death

The Modern ‘Art of Dying’

Two images of the ars moriendi - The Art of Dying

Here are 11 ideas to help us develop a better approach to dying in the modern era. In medieval times before most people could read, they used to rely on 11 little illustrations called the ‘ars moriendi’, which means ‘The Art of Dying’, to help them. To be honest, they … Read more

Sutherland Shire death cafes are back.

Sutherland Death Cafe partners

Sutherland Shire’s death cafes are back and attendees said there were lots of interesting conversations and ideas, at the first one, held last night. The popular death cafes are back, thanks to a grant from Sutherland Shire to South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, partnering with St George and Sutherland … Read more

Understanding Death at Campbelltown Library.

Promotion for Understanding Death at Campbelltown Library

Do you have burning questions about death or end of life care? Unsure about the choices you have for the care of your deceased body? Join us for a Q&A session like no other! Margaret Rice is an experienced journalist, author, feature writer, keynote speaker and editor. She has written … Read more

Join us in Kirribilli on May 22 – Reflection.

Understand Death Better - Kirribilli, May 22.

How to have the best death possible? We discussed this question and many others in May at Kirribilli. “It was lovely to meet you and be part of the workshop. I very much enjoyed watching you engage with the audience and the way you navigated conversations. From my perspective, it … Read more

Where will I be buried?

Do you want to be buried where you live now or the place where you came from?

‘Where will I be buried?’ was updated on August 12, 2022. This issue may seem odd to some – but to others it’s very important. In Australia the final resting place has deep significance for Aboriginal people. But I knew a non-Indigenous woman who was troubled by not knowing where … Read more

My Deer, Phoenix Park.

Phoenix Park, Ireland, pic courtesy National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, Ireland.

That’s a full stop – a red stop sign with angled corners and a white line around it.  Resting here, my knees have buckled, in front of that sign you planted in my path. I have walked this space so confidently, happy to share what I know, to muck in. … Read more

Play School helps with stories about beginnings and endings.

Play School: Beginnings and Endings - courtesy Play School ABC

This morning Play School did something very special. It had an episode about new life and end of life. Emma, one of the presenters explained to an earlier television news audience that the team sought the guidance of experts on managing grief in children. Children deal with death in a … Read more

When the grief of a child is denied.

Why did Dad leave without saying goodbye?

Sadly, until recently children were often excluded from funerals, something we recognise today as harmful. Christine was only seven when her father died and she will never forget it.  But one emotion that loomed large for a long time after was anger – not because Fred had died but because … Read more

A Mexican Cross to remember Chris

A Mexican Cross to remember Chris by, made better for its imperfections, as he is buried today.

Today a Mexican Cross to remember Chris by, because later this morning, Sydney time, his family who are dear to my heart will bury him. They are a large Catholic family just like the one I grew up in and now he, one of the six siblings, is gone. If … Read more

Jane and Richard talk about the last few months of life

“Have you been around during the last months of someone’s life, either a friend or a relative?”

Passing all Understanding

When I started interviewing people about their experiences of death, my selection process was a fairly random one. That was deliberate because I wanted the conversations to reflect life around me as it is in my country, in my time, in my culture – no pretence, no artifice, no filter. … Read more

Do you want to live for 1000 years?

Do you want to live for a thousand years?

It’s all about the radio today. Aubrey de Grey is a researcher who believes the first human being who will live for 1000 years has already been born. This morning I was reminded of de Grey when ABC radio interviewer Cassie McCullagh interviewed Professor John Rasko. Tonight, Professor Rasko will … Read more

A life affirming book about death – with Murdoch Books

Corinne Roberts and Margaret Rice at Murdoch Books

It’s been quiet around here for a little while because I’ve been working on an exciting project with Murdoch Books. Murdoch Books will be publishing my life affirming book about death in 2019. We agree that dying well is part of the brand’s mission to help people ‘live life well’. … Read more

Farewell to Pauline Helen Hensley

Pauline Helen Hensley

Pauline looked as though she was just doing the ordinary things: just getting on with it because, as she said, you’ve got no choice. But she was being absolutely extraordinary.