Psychology

Guide to Death Literacy

Reynard Loki, The Observatory

As people live longer and face increasingly complex end-of-life decisions, understanding death and dying has never been more important. This guide explores the emerging movement of death literacy, offering practical tools, knowledge, and community resources to help individuals navigate mortality with clarity and confidence. From fostering open conversations about death to exploring near-death experiences and preparing for end-of-life care, these articles provide insights into how we can approach death as a natural, supported, and meaningful part of life.
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Guide to Writing as a Caregiver: Stories, Gratitude, and Healing

Birgitta Vaivai-Soderberg, The Observatory

The United States is facing an unprecedented care crisis, with millions of Americans providing essential care to relatives and friends living with chronic conditions, disabilities, mental health challenges, or age-related needs. Despite serving as a lifeline for loved ones, informal caregivers often lack the public support they deserve. As a result, many experience significant emotional, physical, and financial strain. Finding convenient and flexible ways to practice self-care is therefore critical.

Writing can be one powerful way for caregivers to do this. Through journaling, storytelling, and other forms of writing, caregivers can process difficult emotions, gain new perspectives on their experiences, and explore evolving aspects of their identities. Writing can also connect caregivers with others who share similar challenges.

Beyond personal healing, storytelling can help caregivers build community and advocate for stronger care policies. This guide explores several forms of writing and storytelling that can help caregivers reflect, cope, and heal—while also contributing to a more supportive care system for everyone.
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Judy Wicks
Judy Wicks is an activist, entrepreneur, author, and speaker working to build a more compassionate, just, regenerative and locally based economy.
Peter Christie
Peter Christie is a science journalist and author who writes frequently about conservation.
Jim Cubie
Jim Cubie, JD, is a consultant to the Muhlenberg College Center for Ornithology where he advises on bird safety and native plants.
Cate Mingoya-LaFortune
Cate Mingoya-LaFortune is a climate adaptation planner, community organizer, educator, and author.
Deborah Barsky
Deborah Barsky is a writing fellow for the Human Bridges project of the Independent Media Institute, a researcher at the Catalan Institute of Human Paleoecology and Social Evolution, and an associate professor at the Rovira i Virgili University in Tarragona, Spain, with the Open University of Catalonia (UOC). She is the author of ''Human Prehistory: Exploring the Past to Understand the Future''.
Duncan A. Buell
Duncan A. Buell is a professor of computer science, former election official, and co-author of “Voting Systems.”
Mikhala Kaseweter
Mikhala Kaseweter, MSc, advances right relationships with nonhuman animals through her work at the Better Food Foundation.
Gretchen Gerzina
Gretchen Holbrook Gerzina is the chair of the department of English at Dartmouth College.
Helena Norberg-Hodge
Helena Norberg-Hodge is the founder and director of Local Futures. She is the author of [[wikipedia:Ancient_Futures
Christopher S. Celenza
Christopher S. Celenza is a historian of the Italian Renaissance and dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins University.
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