The Art of Dying Well
A safe space to explore dying and death on your own terms — grounded in dignity, honesty, and compassion.
The Founder
Rev. Richard T. Beeman, M.Div.
For more than 40 years, Rick Beeman served as chaplain to elderly populations in institutional settings, where he witnessed firsthand the systematic devaluation of aging lives and the exploitation of those who care for them.
Ordained clergy since 1982 and a graduate of Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary, he is the author of My Dying Wishes and founding editor of the Substack publications Toward a Just Aging and Caregiver Liberation.
As Executive Director of the Ars Moriendi Project, he founded The Art of Dying Well to provide practical tools for individuals, families, and communities navigating end-of-life planning with clarity and dignity.
Our Mission
"To help people die well by providing honest information, thoughtful guidance, and compassionate community — so that dying is understood not as a failure, but as a final act of living."
What We Do
We create and curate resources that help people plan ahead, understand their rights, navigate their choices, and leave meaningful legacies. Our work spans educational content, community conversations, and advocacy for systemic change in how we care for people at the end of life.
Through the My Dying Wishes framework, we guide individuals through ten essential conversations — from knowing your rights to celebrating your life — so that dying can be approached with intention rather than fear.
Our Values
Dignity
Every person deserves to die with dignity, free from unnecessary suffering, and surrounded by care.
Autonomy
Individuals have the right to make informed decisions about their own dying process.
Honesty
We speak plainly about death because avoidance leaves people unprepared for what comes.
Justice
Access to good dying should not depend on wealth, race, or social status.
Our Network
The Art of Dying Well is part of the broader Ars Moriendi Project network, which includes Everyday Elders, Death Discourse, Toward a Just Aging, and Caregiver Liberation — each addressing a different dimension of aging, dying, and care.
Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive ecosystem for anyone seeking to engage more honestly and compassionately with the realities of human mortality.
Join the Conversation
Whether you are planning ahead for yourself, supporting someone you love, or working in the field of end-of-life care — you belong here. Explore our resources and take the next step toward dying well.
Start Planning Ahead