Dying with Peace - EP 11

In today’s circle, we are sitting with Maureen Kures and talking about one of the most courageous and important topics, death. That may seem strange for a podcast about being the change - but is it? I personally think this conversation is essential for living our lives and giving ourselves fully. Maureen will share powerful stories about her experience working as a nurse and the wisdom she gained about the beauty of the end of life and why it’s important to talk about it now.

What’s in this episode for you:

• 13:30 Why death is so scary to talk about and what generally opens us up 
• 20:00 A heart-breaking story that illustrates what can happen when we wait too long before we have the conversation
• 24:30 The possibility that arises when we proactively plan for our death 
• 26:00 Some great ideas on how to make the process enjoyable
• 34:30 The one thing we should all do ASAP 
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Poem: “Death” by Joe Brainard.

Death is a funny thing. Most people are afraid of it and yet they don’t even know what it is. Perhaps we can clear this up. What is death? Death is it. That’s it. Finished. Finnito. Over and out. No more. Death is many different things to many different people. I think it is safe to say however that most people don't like it. Why? Because they’re afraid of it. Why are they afraid of it? Because they don't understand it. I think that the best way to understand death is to think about it a lot, try to come to terms with it, try to really understand it. Give it a chance. 

Sometimes it helps if we can try to visualize things. Try to visualize for example someone sneaking up behind your back and hitting you over the head with a giant hammer. Some people prefer to think of death as a more spiritual thing, when the soul somehow separates itself from the mess and goes on living forever somewhere else. Heaven and hell being the most traditional choices. Death has a very black reputation. But actually, to die is a perfectly normal thing to do. It's so wholesome. Being a very important part of nature's big picture. Trees die, don’t they? And flowers. I think it's always nice to know that you're not alone even in death. 

Let's think about ants for a minute. Millions of ants die every day and do we care? No. And I'm sure that ants feel the same way about us. But suppose— just suppose that we didn't have to die. That wouldn’t be so great either. If a 90-year-old man can hardly stand up. Can you imagine what it would be like to be a 500-year-old man? Another comforting thought about death is that 80 years or so after you die, nobody who knew you will still be alive to miss you. And after you're dead, you won't even know it. 

Who’s in circle with us:

Maureen Kures, RN is the CEO of www.RadiantMourning.com. She is on a mission to guide families to decide, document, and discuss their final chapter plans to bring peace for those who live on. Now she facilitates family conversations and leads virtual group workshops to replace drama, trauma, and chaos with calm, ease, and peace.

Connect with Maureen through, www.radiantmourning.com, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Pick up the talking piece: 

What came up for you as you listened to this episode? I'd love to hear your reflections.  Send me an email at [email protected].