Living Funerals.

AI it News
Dec 30, 2023
4 min read

The idea of having a living funeral may seem strange to some, but for those who have experienced it, the spiritual benefits are undeniable. Having a living funeral before you die allows you to say goodbye to loved ones, share your legacy, and plan for your own death in a meaningful way.

A living funeral is a celebration of life that is usually planned by the person who will be dying. It can be held at any time, but many people choose to plan it shortly before their death.

Living Funerals” are a way to celebrate someone’s life while they are still around – even death is no longer a prerequisite. These “Celebration of Life Events” are already common in the US and Japan (seizenso) and it seems that more people in the UK are now opting to have an event of this kind.

They can vary considerably in format depending on the wishes of the individuals. One of the primary spiritual benefits of having a living funeral is the chance to say goodbye to those you love. This can be especially important for those who are terminally ill, as it provides a way to express their feelings and make peace with their loved ones before they die. It can also be a special opportunity to share stories and memories, and to offer words of wisdom and advice to those who will be left behind. The idea of having a living funeral may seem strange to some, but for those who have experienced it, the spiritual benefits are undeniable. Having a living funeral before you die allows you to share your life and reconnectin a meaningful way. It can include a memorial service, music, readings, and other activities that reflect the individual’s life. There's an element of humour as imagine eavesdropping your own funeral? The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” published in 1902. The protagonist Tom Sawyer said in the midst of the fanfare, “It was the proudest moment of his whole life being able to eavesdrop his own funeral " Reminds me of Steptoe & Son BBC series where the father faked his death for insurance and the father was laid undead in his coffin and witnessesed his friends at his wake celebrating.

In the book P arting Ways, discovered this is an awakened ritual from our past because the act of gathering around the dying person to uplift them actually dates back centuries when dying was a social affair attended by the family and community. The dying person would give long-winded speeches ( annoying and funny) about his or her wisdom gained in life and family members would gather to listen and express love and gratitude, but the ritual died in the twentieth-century when death moved out of the home and community and into the hospital. Saying goodbye to those you love can be especially important for those who are terminally ill, as it provides a way to express their feelings and make peace with their loved ones before they die. It can also be a special opportunity to share stories and memories, and to offer words of wisdom and advice to those who will be left behind.

Legacy.

Having a living funeral also provides a way to leave a legacy. It can be a chance to share your hopes and dreams for the future, to express your faith, and to offer words of encouragement to those who will continue your legacy.

International college of professional celebrants suggests:

A living funeral provides a chance to plan for your own death. It can be helpful to make arrangements for your funeral, to decide how you would like your body to be handled, and to make decisions about the disposition of your estate. This can be an important step in the process of coming to terms with your own mortality and funerals provide people with an opportunity for people to reconnect with their loved ones before a death occurs. Often, you’ll hear at funerals, “I had not seen him in a long time”, or “I wish I had had one last dinner with her” or even, “I didn’t even realise he was unwell”. This can be avoided by having a living funeral. By inviting family, friends, and community members to participate in their farewell event, individuals can express their feelings for one another and have a chance to say goodbye. These gatherings often include activities such as storytelling, sharing memories, and engaging in favourite hobbies, creating a joyful and uplifting atmosphere. It can be a chance to share your hopes and dreams for the future, to express your faith, and to offer words of encouragement to those who will continue your legacy. It is also an opportunity to ask for forgiveness for past mistakes and to make amends with those you may have wronged.

A living funeral can be helpful to make arrangements for your funeral and seeking supportive individuals to act on your passing. Further advice from ICPC: Living funerals offer a transformative and empowering experience for individuals facing their mortality. They provide a platform for celebration, connection, and reflection, allowing people to create a meaningful farewell that aligns with their values and wishes.

In reflection does anyone like attending funerals maybe attendinga living one makes the process easier as actually seeing the individual before passing brings conclusion.

As the spiritual benefits of having a living funeral before you die are numerous. It provides an opportunity to say goodbye to those you love, to share your legacy, and to make plans for your own death in a meaningful way. It can also be a source of comfort and peace for those who will be left behind. DC 30/12/23