Introductory Module

3 Videos

10 Writing prompts

1.5 Hrs

time to complete

5 Resource Sections

Hello! I'm Diane.

In this Introductory Module you will get an overview and hear why I think exploring the subject of death is both important and enlivening. I’ll also explain the structure of the course and what I mean by the “action steps” you’ll be creating for yourself. Then I’ll lay out the imaginary scenario that will start you on your way for this 7-module course.

Structure of the Course

Each module has the following:

– Writing prompts

– Videos

– Reflection questions (more details below)

– Current reality, vision, action steps

– Resources

Step 1:

Print your workbook from the button below, I suggest putting it in a binder or stapling it together. Alternatively, use your own journal and save the PDF to your device to reference the writing prompts.

Step 2:

Grab a pen (or your keyboard) and go to the Introductory Module Writing page to get started. Once you have completed the first set of writing prompts, watch the videos below.

Video A: The one you watch when you are ready to get started

OPTIONAL - Video B: The one where Diane talks about how she got into this work

Writing prompts

Writing prompts – We’ve included the writing prompts here for your reference and they are also all in the workbook if you choose to download that and work from it instead of your own journal:

What brings you here?
Write about your experience with death.
Consider the following prompts or choose your own.
- What was your first experience of death?
- What was your most recent experience?
- Which death has impacted you the most in your life so far?
After watching the first video and considering what you’ve explored in writing, what are your intentions for this course?

Video C: The one about making strong action steps and why they matter

Writing prompt

Here’s your first action step: You will have more success if you have a specific plan, so

- #1 When do you plan to work on these materials?
- #2 What is your deadline to finish?

Which part of making SMART goals are you most resistant to? Perhaps making them specific, or maybe making them time-bound? Take a look at your resistance and push through! Creating specific and actionable goals will make a huge difference for you in this course.
What is your date of death, given the “formula” of 90 days from the day you start this course.
- Spend 3-5 minutes on a quickwrite, with that date as your title.

Step 3:

Go back to your workbook of choice and do a little more writing and reading.

How can a conversation about mortality enrich your life?

What do I want?
Have I communicated that?

More than once?
In writing?
To all those who matter to me?

Reflection Questions (What are they?)

You will be answering reflection questions for each module in your workbook of choice.

For each set of questions, notice:

Where are you clear?
Where do you need more information?
What questions do you find yourself wanting to avoid?

→ Despite your reluctance, answer each question to the best of your ability!

You are here to clarify your thoughts and values, gather ideas and write things down so they can be shared with your loved ones. View this as an exercise in creative thinking, and stay with it!

90 Day Scenario

For this process, imagine that you are your age and have the health that you have right now. In three months, something will occur — an accident or health event — and after that event you will be unable to speak or share what is important to you.

3 months… 90 days… 13 Mondays….

If this is all the time you have left:

What will matter most during these days?
What simply has to get done?
What loose ends call for completion?
Are you prepared?
Will you be leaving things more or less in order?
What might you regret not getting to?

Write down the date that you begin this course ___
Add 90 days___
THAT date is your date of death, for the imagined “90 day” scenario of this course
With that date as your title, spend 3-5 minutes writing

For this exercise, imagine…

you are the age you are now
you have the health that you have right now
in 90 days, something will occur — an accident or health event
after that event, you will be unable to speak or share what is important to you

Next steps

Now that you have completed the Introductory Module in your workbook, explore the resources below – read articles, watch videos, check out the podcasts and/or books.