Dying to be me! Anita Moorjani at TEDxBayArea
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Those who companion suffering daily, such as hospice nurses and volunteers, will surely appreciate this beautiful work. With 62 original art collages by Rashani Réa, five beautiful chapters by Kathy Douglas, and a foreword by Jean Watson, this exquisite book is a peaceful refuge for contemplation, inquiry, reflection and inspiration for those who traverse the joys and sorrows of nursing.
Kathy Douglas, RN, MPH-HA is a nationally recognized nurse leader, filmmaker and entrepreneur.
Rashani Réa is a prolific artist and musician, a creatrice of sanctuaries and a respected spiritual mentor.
“This is a beloved book and beyond a book. It is an evocative, poetic, ecstatic, and inspirited sacred, experiential calling. A calling to you--YES, YOU.”
— Jean Watson, PhD, RN, AHN-BC, FAAN, Living Legend (AAN)
“Those who companion suffering daily need to turn inward to metabolize what they have witnessed. This exquisite book, filled with beautiful images and poetic wise words, is the inspiration and support needed to grow a wise heart.”
— Frank Ostaseski, founder and director of the Metta Institute and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully
“In this unique time of the COVID-19 pandemic, this book should be considered a tribute to the tremendous courage being displayed by nurses around the world. There is much wisdom conveyed throughout by those who have been there serving others with such grace.”
— Greg Schneider President, HVA, co-author of The Changing Face of Hospice Volunteering in Hospice and Palliative Care
Comments
Thanks Susan. Are you familiar with the NDERF (Near Death Experience Research Foundation)? That is where she first shared her experience which prompted oncologists to study her case very closely. Her original application is available on that site.
Regarding spiritual beliefs...I can relate to what you are saying. Being a volunteer requires that we be open all faiths and not diminish perhaps the only thing a dying person may have to make sense of their life. I, as you do, just try to be with them and support them "without judgment". The blessing we bring to their process is that we do not know all of their baggage and can be with them without that perspective. It is quite lovely in that regard. Thanks for your thoughts.
Greg
Thank you so much for sharing this! I too had a NDE on12/1212. I was 58 years old at the time. I did not have an illness as Anita did but did most certainly share in many parts of her experience.
Additionally, I have been a hospice volunteer in the past and so appreciate that you share this without religious preference! My experience as a volunteer has been that unless you are "christian" you must never, ever share your spiritual beliefs with your co-workers because of judgement. I only once expressed my beliefs to one person in our PCU and within a week had 2 employees approach me with concern that I was "not in the right place". Funny, I had no problem and found it easy to support and accept our patients religious faiths, reading from the bible etc. without judgement ( never expressing my beliefs by the way) but absolutely knew I was being judged by the staff.
Thank you! Susan
Hi Laurie,
Thank you for your comment. We were not asking anyone to endorse the book. We know there are members of our community who are interested in the topic of Near Death Experiences. At the Hospice Community Forum we share information related to death and dying without religious preference.
If you wish to share any comments about the topic from your perspective, I encourage you to do so.
Thanks.
Greg Schneider
HCF Creator
Founder, President HVA