Hey, nobody gets out alive, right?

Mark Twain once famously said, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life.” And if you find yourself nodding in agreement, a new, unconventional evening class might be just what you need to broaden your horizons this autumn.

Siofra Hegarty Coughlan, driven by a mix of fear and curiosity after the loss of a friend, embarked on a quest to confront the inevitable reality of death. Unable to find anyone in her social circle willing to discuss the topic, she sought out those who were.

Now, Siofra is leading Telling the Bees, an eight-week course that promises to be “thought-provoking, enlightening, and practical,” at Ashton School in Ballintemple, starting on September 24th, 2024.

End-of-life chat, but make it honest…

Inspired by Celtic mythology, where “telling the bees” was a ritual of informing the wise and revered creatures of important life events, Siofra’s course offers a safe space to explore end-of-life topics openly and honestly.

“This class is about death, dying, and grieving,” Siofra explains, “but it’s also about life, living, and joy. Through creative tasks, we’ll delve into these profound subjects and gain a deeper understanding and acceptance.”

Previous class participants said it made them feel more conscious of living, while some reported resolving an awkwardness about approaching conversations about plans with loved ones.

So, if you’re ready to confront your fears, embrace life’s inevitable end, and find solace in the beauty of living, join Siofra’s class. It might just be the most enlightening experience of your life.

Telling the Bees takes place at Ashton in Ballintemple on Tuesday from 7pm to 9pm. The eight-week course is €110 and you can email tellingthebees.education@gmail.com to sign up or check it out here.