​As a death educator and counsellor, I recognize that exploring, learning and reflecting on death, dying, loss and grief is no easy task. DyingMatters.ca is committed to providing FREE Death Education that is accessible, informative and empowering.

In beauty

Olga Nikolajev RN, MA, CT
Death Educator & Grief Counsellor

free 13 day death awareness primer

This is a FREE self guided Death Education primer that offers you the opportunity to increase your own death awareness and education. You can watch the videos in your own time and explore reflective questions at your own pace.
You are invited to create or take part in simple rituals and ceremonies that assist in the integration of your knowledge through this process.

Join us on FaceBook for our discussion group.

The following topics will be explored within the FREE Death Awareness primer.
1. What is Death Awareness
2. History of Death and Dying
3. Our Relationship to Death and Dying
4. Our Wishes/Values around Death and Dying
5. Cross-cultural Perspectives on Death and Dying
6. Myths and Misconceptions
7. Ritual and Ceremony
8. New Way of Dying
9. Change and Immortality
10. The Value of Death
11. The Power of Grief
12. Remembering
13. Death as a Teacher

The following brief videos were developed during the 1st FREE Death Awareness primer December 1 - 13, 2016.
Thank you to everyone who took part and provided feedback.
​

Day 1 of the 13 Day Death Awareness primer
​Death awareness

​Reflective question for Day 1:
"Reflect today on death, dying, loss and grief by noticing death and dying in any images, conversations, activities in your day"

​Day 2 of the 13 Day Death awareness primer
​History of death and dying

Reflective question for Day 2:
"How have your past experiences and worldviews shaped your approach to death and dying?"

day 3 of the 13 day death awareness primer
​our relationship to death and dying

Reflective question for Day 3:
"What is your relationship to your own death and dying?"

Day 4 of the 13 day death awareness primer
your wishes and values around death and dying

​Reflective question for today:
"What are your values and wishes for your dying and death?"

day 5 of the 13 day death awareness primer
​cross cultural perspectives

Reflective question for Day 5:
How has your own culture shaped HOW you wish to die? Has it prepared you for dying and death?

day 6 of the 13 day death awareness primer
​myths and misconceptions

Reflective question for Day 6:
​Based on your values and wishes, what information / knowledge do you need to have so that your wishes can be followed?

Day 7 of the 13 day death awareness primer
​Ritual

Reflective question for Day 7:
What type of ritual/ceremony will you create for yourself?

day 8 of the 13 day death awareness primer
new way of dying

Reflective question for Day 8:
​What part/role will you play in this new way of dying?

day 9 of the 13 day death awareness primer
​change and immortality

Reflective question for today:
How are you with change?

NO VIDEO today

​Death is change. Just like birth, it ends one particular existence and allows humans to experience another. I have been witness to both and while not all are chaotic, birth and death impact and change the dynamics of a space and those who are present. In my teachings chaos is symbolized by a flowing, ever moving ying yang symbol. Both male and female, A sphere that dances with life.
Change is the only constant in the Universe.
All things change
All physical things must die
Death is change and if we allow it to teach us, it can impact us in a way that allows us to grow, mature and evolve.
So, how are you with change? Loss of a job, relationship, moving, traffic, things you did not plan for?
I am still learning to be present with what IS.
​

day 10 of the 13 day death awareness primer
​value of death

Reflective question for Day 10:
What is the value of death for you?

day 11 of the 13 day death awareness primer
the power of grief

Reflective question for Day 11:
​What will you miss? What do you miss?

day 12 of the 13 day death awareness primer
remembering

Reflective question for Day 12:
What needs to go? what needs to be remembered?

Day 13 of the 13 day death awareness primer
​Death as a teacher

Reflective question for Day 13:
​What have you gained in the last 13 days?