1. We never know when we will die.

   Life is unpredictable. As the saying goes, “We know not the day nor the hour.” My hope for myself is that if the time comes unexpectedly, I’ll be able to say yes to death. And I’ll be able to say yes both because my affairs are in order and also because I’ve prepared for the moment.

2. We never know when a loved one will die or decline.

   Just as our own deaths are unpredictable, so too is the death of those we love. Losing someone dear is difficult enough but I know from experience that it can be even harder if we aren’t prepared. Moving through the decline or death of a loved one equips us with the tools and knowledge to navigate hospital systems and also to traverse our own emotions. Being able to offer resilience and support to others through their final days is a very special gift to give. By being familiar and comfortable with the in’s and out’s of dying, we can be a source of strength and comfort to the others involved.

3. The same qualities that we need for a good death make for a better life.

   Qualities such as awe, reverence, receptivity, surrender, and trust. Preparing for death makes one acutely aware of how much practice these qualities require. And how much they actually enhance the day to day by increasing overall well-being, deepening relationships, and finding more joy in the present moment.

4. All in-tact cultures incorporate death preparation.

   All healthy cultures use death contemplation and preparedness to remind its members of the temporality of life, of humans’ place in the universe, and to weave in wisdom passed down from the elders through time. These death practices start young and are both life-long and ongoing. If we are intentional, we can access these ancient traditions. They are available to ALL of us, as we all come from indigenous ways of being and we’re all on the same sacred journey.

5. Death preparation helps us TUNE into our own design/blueprint.

   Preparing for death is a profound act of self-discovery. It helps us align with our true and unique essence, which will guide us in death. It also helps us cultivate gratitude and cherish each moment more deeply. And maybe most importantly, death preparation gives us access to the ecstasy of aliveness, accessible when we contemplate its opposite.

If you would like to embark on a supportive, comprehensive, community-based journey of end-of-life preparation which will service you starting now and all the way through your life until your death, consider studying with me this fall.