INTRODUCTION TO DEMYSTIFYING DYING   -   Kay Costley-White  - 

We all negotiate birth, puberty and other life passages, but few people in our society have been with someone who is dying. Terminal illness and death are therefore often seen as mysterious and frightening. The LIFE TRANSITIONS and DEMYSTIFYING DYING workshops examine issues of sudden or prolonged disease and the dying process. This often leads participants to a heightened sense of their own aliveness.

Physical, emotional, social, spiritual and legal concerns are reviewed under a variety of possible circumstances. Various ways of managing these events in the setting of home, long-term care institution, hospice or hospital are discussed. Informed choices may then be made for future care for oneself or loved ones. Planning and documentation of wishes are initiated using the format of a detailed 'Living Will'. Recent changes to the law in British Columbia pertaining to these Advance Directives are reviewed where appropriate.

This intensely personal journey is designed for people of all ages and states of health. It is suitable for health care professionals, those with an illness and their caregivers, and anyone who is interested in addressing issues of their own mortality. The basic content of both courses is similar, with variations to suit each individual group.

A variety of skills and methods are employed to provide a deep and meaningful experience: 

  • Creation of a safe environment 

  • Relevant medical information 

  • Stories to illustrate points 

  • Sharing and group discussion 

  • Time for silent reflection 

  • Guided meditation 

  • Videos

  • Living Will workbook

Subjects will include:
  • Personal and cultural attitudes to death
  • Symptoms of severe illness and the dying process
  • Personal responses to the threat of death
  • Anticipating loss and grief
  • Helping families and loved ones cope
  • How to be with, and talk to, someone who is dying
  • Care for the caregiver
  • Near death awareness
  • Resuscitation
  • Spiritual challenges as death approaches
  • The use of ritual
  • A brief history of the hospice movement
  • Palliative care: how symptoms may be managed at home or in hospital
  • Legal issues relating to wills and advance directives
  • Personal planning: living will documents
  • Re-engaging with life on a deeper level.

The workshops generally cover two consecutive days. Depending on a group’s need, it is possible to provide four evening sessions, or expand into a three or five day residential retreat. Extended retreats explore the added dimension of creative expression in relation to the material.

Cost varies according to length,group size and location.

See Schedule for details.