Course curriculum

  1. 01

    • Contemplating Our Endings: Impermanence

    • Contemplating Our Endings: Identity

    • Contemplating Our Endings: Legacy

Each of us knows that one day our body will die.

Are we ready for that ending? Have we taken the time to consider what it means to us?

In this three part online series, we will contemplate the end of our lives and what might make it possible to “end well”. Through guided contemplation, writing, and group discussion, we will begin to bring both meaning and action into focus. This course is intended to bring end of life issues into clearer focus. It is a step on the journey to ending well, and it is a collaborative action. Guided contemplation and writing prompts will be offered. How we cover each topic will be guided by what each participant brings to the group.

Lead Instructor

Your Facilitator

Helen Stickney is a meditation instructor, grief companion, and end of life doula. She is a founding member of Pittsburgh Community Deathcare, and also works part time in hospice administration and green burial. In addition to a meditation practice that spans four decades, she has a PhD in Theoretical Linguistics, is a certified mindfulness instructor, and has certificates in integrative thanatology, somatic healing, and compassionate presence. She is the former director of the Three Rivers Free Clinic for the People and she has worked with various meditation communities throughout the Pittsburgh area. She is currently studying with the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition. When not working, teaching, or studying, Helen spends most of her time in the woods.

Helen Stickney

Pittsburgh Community Deathcare