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 (4+)
See all- Why California Needs a Conservation CemeteryLink visible for attendees
🌿 Our Bodies Are Designed to Return to the Earth 🌿
Join our Zoom to learn what a Conservation Cemetery is… permanently protected natural land where burials restore habitat. We'll take a deep dive into how a conservation cemetery differs from modern burial practices, and how it compares to green burial.Here in California, we’re a community that thrives outdoors! From beaches to deserts to mountains, yet when it comes to our final rest, our options are far removed from the natural rhythms that reflect our lifestyle. Modern burial practices - concrete vaults, metal caskets, and toxic embalming chemicals - lock our bodies away from the very process we were designed for: to decompose naturally and nourish the earth. Instead of restoring the land, these practices harm it.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
A Conservation Cemetery is more than green burial. It’s a way of restoring land, protecting wildlife, and ensuring our final act on earth is one of renewal, not depletion.
Join us for this community gathering to:- Learn how conservation cemeteries differ from standard and green cemeteries.
- Explore how our end-of-life choices can heal the planet.
- Be part of the growing movement urging California lawmakers to cut the red tape and make these options available here at home.
Let's be honest... there isn't a lot of transparency within our current funeral industry, we want to change that! Join us for real conversation about our common burial practices and gain an understanding about how harmful they are not only to our bodies, but to the planet - and learn about greener options that may impact your end-of-life decision making.
Sign our Conservation Cemetery petition
Questions? hello@dodeathdifferent.com
Instagram @thedeathnetwork
Website www.TheDeathNetwork.comWe can't wait to see you!
- The Death Network Discussion Group - Sept. Topic: Fears About Death & DyingSweetwater Zen Center, National City, CA
The 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 connectedSeptember's topic: Our fears about death and dying
Death brings up a wide range of fears - some quiet and unspoken, others overwhelming and consuming. Many of us fear the unknown of what (if anything) comes after, or the possibility of pain and loss of dignity in the dying process. Some fear being forgotten, while others fear being remembered in a way that doesn’t reflect who they truly were. There can be anxiety around leaving loved ones behind, or about burdening them with decisions, grief, or unfinished business. For some, death stirs up existential fears about meaning and purpose - have I lived enough, loved enough, done enough? For others, it’s not their own death, but the deaths of those they love most, that feels unbearable. These fears are as human as death itself, and naming them together can open the door to deeper honesty, compassion, and 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 🙏
