Nurse on the Go

A death awareness practice is more than accepting your own mortality. We all know we die. Maybe we don’t talk about it, but we know it. Death lingers out there, taunting us with its mystery. To be death aware and to put it into practice is to have it as a constant companion and teacher. Sitting in the tomb of our still mind, we learn to go beyond the initial fear of the unknown and find a peace and solace we can carry into our living. We discover the art of extending loving kindness not only to others but to ourselves, generous in the self-giving of grace for our missteps. We begin to laugh a little easier and take our steps in smoother stride. Linking arms with dying awakens us to seeing we are all walking in the same direction.

“Sitting in the tomb of our still mind, we learn to go beyond the initial fear of the unknown and find a peace and solace we can carry into our living.”

Mel P.

This practice opens the door to acknowledging the temporary and no longer giving it permission to ignite anxious thoughts or a racing heart. We stop grabbing at the bright, shiny objects and distractions. Instead, we receive permission to loosen our hold as death whispers to us “slow down, let go.” We discover new-found joy as we release the heavy that’s made our shoulders slump. Our breath becomes full and deep, filling our belly and then our lungs. Our vision and hearing begin to come from the heart.

Time stops existing as we begin to understand there really is only here and now, and this present moment is a step along the path to our gateway of the eternal which we will all pass through. Discovering our values and eternal treasures, we become selective over what we allow in our space, our relationships, our love and the love of others. Still, the here and now is gone as soon as we acknowledge it, ever changing. Nothing remains the same. It is in dying we can make way for the new. Living and dying is the song of life. The practice is instead of tuning it out and turning away from death, we lean in and dance to its rhythm.

How to Begin a Death Awareness Practice

• Meditate on death. Explore your beliefs surrounding death and dying. Be open to discovery. There is no right or wrong so do not judge whatever may come up.
• Journal your thoughts and discoveries.
• Find someone you are comfortable talking to about death. This could be a family member, friend, or professional. Death doulas are great for this!
• Make preparations for death. Complete an Advance Health Care Directive and a Will. Discuss your wishes with your family and loved ones. Give them copies of your directives. If you feel overwhelmed by the thought of putting words to paper, death doulas can help guide you through the process and help you explore and put words to your wishes and plans.