DEATH AND DYING

If there is one thing that is certain in life it is that we all eventually die in one way or another. No matter what our status in life, how rich or poor we are, no matter our nationality or religion, we all share one thing in common – at some point in time we are going to die.
  • Why is it then that dying is such a taboo topic of conversation in so many cultures?
  • Is it that people are scared of the unknown and by not broaching the subject they can fool themselves that other people may die but not them?
  • Why do families shy away from talking about death when they are with their elderly relatives?
  • Why is it that some family members or friends ignore each other and do not stay in touch for years and then turn up at the friend’s funeral and grieve?
 
Our view of death is very different depending on our personal experiences growing up and on the religion if any, that we align to and the teachings of that religion about what happens to a person after they die. Even those religions that embrace reincarnation differ in their interpretation of the process.
 
Surely it is time face up to what is inevitable for us all and to start the conversation around death and dying so that it eventually becomes a normal topic of conversation. Once this occurs dying can become something we plan for and accept with grace and love.  If you are ready to be part of the conversation please read on as our writers share their experiences.