Learn why being present for others is actually a perfect self-care practice.
My return guest Kirsten DeLeo is an international trainer with the Spiritual Care Program and teaches about contemplative caregiving. She is the author of the newly-released book Present through the End and will discuss how and why we should strengthen our own ability to be present with others as part of our spiritual care of the dying. Learn more at Kirsten’s website:
This episode includes:
- Dying is a spiritual process more than it is a medical process
- How to prepare to become a caregiver for someone else
- How to increase our own ability to be present with another
- Slow down
- Be mindful of our own breathing and physical presence
- Be mindful of our thoughts and feeling
- Listen without thinking of what to say next
- Focus on heart-centeredness
- Caring for ourselves and caring for another are not separate
- Being present with another person for even a few moments nurtures us and helps alleviate our stress
- Examples of questions to ask as conversation openers
- Signs that death is drawing near
Links mentioned in this episode:
- Episode 187: There’s No Time But the Present – How to be Right Here, Right Now
- Kirsten’s website
- Authentic Presence website
- Kirsten’s book: Present Through the End
- Beautiful Dying Expo – November 2, 2019, San Diego CA
- Before I Die Arizona – October 29 – November 3, Scottsdale AZ
- Spiritual Journeys in Chronic Illness Course
- Join the team at Patreon.com/eolu and get access to the EOLU mug: “Mind if we talk about death?” (only Patrons can purchase it)
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