SACRED PASSAGE W
Conscious Dying as a Transformative Healing Journey
by Linda Sechrist
hen properly viewed, the thresholds of all of life’s tran- sitional moments can be both
emotionally and spiritually rewarding. Whether it involves marriage or birth, job loss or illness, gleaning insight from the experience can yield fresh perspec- tive on how to live life more fully today, if we remain mindful and lovingly attentive through the process. Like birth, death is a transition we can wisely prepare for. In recent years, compassionate individuals and grassroots movements have emerged to help us conduct ourselves, heal and grow from losing a loved one or face our own passing. An increasing num- ber of initiatives support a new model in palliative care that treats death not as a failure, but an expected aspect of
28 Long Island Edition
the human experience. Each in its own way advocates for a grace-filled pas- sage supported by dignified, caring and compassionate practices.
Profound Shift The Conscious Dying Institute, in Boul- der, Colorado, aims to restore death and dying to its natural place in the sacred circle of life. Its end-of-life literacy cur- riculum and certificate training programs are helping to create a new, wisdom- based culture of healing teachers and end-of-life doulas that serve among the frontline caregivers and companions providing the comfort people want and need most. Founded by Tarron Estes, a healing artist, poet, Caritas coach and transformational learning educator, the institute is grounded in love, spiritual
www.NaturalAwakeningsLI.com
openness, compassion and a universal field of consciousness. “Training is open to nurses, physi- cians, clinicians, caregivers, family members, healthcare teams and any- one else interested in exploring what it means to die consciously,” says Estes. It attends to the provider’s inner awaken- ing and helps them strengthen their abil- ity to give spiritual, emotional, physical and practical care to anyone, helping to relieve pain, regardless of diagnosis. “Rather than curative care, it’s all about seeking to increase pre- cious, meaningful moments, a sense of spiritual sanctity, beauty, intercon- nectedness and appreciation of life for the families and patients they serve. An end-of-life doula at bedside assures that families and loved ones can focus on what is most important,” explains Estes, who believes that our true nature lives within us as an unblemished jewel. Helping individuals become com- fortable talking about death is the work of Dr. Karen Wyatt, of Dillon, Colorado, founder of the End of Life University, an online interview series with end-of-life care experts. She provides a trustworthy loving environment in monthly death cafés. The author of What Really Mat- ters: 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of Dying expands the conversation through related articles and podcasts at
eolUniversity.com.
Death cafés benefit from Wyatt’s experience as a hospice doctor. “There is never an agenda. Of the 10 to 12 people that generally join in, one is always a new caller, recently awakened to the idea of conscious dying or their own mortality. They’re seeking informa- tion and someone to talk to because family and friends aren’t interested. Some already embracing their mortal- ity wish to explore their thoughts with others. Some callers join just to listen,” advises Wyatt.
Because death in the West has be-
come a commercialized, medical event with funeral home packages the norm, Wyatt recommends the National Home Funeral Alliance to those interested in a deeper understanding of options and resources for a gentler model. The nonprofit, grassroots movement and its members, such as Sacred Crossings, in Los Angeles, seek to restore the lost art and healing ritual of a home funeral
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