Departure

                                                

 "Live until you die."

Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Death is going to happen no matter our age or prevention we seek. Unless we are engaging in suicide, the timeliness of our departure is not in our hands. It matters not if we are religious or spiritual or embrace a diverse belief system, death is inevitable. This fear of death, where did it originate and by whom?

A Native American saying, "It is a good day to die," reflects that each day should be lived to its fullest, goals have been addressed, and there is an appreciation for all people, places, and things. If we have been unproductive and wasted our day, where does the blame lie? If we hold ourselves accountable, the outcome is of our own doing. 

How would our routines shift if we embraced each day as perhaps our last? Would we be checking bank accounts or inventorying material possessions? Would we not want to exchange deep feelings with family, friends, and mentors? Are we certain injustices are forgiven, and poor judgment resolved? Just how well aught our day end?

ON DEATH AND DYING by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

"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.