"Watching a peaceful death of a human being reminds us
of a falling star; one of the million lights in a vast sky
that flares up for a brief moment only to disappear
into the endless night forever."
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross
Elizabeth Kubler-Ross authored a book in 1969, entitled ON DEATH AND DYING. She wrote it as a gesture of assistance to those who were dying and to those who were present, such as family, friends, and medical staff. The emergence of "Death Doulas" is an extension of this concept.
With compassion, we can choose to sit with a human who is preparing to transition. We can listen to his or her stories, touch or massage the hand, and alertly listen to any desire being held prior to passing.
This does not require skill, and we each have loving kindness within our capabilities. There is value in reading out loud or playing music to calm the body, mind, and soul. How difficult could this be? Encouraging a person to have safe passage to what awaits, brings peace and joy.
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