories.

Canoe the Skokie Lagoons
Monday, October 14, 12:00p-5:00p
Skokie Lagoons, just east of I-94  |  Glencoe, IL
It's practically your backyard! And, it's Columbus Day so let's take a trip!
$99 includes canoe rental, instruction, refreshments, facilitation. 
Save $30 when you register before October 12th. $129 afterwards.
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED.

For at least 6,000 years, people looking for deeper understanding have gone to the wild places to find it, and sometimes they find something more.

This Death Cafe field trip is an intentional blend of the spiritual, philosophical and physical. And, this is very important — designed to be a lot of fun! Experience the profound pleasure of just being in the wilderness (just minutes from home), moving quietly, reflecting, sharing, listening and watching that magnificent world unfold as you flow through it.

Spend time discussing death, life, loves, and legacies while being expertly guided through fall splendor. And, we'll have our expected helpings of coffee, tea, and cakes.

John Lionberger, a Death Cafe facilitator, is a spiritual renewal expert and a wilderness retreat expert. Since 2001 he has welcomed people from all faiths (or none) on his trips as they seek to spend time in ways that civilization doesn't usually allow. About Renewal in The Wilderness Founder and Author John Lionberger.

On this 5-hour excursion we'll

     • Learn wilderness skills
     • Build new friendships
     • Deepen old ones

"In the wilderness, where things are silent and simple, and unclouded
by puny human strivings, the heart, unlike the mind — at least my mind —
is willing to go way beyond the rational and into the spiritual,
way past the limits of the possible into the limitlessness of Possibility."
- excerpted from Renewal in the Wilderness: A Spiritual Guide to Connecting to God in the Natural World

Hosted and facilitated by Dan Bulf and John Lionberger.

Early registration fee of $99 includes canoe rental, instruction, refreshments, facilitation. 
$129 on Saturday, October 12th.

In a culture that doesn’t honor grief, 
here’s a chance to discuss the impact after a death.

At Death Cafes across the world, people come together in a relaxed and safe setting to discuss death, drink tea and eat delicious cake. We think that this is a great way to spend some time and we're keen to support people to do it more. Learn more at the international website.

Influenced by the ideas of Swiss sociologist Bernard Crettaz, the objective of Death Cafe is "To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives". Hundreds of individuals across the world have taken part to date.

“Loved this! Sometimes I think it's easier to talk about this topic with complete strangers, which I think can help open the door to talk about it with family and friends."

Death Cafe offers you the opportunity to explore topics like

          •  What do you consider a “good” death?
          •  What’s on your “before I die” list?
          •  How do you open a discussion about final wishes with your family?
          •  Whose death affected you the most and why?
          •  How do you convince others to respect your grief?
          •  Does faith help or complicate your attitude towards death?
          •  What would you like your legacy to be?
          •  Can you plan a fun funeral?

“I loved hearing everyone's views and ideas about death.
I heard a lot of things I never considered before. 
Really gets you thinking, which I think is really the point.
Thank you!”

Find out more on Death Cafes by visiting the official global website - deathcafe.com.