Activity 2: Sharing Journal Reflections

Activity time: 25 minutes

Invite participants to turn to their journal reflections, which they completed before the workshop, and respond to the question, “What would I like my obituary to say about me?” Ask them to turn to another person and to share to the degree they are comfortable. Allow six minutes for this part of the activity, signaling at three minutes with chime or bell to change speakers.

Regather the large group, then say:

This is the golden time in your life to think about what you want included in your obituary. What is most meaningful that you want people to know? Your thoughtful input now may keep your future published obit from being a boring, factual chronology! With whom in your life do you want to share what you have written—a family member or minister or special friend? (Pause.) How was it to write your obituary?

Invite comments and reflections. Commend participants for their bravery in contemplating and writing their own obituary.

Remind participants of the other two journaling questions they were given at the last workshop:

  • After you understood that all life has a beginning and an ending, do you remember when you became aware that one day you would die?
  • How do you see yourself in relation to the universe?

Invite them to return to their pairs and to share, to the degree they are comfortable, from their reflections in their journal writing. Allow ten minutes for this part of the activity, signaling at five minutes with the chime or bell to change speakers.