Continued from the Home Page . . .
I dug in with both hands and both feet too. I read everything I have been able to locate about the Death for Profit Industry. My determination increased tenfold when I realized it was less than one hundred years ago that we gave up this sacred last rite of passage to others, for simply the ease of it all. When we know in our hearts that death is a true and sacred part of life, when we embrace that it is inevitable for every living being, that it is not scary, or dirty or freaky... then we can create rituals and healing for all of those affected by the passing of a loved one. We can also uphold our truth to be good stewards to Mother Earth and not pollute her in unnecessary use of chemicals or depleting resources for burial. Not only did I read, read, read and surf the Internet for endless hours, but I also took classes and connected with many others who are doing this same work. Every workshop brings new information, new ways of thinking, confidence, comfort and deeper compassion for this work I am truly and devoutly called to do.
I became a hospice volunteer. I recommend this work for anyone that has time to give. If you want to learn how incredible life is, hear stories that will rock your world and make you want to tell those you love every time you see them "I love and value you" then consider this simple commitment of giving of yourself to help others in a time of need. Aine Minogue, a talented musician who recorded a fabulous CD full of traditional Celtic grief and healing songs called Celtic Lamentations, Meditations for a Year and a Day, says “I feel that death is for the person passing over, dying is for the people left behind.” This resonated with me in many ways, as death is an action. But for all the people in that person’s life, most have grief work and healing on many levels that happens as a result. For some, it may only take a few months; for others, it may take much longer.
My work is not as a grief counselor, although I am capable of giving good attention and listening as you process your thoughts. When I come together with people dealing with death, it is about what your needs are, and what your spirituality is, not mine.
I have had many incredible “ah-ha!” moments where sometimes I just say to the Goddess, “okay, I get it! This is MY WORK, this is what I am TRULY BEING CALLED TO DO!”
For five seasons I did not miss a showing of HBO’s “Six Feet Under.” I guess that show reminded me of a paper I did in high school on the Death for Profit Industry, and definitely showed me that through the power of their wealthy lobbyist, they had only grown to continue to take advantage of people at a point in time when many are vulnerable due to grief. Thanks to organizations like the Funeral Consumers Alliance, many bills for consumer rights have been brought about to protect the public. I feel they are the single best resource on the web.
Last summer I had the good fortune to rent two of my now favorite movies in the same night: The Sea Inside and The Snow Walker. While I won’t go into details, only to encourage you to watch both of these brilliant tales of how death and culture around the world are perceived. I can assure you, no matter where you stand on any side of any of the issues raised, these movies will open your eyes to thought and introspection I feel each person must sooner or later discover. Now available on NetFlix is the incredible one-hour PBS documentary from the show Point of View. It is called A Family Undertaking and features one of my truest inspirations and mentors, Jerri Lyons. The best article I have ever read on Death Midwifery is at www.gracemillennium.com. Last but in no way least, Ram Dass, (Baba Ram Dass) author of that book so many of us know so well, Be Here Now, has done a fabulous movie on aging, death and dying, called Fierce Grace. Ram Dass has done much for the hospice and death and dying communities and was affected by a stroke. His insight to death through his spirituality after his stroke, he simply says, “I was stroked.”
In my heart, I know that Death means many things to many people. It is deeply, deeply personal. I also know that most of us want to not fear that which many have been taught to fear. We as eco-spiritual people try to be good consumers, but most of us do not have clue about what our rights are in our Last rites. I have been chosen to do this work and I will do it with a full and glad heart. If you have articles or movies or anything that you feel may be an asset to my learning and sharing with others, please send it my way.
Until then, know that I will continue to care for others with compassion, and help ensure that they have the comfort and the care that I so deeply would hope to have in my final days.
In love and trust,
Nora Cedarwind Young