#15 GOOD GRIEF NEWS
What the waves know about letting go: A beachside death meditation
Every summer, many of us are drawn to the shore: to its vastness, sound and smell, and the rhythm of the waves as they collapse and return. I’ve been thinking about why that is. Why does the beach feel so calming and infinite yet also stir something deeper: an almost aching awareness of time?
Maybe it's because life began in water? After all, the ocean is our oldest home. We are made of water. Every cell in our body remembers that.
In Buddhism, waves symbolize the cyclical nature of existence, while the ocean beneath represents the unchanging essence of being. In the ebb and flow of a wave, there’s both birth and death (and rebirth). The end is not an ending, but a returning.
Meanwhile, the sand beneath your feet holds its own quiet wisdom. Every grain of sand was once something solid, such as a rock, shell or coral, which has been worn down over time until it is soft and almost infinite. Sand symbolizes transience and time. Have you ever seen sand mandalas or beach art? They remind us that beauty lies in impermanence.
Standing at the shore reminds us that we are not separate from this cycle. We are not just there to have fun and get a tan – we are always a returnee.
I once read in Philosophie Magazin that Camus shared a similar observation in his travel diaries – that magic moment when you float in warm sea water and feel, for a second, at peace with the world and somehow connected to the universe. He called it “the magic of death.”
So perhaps the beach is the perfect place for a summer meditation on death. When we swim or wade out past the breakers and listen to the tide, we’re practicing surrender. We’re coming into contact with something bigger than ourselves. And somehow, that is soothing.
Maybe that’s why we return to the beach. Not only to rest – but to remember.
Happy Summer! ☀️
🎧 Podcast tip:
I had the chance to speak with Amy Daroukakis on the Culture Connectorspodcast recently about Good Grief, why I started it, and what’s changing in how we talk about death, grief, and remembrance.
We covered:
→ What grief does to the brain
→ AI chatbots + digital afterlives
→ The power of scent, sound & memory
→ Eco deathcare + farewell finances
→ And how trend thinking can make space for endings, not just beginnings
If you’re curious about how we design for loss, or just want a thoughtful listen to ease into the week, I’d be happy if you check it out.
👉 Culture Culture Connectors Podcast
🧭 What’s Coming Up (My Event Picks)
Here are a few events that are on my radar and that you might be interested in, too. Mark your calendars and let me know if you plan to participate. I'd love to meet up or hear your feedback!
Monthly Meetup: “KI in der Trauer”(“AI in grief”)
Next Edition: 10 July, 19:00 – 20:00
This monthly meetup is an open, experimental space where Lilli Berger of virtual 3D memorial space VYVYT and a changing cast of participants explore the intersection of AI, remembrance, and grief. This time, they’re not just talking about AI – they’re talking with it. Bring your curiosity and chat with a Sherlock Holmes chatbot.
Sign-up and join via Google Meet. (This event is held on the second Thursday of every month.)
Politics of Death Conference in Utrecht (NL), 27–30 August 2025
Hosted by the University of Utrecht, this edition of the International Death, Dying & Disposal Conference (DDD17) will unpack the political dimensions of dying. Despite appearing as a universal biological event, death is and has never been neutral. Instead, it is deeply entwined with issues of (in)equality, access, and power dynamics. In today’s world, death is perhaps more politicized as it ever was before.
From activist grief to inclusive research, the conference asks: How do power, policy, and practice shape death?
More info: Politics of Death – DDD17
Leben und Tod Fair in Freiburg (Germany), 17–18 October 2025
The "Leben und Tod" (Life and Death) fair in Freiburg is a trade fair and conference focused on the topics of end of life care, dying, and mourning. It combines an exhibition with a conference for professionals and includes lectures and workshops for the public, too. The fair offers a platform to engage with various aspects of end-of-life care, grief support, and related topics. I’ll be there! If you're coming too, drop me a line!
👉 leben-und-tod.de
Trauerwoche 2025: “The Sound of Grief” – 27 Oct–2 Nov 2025
"Trauerwoche 2025" (Grief Awareness Week 2025), organised by the Trauer Taskforce, has the theme of "The Sound of Grief" this year. It explores how grief can be expressed through sound in various forms, including music, words, and movement. Taking place in different cities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, as well as online, the event aims to highlight the diverse ways in which people experience and express mourning. Anyone can organise events – not just people in our network! Join the movement! (Feel free to let me know if you are interested, I’m happy to help.)
Trauerwoche 2025 illustration is by Mina Braun
Thanks for reading!
> Interested in working with me?
Get in touch if you would like to request a trend talk or inspiration session, or if you are interested in consulting work in this area. Alternatively, you can also book a Pick My Brain Call if you would like to discuss your personal project / startup and need more strategic input.
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> GOOD GRIEF NEWS, is a monthly newsletter on trends and fresh perspectives around death, grief and remembrance. You can see more of my work at goodgrief.me or stefanieschillmoeller.com and feel free to follow me on Instagram.
07.07.2025