Frontiers Friday #79. Grief, Loss & Heartbreak (Part III)
Frontiers Friday #79. Grief, Loss & Heartbreak (Part III)
It's hard to watch the news. Let all of our thoughts and wishes go to the Ukrainian families in hiding, seeking shelter and those who defend their country.
#standforukraine and people in Russia saying #notowar.
Here's Part III on the topic of grief, loss and heartbreaks.
(Here's and if you missed it).
Listen: On Death and Dying - a podcast episode w Stephen Jenkinson
In newsletter , I recommended Stephen Jenkinson's book Die Wise and the documentary Grief Walker.
This is a great interview on Campfire stories.
Key Grafs:many people in his work (palliative care) sees to it that they are there to the end, like a compassionate furniture
we need to democratise our work. When we don't, we affect the communities ability.
The Tongue:
Ask a room full of medical staff "what is the primary organ thst we rely upon in palliative care.
Most point around the chest, some say the brain.
it's the tongue.
language is the principle vector of end of life care**
On the extension of life pill:
good question: if we take the serum, and dont have to die, what will I miss?
Stephen's addition: if I don't die, what will others miss?
if you don't have Death, you don't have earth.
Life is not life giving; it's life takinh.
Challenge the notion of "co-dependent"
I depend on you as you depend on me.
Movie: The Bridge of Terabithia
It's an old film; and a great one. Here's the official blurb for this movie:
A preteen's life turns upside down when he befriends the new girl in school and they imagine a whole new fantasy world to escape reality.
I don't want give any spoilers, but it touches on the topic of grief and guilt
(I believe this is available in Netflix in some countries and on Disney+)
Watch & Listen: The Wind Phone
I mentioned this BBC Podcast episode Heart and Soul some time ago on . I highly recommend a listen if you haven't already. There's also a short video clip.
How did a phone booth become a place for pilgrims to visit in a small Japanese town of Otsuchi? Listen to this heartrending episode. It teaches us something poignant about grief and the need to make room for it.
Listen: Falling Together
I came to know Rebecca Solnit's work through her book Paradise Built in Hell. This was one of those books I bought at random at a second hand bookstore (I looove bookstores) in Fremantle, WA.
I was thrilled to listen to Solnit. I had to listen to this episode twice (once was in my last visit to my home country Singapore on a train more than 2 years ago.)
⏸ Words Worth Contemplating:
"In disasters, people don't fall part. They fall together." ~ Rebecca Solnit
Reflection:
We come together less in our strengths and more in our weaknesses.
May we come together, let no one be orphaned in the therapy room and the wider world.
BIG HUGS TO NEW PEOPLE WHO ARE AT THEIR FRONTIER!
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