Jim I am grateful for your sharing of hope and knowledge. This article was written at the most fortuitous time. My beloved brother in law passed on March 15th early in the morning. I have read all that I could find on death and dying for at least 50 years now. I am certified as an end of life doula. I can honestly say I feel no animosity toward death. My brother in law had lung cancer and suffered through the treatments. I spoke with him 2 days before he passed and asked if he was afraid, did he remember ever having done this before. He was not afraid and indeed he seemed familiar with process. I told him he would know what to do and to relax and not worry about his wife, we would take care of her. He died so lovingly and peacefully it was an honor to have known him. Keep writing about the truly important things in life, Jim. We need your wisdom and guidance at these most meaningful times in life. Also substack is worth every penny!
Wow. There is so much here I will savor and explore. I love “Neurosis is the way of avoiding nonbeing by avoiding being.” That was what my addiction was about. I had an NDE at 19. Writing about it and this will help me. A realization I had came from a line in the Big Book of AA: God is everything or God is nothing. What is your choice to be?” There was a moment “ what is your choice to be?” struck like a hammer. I had thought of God is everything or God is nothing in literal terms and when I grokked“ the what is your choice to be” part, I got that it was a question that was asking me, “How will you live?” my choice was to live AS THOUGH “God” is everything - in other words in a benevolent universe that is organized for my benefit - a kind of amor fati. Thank you for this, Jim.
Thanks for this Jim! Jam packed with information and I really love this line, "The top coping mechanism for death is denial." If I don't look at it, it can't see me! I'm looking forward to reading more of your writing and REALLY looking forward to your future article on afterlife narratives!
Jim, I’m one of those women who had a dread of death. Two things happened to ease my fear: first, I watched the last season of “The Good Place”. It gave me an alternative way of thinking about death that took away my fear.
Second, I was with my sister when she died. It was both the most difficult thing I’ve ever done,and the most loving expression. I’m a different person than I was even 5 years ago. I’ve grown.
Jim I am grateful for your sharing of hope and knowledge. This article was written at the most fortuitous time. My beloved brother in law passed on March 15th early in the morning. I have read all that I could find on death and dying for at least 50 years now. I am certified as an end of life doula. I can honestly say I feel no animosity toward death. My brother in law had lung cancer and suffered through the treatments. I spoke with him 2 days before he passed and asked if he was afraid, did he remember ever having done this before. He was not afraid and indeed he seemed familiar with process. I told him he would know what to do and to relax and not worry about his wife, we would take care of her. He died so lovingly and peacefully it was an honor to have known him. Keep writing about the truly important things in life, Jim. We need your wisdom and guidance at these most meaningful times in life. Also substack is worth every penny!
It was such a joy chatting with and learning from you! I am so grateful for your writing.
Wow. There is so much here I will savor and explore. I love “Neurosis is the way of avoiding nonbeing by avoiding being.” That was what my addiction was about. I had an NDE at 19. Writing about it and this will help me. A realization I had came from a line in the Big Book of AA: God is everything or God is nothing. What is your choice to be?” There was a moment “ what is your choice to be?” struck like a hammer. I had thought of God is everything or God is nothing in literal terms and when I grokked“ the what is your choice to be” part, I got that it was a question that was asking me, “How will you live?” my choice was to live AS THOUGH “God” is everything - in other words in a benevolent universe that is organized for my benefit - a kind of amor fati. Thank you for this, Jim.
Thanks for this Jim! Jam packed with information and I really love this line, "The top coping mechanism for death is denial." If I don't look at it, it can't see me! I'm looking forward to reading more of your writing and REALLY looking forward to your future article on afterlife narratives!
Jim, I’m one of those women who had a dread of death. Two things happened to ease my fear: first, I watched the last season of “The Good Place”. It gave me an alternative way of thinking about death that took away my fear.
Second, I was with my sister when she died. It was both the most difficult thing I’ve ever done,and the most loving expression. I’m a different person than I was even 5 years ago. I’ve grown.
Beautifully written. It gives me much to think about.
A good sound night’s sleep is just like death until you wake up.