Living with Dying

At the end of 2019 at age 56 I received the shocking news that the cancer I had believed to no longer be a threat, had moved to Stage 4 and that my life could end in as soon as a few months. Since then I have been on palliative treatment which has saved my life for the time being; however I am living with uncertainty and knowledge of a short lifespan.
I am experiencing life in its fullness with ever present joy, grief, the sense of being alive at the same time as knowing death is pretty near. I celebrate that all of the work I have done in my life so far, especially my integration of NVC, has prepared me for this challenge and also, that I have been able to draw meaning and insight from such difficult experiences and share these with others.
I will be part of the Death Space team for the second year at Buddhafield Festival 16 – 20 July 2025, and holding workshops within those dates. These are called ‘Living with Dying’ parts 1 and 2, and include my sharing of own experiences and insights gained, my learning and growth and a chance for participants to reflect and share on the themes of shock, pain, grief, meaning and acceptance of death, that life eventually brings to all of us.

For those who haven’t been, I have found Buddhafield to be an enriching, joyful and nurturing space. As well as paid for tickets there are still volunteering opportunities available which provide a free ticket. I’m looking forward to being able to contribute there and to seeing old friends and making new ones. Get in touch with me at clareconnecttolife@gmail.com if you’d like to know more.