-
Phowa: A Tibetan Buddhist’s Conscious Dying Meditation
A look at how this meditation clears the mind and opens the heart to remove fear from the great transition of deathPhowa (sometimes written as Poa or Powa) is a meditation technique of the Drikung Kagyu order of Tibetan Buddhism, and is practiced widely in all lineages. The Drikung Kagyu includes the complete practices and teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, as well as the practices of the Five Profound Paths and the Six Yogas of Naropa. Phowa…
/
-
Is Chemotherapy Worth It for Late-Stage Cancer Patients?
A recent study shows that it can do more harm than goodLess than 10 years ago, my grandmother was on her death bed as late-stage lung cancer slowly consumed her. She had gone through months of painful chemotherapy, but the treatment only extended her life for a short time. In those months of intense treatment, she lost her appetite, her hair and some of her sanity.…
/
-
“You Can Close Your Eyes” by James Taylor
A powerful and sweet song that would be the perfect tune to remember your loved oneIf you’re looking for a thoughtful, beautiful song to play at a memorial service or funeral, consider playing “You Can Close Your Eyes” by James Taylor. Taylor is a five-time Grammy Award winner, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. This particular song is often described as a lullaby,…
/
-
Monday Hearts for Madalene
Page Hodel creates the most beautiful hearts in an ongoing celebration of loveOur Love Will Never Lose Its Flame It’s an honor for SevenPonds to share with our readers the story of the Monday Hearts for Madalene project, a true account of the power of love in the midst of death. The project’s origins take us to 2005: the moment Page Hodel encountered Madalene Rodriguez and fell “instantly, dizzyingly in love…
/
-
“White Owl Flies Into and Out of the Field”
Contemplating the choice of ecstatic surrender at the moment of deathMary Oliver is a contemporary anglophone poet beloved by many for her universally resonant contemplations drawing on metaphors from the natural world. Many of her poems are suffused with humbleness, gratitude, and wonder, placing death at the center of a well-lived life. In her poem “White Owl Flies Into and Out of the Field,”she uses…
/
-
Frida Kahlo: In Conversation with Death
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo’s relationship with death and dying in her work and personal lifeFrida Kahlo (1907-1954) was an artist whose work spoke to the emotional and intellectual identity of its subject matter – no easy feat for a woman who was, first and foremost, a self-portrait artist. She created portraits of the human soul, honest in their expression of its potential to create beauty, love and pain. So…
/
-
Our Weekly Tip: Keep Important Documents Organized to Aid in Estate Planning
Keeping track of your important documents and making sure your family knows where they are will relieve stressOur Tip of the Week: Oftentimes we have a tendency to toss our documents and assets in a variety of different places/folders/boxes around our house. Our tip is to keep all of these papers in one spot, and to make a list of them for your family. This makes it easier for your family (and you!) to…
/
-
“Dying Into Life: The Yoga of Death, Loss and Transformation“
In this book, a notable guru presents Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D.’s teachings on life, death, grieving, and the journey of the soulDying Into Life: The Yoga of Death, Loss and Transformation by Jivan Joti Kaur Khalsa Ph.D is a thorough, highly logical and experience-based compendium of ideas and practices to aid anyone of any faith, culture, physical ability and age in navigating the transformational process of dying and grieving. It encourages readers to develop a relationship with their inner…
/
Want an Easier Way to Plan a Memorial Event? Get our FREE guide
“7 Ways to Create an Amazing Celebration of Life”
