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Event Spotlight: Conference on Death and Dying Addresses the Afterlife: Unique event helps start a conversation on this universal experience that touches us all

Christine Duminiak

The nonprofit Arizona Holistic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC) is holding the second annual Conference on Death & Dying—The Real Double Ds—February 21 and 22, at the Chaparral Suites in Scottsdale, to start a conversation, present creative pathways through grief and provide uplifting visions of life after death.

Executive Director Janet Gangl says, “Have you or someone that you know recently experienced the loss of a family member, pet, or for that matter, the loss of a job or home and having a hard time healing and moving on with life? Death is a universal experience; it's something that touches everyone, yet no one wants to talk about it. Because we don't talk about it, when death touches our lives, we get blindsided. We don't know how to react: what to think, to do or to say.”

After the opening ceremony Friday evening, participants will gain empowering and healing insights on how to prepare, heal, transform, connect and understand death via speakers, exhibitors, and breakout sessions.

An expo features 50 exhibitors such as mediums, intuitive readers, grief counselors and energy workers onsite to support the learning and healing process. On Saturday, the conference features three well-known presenters. Sandra Champlain will present We Don’t Die – A Skeptic Discovers Life after Death, on evidence that life after death is real and our loved ones are still near, as well as the basics of grief and how to survive it.

Christine Duminiak will cover research into the connection between prayer and afterlife contacts during her presentation, Is Prayer a Link to Afterlife Contacts from Loved Ones? Stephen Garrett's presentation, Changing Our Relationship with Death – Turning the Grim Reaper into an Inspirational Teacher, will provide a view of death through new lenses with inspiration and openness on the importance of advanced care directives and wills, and how to recognize life lessons in the midst of death.

Breakout sessions on topics including grief, loss of a child, loss of a pet, afterlife communication, care for the caregiver, dealing with dementia and financial planning for end of life will also be offered.

AZHCC is designed to serve the needs of the holistic community by providing a place where like-minded people can promote their businesses with the support of a cohesive community of people doing business and living from a holistic perspective.

Admission for the two-day conference is $197. Save $50 when you use coupon code NATURAL upon checkout before Jan. 31. For more information, call Janet Gangl at 480-245-9632, email [email protected] or visit TheRealDoubleDs.com for tickets.