It’s Never Too Early To Begin Death Education
We’re all going to leave this life. Everyone knows they will die, but we tend to avoid this as a conversation topic perhaps because the fear and unknowns of death are so overwhelming, that sometimes silence just feels easier.
But when we fail to think about the fact that we’ll die, we miss a profound opportunity to make room for the ways we want to live. How we would like to be remembered can inspire us to show up, and live intentionally, every day.
That’s why considering your death — practically, emotionally, and spiritually — is a gift to yourself, and to your loved ones. In this blog, we invite you to explore each of these areas using these questions as your guide as you begin or continue your “Death Education.”
You are the expert on you, and we hope these questions help you thoughtfully consider what is most important to help you live fully and – yes – die well.
Practically
By addressing these questions and taking steps to handle the practical aspects of your death, you can ensure that your wishes are respected while easing burdens and giving peace of mind to yourself and loved ones. Here are some things you may want to ask yourself:
Medical Preferences:
What are my preferences regarding medical treatment and end-of-life care? Do I have specific wishes regarding life-sustaining interventions, palliative care, or hospice care?
Legal Matters:
Have I established advance directives, such as Power of Attorney for Personal Care, to ensure that my wishes are honoured if I am unable to communicate them? Have I drafted a will or engaged in estate planning to address the distribution of my assets and belongings?
Financial Arrangements:
Have I made arrangements to address financial matters, like paying off debts, designating beneficiaries for insurance policies and retirement accounts, and ensuring that my loved ones are financially supported in my absence?
Practical Considerations:
Have I considered practical aspects like funeral or memorial arrangements, including burial or cremation preferences, funeral home selection, and budgeting for end-of-life expenses?
Communication:
Have I communicated my wishes and plans with my loved ones, healthcare providers, and designated decision-makers to make sure everyone knows my preferences and can act accordingly?
Review and Update:
Am I regularly reviewing and updating my end-of-life plans and documents to reflect any changes in my preferences, circumstances, or legal requirements? Do my loved ones know where to find them?
Emotionally
By exploring these questions and engaging in practices that promote emotional well-being, you can cultivate a sense of peace, acceptance, and fulfillment as you approach the end of your life, whether it’s decades or days away. Here are some more things to consider:
Fear and Preparation:
What are my fears and concerns about death and dying? How can I work towards preparing for the inevitability of death as a natural part of life? What would my life look like if I lived as though I may not be here tomorrow?
Meaning and Legacy:
What legacy do I want to leave behind? How can I live a life that aligns with my values and aspirations, ensuring that people feel my presence even after I’m gone?
Grief and Loss:
How do I cope with the grief and loss of loved ones? What strategies and support systems can I rely on to navigate the grieving process with resilience and compassion?
Regrets and Forgiveness:
Are there unresolved issues or relationships that I need to address before the end? How can I find forgiveness for myself and others, letting go of regrets and embracing peace?
Communication and Expression:
How can I effectively communicate my emotions and wishes to my loved ones? Are there conversations I need to have or expressions of love and gratitude I want to make before it’s too late?
Spirituality:
By reflecting on these questions and engaging in spiritual practices that resonate with your beliefs and values, you can cultivate a sense of peace, connection, and spiritual fulfillment as you approach the end of life. Spiritual Care is available as one of our services at Hospice Mississauga. Ask yourself:
Beliefs:
What are my beliefs about what happens after death? How do these beliefs influence how I approach the end of life and the transition to whatever may come next, if anything?
Meaning and Purpose:
What gives my life meaning and purpose? How can I align my actions and intentions with my spiritual beliefs to live a fulfilling and purposeful life?
Rituals and Practices:
What rituals, practices, or traditions are meaningful to me? How can I incorporate these practices into my end-of-life preparations and transition with intention and reverence?
Forgiveness and Reconciliation:
Are there spiritual practices of forgiveness, reconciliation, or atonement that I want to engage in? How can I seek peace and reconciliation with myself, others, or the divine?
More Resources
If you are interested in learning more, please consider joining us for a Death Education workshop, online. We also have counsellors available to help guide your end of life planning. On your own, here are some links and resources to check out
