The workbook "Exit Interview" is available for sale on Lulu. Click here. (March 2024)
CONTEMPLATING DEATH AND IMPERMANENCE
It's natural to have strong emotions about losing someone.
It's natural to be sad and upset. However, it's probably not
helpful to the person who is dying to create a lot of drama at
the bedside of you
r clients and loved ones. Many people whom I
have interviewed stated directly "I don't want anyone making a
scene when I'm dying!" Having some equanimity with the fact
that we all die is something we as helpers should work on to
effectively help one another during transition
time.
Setting aside time for contemplating death is practiced in
many cultures, in order to be helpful in dealing with the
existential crisis that often accompanies death. Meeting
friends for contemplation or prayer once a week is helpful, as
well as practicing on one's own.
There are many guided meditations online and many spiritual
and human service organizations address death and dying with
workshops and meetings.
Most Death Meditations are not scary. These are basically
exploring loss, impermanence and death. Paradoxically, many
people don't find them depressing, but find them uplifting and
enjoyable.
Joan Halifax's book, "Being with Dying : Cultivating compassion and fearlessness in the presence of death," is a great place to start. It has wonderful meditations at the end of every chapter.
Ajhan Achalo has some of my very favorite death meditations. His guided meditations can be accessed online for free on YouTube.
The 9-point Death Meditation is a popular one. Click here to download it.
If you do an internet search on death meditations, you will find a lot out there.QUESTION: Are these meditations dangerous?
Too much of anything can cause problems. You can do what you are comfortable doing and what makes sense to you, please. Know that thousands of people have practiced death meditations. In general, meditation and contemplation is not a cure-all. If you are under the care of a psychologist, let them know what you are doing. If you’re on medications, stay on your medications.
Marcie Vallette
info@exitinterviewvt.com
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Re: Exit Interview Vermont – I am speaking only for
myself, not on behalf of any organization.
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All drawings on this website © Marcie Vallette, 2023