In 'Being with Dying', Joan Halifax and Ira Byock explore the profound journey of facing death with compassion and wisdom. Drawing from their extensive experiences in hospice care, they illuminate the transformative power of being present for the dying. The authors intertwine personal stories and practical insights, encouraging readers to embrace mortality as a vital aspect of life. Through their heartfelt narrative, they challenge societal taboos around death, offering a roadmap for meaningful connections in our final moments. This book invites you to reflect on your own life, inspiring a deeper understanding of love and loss.
By Joan Halifax, Ira Byock
Published: 2009
"In the depths of suffering, we often find the greatest opportunities for awakening and connection."
Draws on the Zen priest author's long-time work with dying patients while introducing the Buddhist approach to death and how it can enable caregivers to provide comfort and compassion to the dying, in a volume that shares Buddhist teachings, stories, and meditations on how to be present with people in the last stages of life. Reprint.
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“In the depths of suffering, we often find the greatest opportunities for awakening and connection.”
Being with Dying
By Joan Halifax, Ira Byock
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Joan Halifax is a renowned American anthropologist, ecologist, and author recognized for her deep exploration of the intersections between culture, spirituality, and the natural world. She is the founder of the Ojai Foundation and has been influential in bringing awareness to the importance of mindfulness in both individual and collective healing processes. Halifax is the author of several notable works, including 'Being with Dying: Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death' and 'The Human Encounter with Death.' Her writing style is characterized by a blending of personal narrative, academic insight, and spiritual reflection, making her works both accessible and thought-provoking.
Ira Byock is a prominent physician, author, and speaker best known for his work in palliative care and the importance of end-of-life planning. He is the author of several influential books, including 'Dying Well' and 'The Best Care Possible', which advocate for compassionate care in the face of terminal illness. Byock's writing style combines clinical expertise with personal stories, making complex medical concepts accessible and relatable. His commitment to improving the lives of patients and families has made him a leading voice in the discourse surrounding death and dying.
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