
What we’re about
We are a collective of end-of-life guides and death educators. Like birth, death can be loud, messy, and unexpected—yet in our culture, we embrace one but not the other. End-of-life guides, also known as death doulas, can help you craft an authentic end-of-life plan that reflects your core values and personality.
Along with guiding people through end-of-life, we are also deeply engaged in our community. Educational workshops are one of our favorite offerings, and we host free gatherings every month to lift the taboo around talking about death. Our Grief Garden Club, Queer Death Network, and Death Café discussion groups are always in the monthly rotation.
Questions? email hello@dodeathdifferent.com
Hope to see you soon!
Penny, Selena, Tara & Kara
@thedeathnetwork
www.thedeathnetwork.com
Upcoming events
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The Death Network Discussion Group - Nov. Topic: Gratitude & Grief
Sweetwater Zen Center, 2727 Highland Ave., National City, CA, USThe Death Network Discussion Group is a guided (but not rigid) space for deeper, topic-driven conversations around death, dying, and the many ways we relate to them. Each month, our host team of experienced death workers bring thought-provoking prompts to help spark meaningful discussion. We’re here to explore real talk, in real time, with curious and open-hearted people.
What to expect:
⏳ A welcoming space to explore death through a different lens
⏳ Discussions hosted by a team of experienced death workers
⏳ Each month features thought-provoking prompts to spark deeper conversation (see below)
⏳ Not a workshop, not a class—just honest conversation
⏳ Come curious, leave connectedNovember's topic: Gratitude & Grief
This month, we’ll explore the connection between gratitude and grief. Grief doesn’t only come from the death of a loved one - it can also arise from everyday losses: a job ending, children leaving home, the close of a relationship. Together, we’ll share stories of how grief shows up in our lives and gently examine the ways gratitude can also be found in those experiences. Can we hold both at once? Can gratitude help us move with grief, rather than against it? Join us for an evening of reflection, sharing, and community connection.This group is ideal for people who:
- Think about death and dying as part of life
- Want to connect with others in conversation that’s real, respectful, and human
- Aren’t seeking support or therapy, but want a space to talk
We’ll continue to host Death Cafes for those who enjoy open-format dialogue. This group simply offers something a little different for those ready to go deeper into the conversation.
Want to know more? Visit The Death Network @thedeathnetwork
We hope to see you soon!
Penny, Tara & KaraPS - We meet in the yurt at Sweetwater Zen Center, which is towards the back of the property. There is a map in the photo section of this invite - please take a look and get familiar with the space.
There is some visitor parking at Sweetwater Zen Center, we recommend giving yourself some time just in case you need to find street parking. Please do not park in spaces labeled Resident Parking 🙏8 attendees- $25.00

Grief and the Holidays: Practical Tips & Create a Take Home Candle Ritual
South Park Yoga and Wellness, 2985 Beech St, San Diego, CA, USThe holiday season can be especially tender when we are missing someone we love. This 2-hour interactive gathering offers gentle guidance, education, and ritual practices to help navigate grief during this time of year.
Hosted by Wendy Kessler, Grief Guide, this is a time for us to come together and acknowledge that the holidays can present additional challenges for those who are grieving. Wendy will share practical ways to navigate the season and show us how knowledge, ritual and creativity can aid in the integration of grief.
Together, we will:
- Learn about the nature of grief and tools for navigating hard days
- Explore the history and healing power of ritual
- Create a personalized candle ritual scape to take home
- Share in community conversation and connection
The heart of our time will be the Five-Candle Ritual, a simple yet profound way to honor loved ones we miss. Each candle represents sorrow, courage, memories, love, and hope. Whether practiced in community or privately, this ritual can become a grounding tradition throughout the holidays and beyond.
All supplies are included, and you’ll leave with a ritual candlescape, handouts, and practices you can return to at home. Feel free to bring-your-own special items that you'd like to include in your candlescape - a favorite container like a tray or basket, trinkets and mementos to personalize your creation.
💗 Come as you are, with your grief, your love, and your memories. Together, we’ll create space for light and hope.
10 attendees
Past events
105



