Life to Death: Harmonizing the Transition: A Holistic and Meditative Approach for Caregivers and the Dying

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Inner Traditions / Bear & Co, 1995 - Family & Relationships - 256 pages
Written for the terminally ill and their families as well as for hospice workers and others involved in the care of the dying, Life to Death introduces the technique of co-meditation: a method for helping a patient maintain a “clear mind and peaceful heart” during the process of dying. For centuries Tibetan lamas have used special breathing techniques and shared meditation practices to maintain a calm mental state in the dying person and ensure a safe transition. Adapting these powerful principles of consciousness transformation to modern Western needs, the authors have made accessible to all a profoundly compassionate technique for helping those most in need.

In addition to easing the suffering of the terminally ill, co-meditation provides families and other loved ones with a meaningful and constructive way of supporting the dying person.

The book covers a wide range of topics associated with death and dying and provides comfort and coping stategies.

Hospice staffs, AIDS volunteers, caregivers, and those who are facing death themselves will find this guide invaluable. A separate chapter addresses the special needs of those with AIDS and other debilitating conditions and those who care for them.

Life to Death also includes a script for a co-meditation session, complete with relaxation and visualization techniques.
 

Contents

DEATH AND THE SPIRIT
1
MEDITATION
19
COMEDITATION
44
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO HEALTH CARE
70
WHAT IS HELP? WHAT IS HOPE?
94
THE PATIENT AND THE FAMILY
127
THE ROLLERCOASTER EXPERIENCE OF LEUKEMIA AIDS AND OTHER DEVASTATING DISEASES
153
COMMUNITY CONCERNS
175
COMEDITATION GUIDE
201
WORKSHEETS FOR PERSONAL ADAPTATION OF COMEDITATION
206
RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS AND TEXTS
217
RESOURCES
223
NOTES
224
RECOMMENDED READING
230
Copyright

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About the author (1995)

Richard W. Boerstler, Ph.D., was a psychotherapist and thanatologist practicing in the Boston area. Hulen S. Kornfeld, R.N. is a home care case manager and primary care nurse. She is a Continuing Education Instructor teaching Chronic and Terminal Patient Care and Medical Ethics.

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