Death is an inevitable part of life, and yet it often remains a taboo topic despite that fact. Over the past few decades, however, there has been a growing movement to challenge that social stigma and foster conversations about death in a more open and positive manner. This movement has been dubbed the death positive movement, and aims to provide comfort in exploring our mortality and planning for our eventual death.
The death positive movement seeks to shift society’s perspective on death away from fear and towards acceptance. It encourages people to recognize death as a natural part of life rather than something that should be avoided or hidden away. By embracing this outlook, individuals can develop healthier relationships with death while living out their lives with greater purpose and intent.
One core principle supported by the death positive movement is “death literacy” — learning about death and making informed decisions regarding the end-of-life process. Death literacy helps individuals better understand the practical realities of dying, such as legal paperwork or financial planning, while also providing an opportunity for spiritual reflection or legacy-building activities like writing letters or creating art pieces that will outlive them.
Advocates of being death positive also emphasize communication about death between family members and friends. Having candid conversations about mortality can help support those who are grieving by easing fears associated with the unknown and providing comfort through shared experiences. In honor of this mission, many organizations hold events such as Death Cafés, which aim to build community by helping people explore their views on mortality in a safe space among relatives and peers alike.
Ultimately, the death positive movement seeks to create dialogue around our mortality so that we may live fuller lives with less fear of what comes after life ends. With more education about end-of-life processes and improved discussion between loved ones, we can destigmatize death while learning how to make peace with its inevitability so that we may best prepare for its arrival when that time comes.