How to Embrace Mortality and Live Fully

Core Concepts

Training as an end-of-life doula can transform perspectives on death, clarifying priorities and leading to a more focused and present life.

Abstract

An end-of-life doula shares insights on embracing mortality to live fully. Training exercises confront personal feelings about death, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing values. Deep listening and legacy projects are highlighted as tools for living a more meaningful life.

Stats

"I want a party in the woods with an all-night campfire."
"They provide non-clinical care (emotional, logistical, and physical)."
"My smartphone use skyrocketed during the isolation of the pandemic."
"A deep dive into death work profoundly clarified my priorities."
"This exercise isn’t going to feel great!"
"Researchers have found that 'mortality legacy awareness' can be a 'highly creative force.'"

Quotes

"I didn’t anticipate how it would transform my day-to-day life."
"Engaging with our mortality...can offer clarity that infuses our lives with more joy and meaning."
"You’ll be living life knowing what you want to have accomplished at the end of it."

Key Insights Distilled From

An end-of-life doula’s advice on how to make the most of your time on earth

by Rachel Fried... at www.vox.com 08-08-2022

https://www.vox.com/even-better/23280546/end-of-life-doula-making-time-death

Deeper Inquiries

How can society better support individuals in confronting their mortality?

Society can better support individuals in confronting their mortality by promoting open conversations about death and dying. This includes normalizing discussions around end-of-life care, advance directives, and funeral planning. Providing education on the various options available for end-of-life care, such as hospice or palliative care, can empower individuals to make informed decisions about their own deaths. Additionally, offering resources like grief counseling and support groups can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges that come with facing mortality.

What are potential drawbacks of focusing too much on preparing for death?

While it is important to confront one's mortality and make preparations for the end of life, focusing too much on preparing for death may lead to anxiety, fear, or a sense of hopelessness. Constantly dwelling on thoughts of death without finding a healthy balance with living in the present moment could negatively impact mental health and overall well-being. It is essential to acknowledge the reality of death while also finding ways to appreciate life and find joy in everyday experiences.

How can legacy projects impact mental health and well-being?

Engaging in legacy projects can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being by providing a sense of purpose, connection, and fulfillment. Legacy projects allow individuals to reflect on their values, passions, and life experiences while creating something meaningful that will outlast them. By working on these projects, individuals may experience increased self-esteem, reduced feelings of isolation or existential dread, and an enhanced sense of continuity between past accomplishments and future generations. Ultimately, legacy projects offer a way to leave behind a lasting imprint that contributes positively to one's psychological resilience and overall satisfaction with life.