Sunday, February 22, 2009

Death as Life Coach

Yesterday I read an article in Vanity Fair of all places (I was drawn to the current issue because of the beautiful picture of President Obama on the front) titled "Final-Exit Strategies," by James Wolcott. He writes about baby-boomers and how we are changing as we become aware of our mortality. He comments that we "have turned death into a teaching moment" through books like Tuesdays with Morrie, The Last Lecture, movies like The Bucket List, etc. I would agree with him. And I would add The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to his list, as this is a brilliant movie that engages topics such as life, death, aging, and what really matters in life. I love the refrain in the film that goes something like: "But when it comes to death, you simply have to let go." Cliche!~

I would go one step further and say that baby-boomers are desiring to go deeper into the inner spiritual life than our parents; and we are seeking new and creative ways to approach death and the afterlife. We want to be more real and learn from death before it encroaches upon us. We also want to be attentive to our environment and create rituals and ceremonies that are in tune with the Earth. Indeed, death can be a great teacher; and we are blessed in our lives when we allow it to touch us sooner rather than later. When we can be proactive about our death, we can let it touch us and move us, rather than be controlled by it. As the Celtic culture teaches, may we be able to die before we die so that when we die we don't have to die!

Thank you for your interest in my work. Please remember that I offer beautiful Soul Baskets for people who are in the midst of transitions of all kinds: bereaved persons, caregivers, people who have lost a love, a job, or a relationship, people who are facing death -- at whatever stage or age of their lives. These Baskets will help you relax and face whatever you need to face to get through the transition you are moving through. Life is an exciting adventure, wherever you are and whatever you are up to! Please let me hear from you and if the time is right, let me create a special Soul Basket for you or your loved one.

Many Blessings of Peace and Abundance, Dancing heart~~~

Monday, February 2, 2009

"and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:06)

I just finished reading one of the most remarkable books that I've read in a very long time. It's called Hannah's Gift: Lessons from a Life Fully Lived, by Maria Housden. For those of you who have not read this exquisite book yet, you're in for a real treat! It is a moving story about a courageous 3-year-old who lived with cancer for about a year before she died. Her mother Maria is a gifted writer and intuitive who has a very special relationship with her daughter and family. Their journey is one that every family needs to read about; we can all learn to live in joy and delight, even in the face of death and grief. The Present Moment is all we have, after all. In the future, when people ask me how to speak with children about death and grief, I will tell them to read Hannah's Gift!

One of the most amazing things about this book is the beautiful way in which Maria is able to portray her daughter's spirit and their powerful connection/relationship. From the very start of the book, you get the picture of a charming, deeply loved child who shines her light brightly wherever she goes -- like the bright red patent leather Mary Jane's she wears. Her warm light and character and humor draw people into her life in a way that is captivating. Her entire family is clearly a very special and unique gift to one another as they move through a heart-wrenching period of their lives. Their honesty and bravery in the face of cancer and death is totally inspiring. Maria's determination, too, to help Hannah and her entire family live life to its fullest is evident throughout the book. For those who want to be healed by the gift of life and death, I can't recommend this little gem of a book highly enough.

And by the way, I'm hearing through author Maria that the book will become a movie very soon! I can hardly wait...

February Blessings to you all, Dancing heart~~~