Dr. Sherland Nulan, who wrote the groundbreaking book How We Die, said that the myth of the octogenarian dying at home, surrounded by family, uttering words of wisdom is just that - a myth - and extremely rare.
In our case, this scenario happens to be true. Tara's mother is in hospice care at home and the process has been poignant, rich, filled with laughter and deep insights. Fortunately, she is not in a lot of pain and is often overwhelmed with ecstatic appreciation.
Being in the presence of impermanence always changes the frame from which I see the world. There is sadness, for sure, but also access to a deeper sense of this shared life journey. No one gets out alive, and our dignity, as Dr. Nulan says, is not so much how we die, but the life we lived.
This week's talk dives into some of my experiences and memories on death and the happiness that can arise when we embrace the moment.
The blurb:
Joy and happiness only arise in the present moment. Remembering that everything changes helps cultivate the rememberance of this precious moment.
This talk reflects on my experiences with death, ranging from the hospice care in our house right now, a friend who died in my arms and my own near-death experience.
iTunes podcast here, online listening here and stitcher here.