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When Death Comes: A Contemplative Approach to Compassionate Care

Created by Frank Ostaseski (See other events)
How do we want to we meet our dying... and the death of our loved ones? What are we willing to do to meet death in a peaceful and sane way? According to the wisdom of Buddha, we can use our lives to prepare for the moment of death. And that same preparation becomes a path for living a more wise and loving life.These two friends and pioneers in contemplative end-of-life care are offering this special one-day program at Spirit Rock to share the lessons learned in being with dying.The day will be devoted to an exploration of our relationship to death and the qualities that best serve at the time of dying, such as... giving no fear.... a calm and loving presence and non-attachment to outcome. The teachers will introduce and work with the three primary practices of not knowing, bearing witness and compassionate action. Roshi will also introduce the neuroscience research on empathy and compassion, and discuss the five main challenges caregivers face in attending the seriously ill.The day will include dialogue, guided meditations, experiential exercises and an overview of a contemplative approach to care of the dying. This workshop is open to all but may be of particular interest to healthcare professionals, those living with illness or those who anticipate caring for family members or friends facing life-threatening illness.Joan Halifax Roshi is a Buddhist teacher, Zen priest, anthropologist and author. She is the founder and abbot of the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe. Roshi has worked in the area of death and dying for over 40 years and is Director of the Project on Being with Dying. Her recent book Being with Dying: Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death, is highly acclaimed for its depth and practicality.Frank Ostaseski is a Buddhist teacher and a leading voice in end-of-life care. In 1987, he co-founded the Zen Hospice Project, the first Buddhist hospice in America. In 2004, he created Metta Institute to offer comprehensive educational programs that reaffirm the spiritual-dimensions of dying. His professional trainings and public programs have introduced thousands to the practices of mindful and compassionate care of the dying. His work has been widely featured in the media including Bill Moyers' On Our Own Terms and the Oprah Winfrey show.For more info visit www.mettainstitute.org.
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