Title: *Reflections on Death
and Dying*
To begin, it is
necessary to pause for a moment and
reflect on one's own attitude in relation
to death and dying.
Undoubtedly, we are programmed to accept the 'passing'
of
others as natural. Yet, even then, when death 'threatens'
us personally, or
anyone for whom we hold great affection,
the emotional component comes into play and the objective
'death' becomes a very real and intense experience.
This presentation is
intended to address the concept
of death on three separate, yet connecting
levels.
First of all, the
inevitability of death, although intellectually
known, meets with resistance
and constant denial.
Discussion will begin there.
Secondly, 'types' of
denial and resistance in relation
to typical thoughts and actions by the dying
and the
'survivor', will be addressed.
Thirdly, 'planning',
both the need for and methods of,
will be the natural progression. The intent
in this place,
will be to incorporate benefits to both Self, and others.
In summation, the
object is to present an expanded
awareness that offers new opportunities for
addressing
one's life and death with reason, dignity, compassion
and a personal
power that belies a seemingly 'helpless'
position.
Naturally, we resist
death. We literally live to live.
Stories abound to confirm our will and supernatural
striving
to overcome dying. Often, in fact, we create a desire
to live that
prods our unconscious mind to develop thoughts
and strategies that stretch any
previous intelligence,strength,
tenacity and healing power ever before
experienced or
imagined by us.
Furthermore, don't we
get excited whenever we hear of,
or personally observe miraculous remissions,
returns from
the brink of death, supernatural strengths and heroisms that
challenge the human mind? Such experiences retold, awaken
in most a sense that
death can be circumvented, foiled or
at the least, postponed by our willingness
and determination
to live, despite so called insurmountable odds.
All this, despite the
reality, clear and simple - despite the
date or circumstance, there is no other
way out of this world.
Death is conferred upon us as powerfully and unarguably,
as life. Why then, do the
majority persist in avoiding its
inevitability and refuse to confront, during
life, the end?
It seems that
resistance is commonplace, particularly
in the Western Hemisphere. For the most part we resist
talking about it, generally refuse to plan for it, and quite
regularly avoid any
conversations on the topic that refer
to the burial process. It is as if by not
confronting and
discussing it we can somehow avoid the experience.
(...To Be Continued)
[Researched & Compiled by Rev.Bola]