End-of-Life Planning

Planning designed to help you thoughtfully prepare for the future while empowering you to live more fully now

Upcoming Workshops

  • The Life Review

    May 16 12pm ET / 9am PT

    We don’t have to wait until the end to look back. Through gentle asana, pranayama, personal reflection and small group sharing, we will review our journeys so far, using the perspective of our final moments to clarify our current path. A full life review will not be possible in the time allotted but we will learn the practice so that we can continue reviewing and healing. 

    Sign up

  • Death Cafe

    May 31 5pm ET | Café Little Treasure (45 Liberty St, Newburgh)

    The Hudson Valley Death Collective is honored to invite you to our very first Death Cafe, a space dedicated to open, honest, and transformative conversation about the one thing that unites us all.

    Our mission is two-fold:
    1. Bring together the incredible individuals working across the specialized fields of death and dying in the Hudson Valley
    2. Spark meaningful community dialogue about mortality

    Whether you are a professional in the field or simply someone curious about the end-of-life journey, you are welcome here.

    For this inaugural gathering, we will be exploring the emotional landscape of grief and joy through the lens of the documentary "Come See Me in the Good Light" featuring Andrea Gibson (on AppleTV). If you can’t watch, don’t worry, please still join the conversation.

    Join us for a drink, community, and a chance to speak the unspeakable in a supportive, grounded environment.

    Event Details
    When: Sunday, May 31st, 5pm 
    Where: Café Little Treasure, 45 Liberty St, Newburgh, NY 12550
    Cost: This is a FREE community event.
    Who: Open to anyone interested in discussing death

    All are welcome.

    Sign up - Free

  • Past Workshops

    The Five Remembrances

    How does the practice of remembering impermanence change the way we live? We explore the Buddhist "Five Remembrances" through asana practice, pranayama, and discussion. Learn to use the reality of change as a catalyst for joy.

    End-of Life Planning

    Death isn't just a concept; it involves logistics. This extended session combines gentle asana with pranayama to prepare our nervous system for thinking about the practicalities of our end. We will do pragmatic end-of-life planning. We will breathe through the discomfort of documentation to ensure your wishes are known and your mind is at ease.

What is end-of-life planning?

End-of-life planning is a thoughtful and empowering process of reflecting on, discussing, making decisions about, documenting, and sharing your wishes for the end of your life. It's about ensuring your preferences are known and honored, providing peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.

This comprehensive planning includes:

  • Selecting someone to make decisions for you if there comes a time when you cannot.

  • Clearly outlining your wishes for medical treatment, such as life support, resuscitation, and pain management.

  • Deciding what you want for your funeral or memorial services and how you'd like your life to be celebrated and honored.

  • Expressing your preferences for what you would like to happen to your body.

  • Compiling important information and documents related to the administrative aspects of your life, making things easier for those you leave behind.

Why do end-of-life planning?

Engaging in end-of-life planning offers profound benefits:

  • End-of-life planning is an act of LOVE. It makes things easier and less stressful for your loved ones during a time of grief. When your wishes are documented, your family can focus on mourning and healing rather than making difficult decisions under pressure.

  • You can have the death you want. By clearly articulating your wishes, you increase the likelihood that your end-of-life journey will align with your values and desires.

  • Cultivating intimacy with your own mortality often leads to a deeper appreciation for life now. Understanding and preparing for the end can inspire you to live more fully, intentionally, and joyfully in the present.

I’m still young and healthy. Why should I do end-of-life planning?

Planning for your future death is one of the most effective ways to ensure you are living fully now.

Think of end-of-life planning like getting a fire extinguisher. You're not expecting your house to burn down tomorrow, but you have one just in case. It’s that same kind of peace of mind.

By taking the time to clarify your wishes—for your healthcare, your legacy, and the administrative side of your life—you're not inviting death. Instead, you're giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of peace of mind.

This process removes the burden of making difficult decisions from your family during a time of grief. More importantly, it allows you to reflect on what truly matters to you, bringing a renewed sense of purpose and intention to your life today. It’s a proactive, life-affirming act, not a morbid one.