Seeing Death Clearly

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In this episode, we're joined by Ariell Kirylo, a dear friend of mine for over two decades. She recently reached out to me after a year of supporting her friend Stephen, who tragically passed away at the age of 51 due to a sudden brain tumor. Ariell wanted to share her experiences and insights from this journey.

Many of us find it challenging to navigate end-of-life situations because it's often kept distant, hidden away in sterile hospital environments. Ariell's story is an inspiring example of how to show up and provide meaningful support to someone in their final moments.

Ariell noticed that various people around Stephen played different roles in his journey. Some were the "doers," meticulously organizing everything and tying up loose ends. Others were the "fighters," never giving up hope for a miraculous recovery. However, Ariell chose a different path. She created a safe space for Stephen to explore his thoughts and feelings, allowing him to travel in his mind and spirit to the other side while still on Earth.

This approach involved surrendering to the inevitability of death, something our modern society struggles with. 

Ariell's story reveals her own journey towards surrendering, which began with a near-death experience when a tree fell on her car in September 2021.

Her perspective shifted as she contemplated death from both sides, realizing that death could be seen as a transition, a birth into another form of consciousness or an afterlife. This reframing of death can help us change our conversation and perception of it.

I asked Ariell how this experience transformed her. She shared that it deepened her understanding of intimacy and the acceptance of her own eventual passing. Watching Stephen's graceful departure, despite his moments of frustration and fear, showed her the beauty in facing death with grace and mastery.

Ariell encouraged us all to be present and unafraid when witnessing death, as there are valuable lessons to be learned. By embracing these lessons, we can wear them like pearls and prepare ourselves for our own inevitable journey.

Ariell invites us to view death as a beautiful and spiritual transition, guided by our faith and inner beliefs. This shift in perspective can help us confront the concept of death with a sense of wonder and acceptance.

You can see some of Stephen’s teachings from the end of his life in his Instagram https://instagram.com/fuzzymuzzy33?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

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https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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In this episode, my guest is John White.

John had two near-death experiences that completely changed his life and his ideas about the spirit world, he shares some of his insights with us in this episode.

During his first NDE, he had a car accident and the only thing he can recall is the moment of impact, it felt like he was propelled through space inside a balloon, stretching and then snapping back in an instant.

When he finally came to his senses, his wife at the time was yelling at him to get out of the car. He had no idea what had just occurred. He managed to exit the vehicle, and she was on the sidewalk with bleeding knees, being attended to by bystanders. It was a surreal experience, and he felt like he was this tiny being on the outside of the world.

He had never heard of near-death experiences until later after he moved to Florida and was recovering. When he shared his story with someone, they suggested it sounded like a near-death experience. He looked it up, and it indeed mirrored his own encounter.

In past life regressions, he discovered a profound truth. We are eternal beings with countless past lives, interconnected and all part of a greater whole. None of what we perceive as reality is actually real. You, in fact, are the creator of your own existence. 

Everyone who enters your life serves a purpose, helping you heal and uncover your own truth, even through what may seem like negative experiences.

The lesson learned is that we are all divine. The divine essence, whether you call it God or Goddess, resides within each of us. It is not external but an intrinsic part of our being. We encompass everything that ever was and will be, having experienced it all. 

Remembering this truth empowers you to manifest your desires and dreams. 

However, breaking free from the control system designed by a select few who ran this planet is challenging but essential. Once you escape the confines of the matrix and see reality for what it is, your life transforms in unimaginable ways, making it inconceivable to return to the old way of living.

You can reach John by emailing him at [email protected].

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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In this episode, my guest is Amy Hensley. 

Amy, co-creator of Sips and Wishes, introduces an approach to accessible medical education through relaxed and interactive gatherings held in homes. 

Amy's connection with her best friend, Erin, who specialized in teaching nursing students about death and dying, prompted her to recognize the importance of including this topic in medical education. 

Unlike her own nursing school experience, Erin's curriculum focused on fostering comfort around death, a crucial aspect of nursing. 

Sips and Wishes events embody a relaxed environment where attendees engage in conversations about medical topics. The concept involves enjoying beverages and snacks while delving into interactive presentations. 

Amy highlights that individual perspectives on life and death vary, and Sips and Wishes aim is to provide information to help attendees make informed decisions based on their unique views.

The focus is on informed choices, which stem from understanding medical options. By encouraging conversations and understanding, Sips and Wishes empowers individuals to make decisions aligned with their values and aspirations. 

Through this innovative platform, Amy strives to bridge the gap between medical knowledge and public awareness, ultimately fostering a more informed society.

You can find out more on their website or Facebook page. 

https://www.sipsandwishesparty.com/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085625110676

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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In this episode, I'm joined by Francesca Zampaglione, who has a unique perspective on death due to her background as a first-generation American with Italian immigrant parents. 

She is the host of the "Office Flip Flops" podcast, where she and her guests share advice and insights. Despite the name, it's not about shoes; it's a source of quick inspiration with guests like TEDx speakers and authors, keeping episodes under 20 minutes for an easy, uplifting experience.

In this episode, Francesca shares with us what it was like witnessing the community show up at the time of her parent’s deaths.

The support her family received during their losses was remarkable, especially in today's American culture.

Her father's wish to pass away at home was fulfilled in 2002. 

On his last night, surrounded by close relatives and his favorite traditional Italian music, it seemed as if he responded to the familiar tunes even in his coma.

When her mother was in transition in 2015, it was the most beautiful time of her life, it was a very beautiful experience since the family came even from Italy and were all there for her. 

These experiences emphasize the value of connections and community during times of loss, leaving a lasting impact.

You can listen to Francesca’s podcast on all major platforms.  Connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

https://open.spotify.com/show/3MmCf1aTageu6WVmujCODv?si=398185d9ab3c4388

https://www.youtube.com/@francescazampaglione

https://www.instagram.com/_francesca_zampaglione/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tofrancesca/

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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In this episode, my guest is Rev. Ogun Holder.

Rev. Ogun Holder is the co-founder of project_SANCTUS -  a safe, brave, online space to discover and be our Holiest self, and in so doing, together, create a world of love, justice, and liberation for all. 

He is an ordained Unity minister (2011), and an award-winning author, and he holds certifications in spiritual coaching, grief & bereavement counseling, and the Enneagram. 

Rev. Ogun is open to working with new clients for spiritual coaching as well as grief counseling.

He is one of the hosts of Pub Theology Live, a weekly podcast on life, culture, faith, meaning, and identity. 

He is also the co-host of With Love And Justice For All, a podcast about embodied antiracism, dismantling oppression, fostering liberation, and the special challenges that arise as spiritual seekers. 

Reverend Ogun has experienced the challenges of grieving multiple losses over the last eight years, starting with the passing of his wife due to cancer.

I came across Reverend Ogun's article titled "Grief as a Spiritual Practice," which deeply resonated with me. 

His wisdom and perspective on the subject compelled me to reach out and invite him to be a guest on the podcast.

Reverend Ogun's belief in embracing grief as a natural process, allowing ourselves to feel and express every emotion as it arises, is a profound and healing approach. 

He sees these emotions as leading us to the areas within us that need the most care and healing.

Our conversation also touches on the differences in grieving depending on your race,  your ethnicity, your class, and your ability.

You can find Rev. Ogun Holder projectsanctus.com and revogunholder.com

There are also links to all of the books he talked about in the timestamps.

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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In this episode, I have a guest, Kristy Sue Bishop. Kristy Sue has devoted herself to exploring the depths of life’s shadows with identity death and embracing her new identity as the grieving slut and the rebirth witch. Kristy’'s journey began with the death of her ex-husband, which brought about complicated grief and a sense of isolation as she didn't fit into the mold of a traditional widow.

This difficult experience set her on a path of healing by addressing her grief. During that time, she had to grieve on different levels. She mourned the times when he was her partner and best friend. She also grieved the good and bad moments in their marriage. 

Many people believe in finding closure by talking to others. They think that by doing so, they'll get the closure they need. Kristy Sue has come to realize that you don't necessarily need external conversations for closure. Often, it's an internal process of understanding and acceptance that brings the closure we seek.

This realization was powerful for her. It allowed her to see where I lacked personal boundaries and where I gave too much to the relationship. Healing on her own made her realize that she couldn't blame him anymore; he was no longer part of the picture. This process brought up deeper aspects of herself,  and she went on a journey through her grief, reflecting on why she hadn't addressed these emotions earlier. No one ever tells us it's okay to grieve things in life that we lose. We experience many small losses in life, even if they're positive changes. 

Kristy also talks about how she was unexpectedly thrown into a situation where she had to tell her kids about their dad's impending death. This experience, though incredibly difficult, gave her the courage to talk to them about anything. If she could share the hardest news with them, then discussing topics like sex became easier.

Now, she is open to discussing anything with her kids. This unfortunate event made her realize that there's no need to shy away from conversations. Discussing topics like sex, which might seem uncomfortable, became a lot more manageable.

You can find Kristy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/death_priestess/

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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In this episode, I'm joined by Patrick Gigliotti, a hospice care consultant with Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care in New Jersey. We discuss his work and the insights he has gained while working with hospice patients. We also share personal stories, focusing on the importance of being comfortable and open about ourselves without fear of judgment.

One significant topic we explore is the necessity of having conversations with our parents about their end-of-life wishes. Instead of leaving these conversations to strangers or doctors who may not know the whole picture, we should strive to have these important discussions ourselves.

We touch upon the fragmentation of the healthcare system, where specialists often focus solely on specific issues without considering the whole person. This approach can be improved to provide more comprehensive care.

We also talk about living life authentically, embracing our true selves without being dictated by others' expectations. Living inauthentically can be emotionally draining and detrimental to our well-being. While being true to ourselves may lead to some criticism, it's crucial to prioritize our happiness and not live in fear of others' opinions.

Patrick shares a valuable lesson he's learned from his work: life is unpredictable, and we must embrace its fluidity and be adaptable. Focusing on trivial matters and letting them affect us negatively can be wasteful when life is short and uncertain. Instead, we should cherish each day, make the most of opportunities, and appreciate what we have.

This podcast episode with Patrick Gigliotti sheds light on the importance of having end-of-life conversations with loved ones, seeking more comprehensive healthcare, and living authentically without fear of judgment. It teaches us to appreciate life's unpredictability and embrace opportunities, knowing that each day is a precious gift.

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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In this episode, my guest is Emily Cross.

Emily Cross is a multi-talented individual residing in Dorset, England, who has dedicated her career to serving the dying.

In 2017, Emily established her own practice, to provide support to both the dying and their families.
 

Recently she expanded her doula work to include both in-person and online services at the Steady Waves Center for Contemplation in Abbotsbury, Dorset, a community hub that offers end-of-life resources, education, meditation sessions, and open conversations.

Our conversation in this episode covers Emily’s career path and about the Steady Waves Living Funeral Ceremonies, a transformative and immersive experience designed to provoke deep reflection on mortality and life's priorities.

During this 2 to 3-hour-long ceremony, individuals confront their own mortality through various activities. This includes engaging in a writing exercise, experiencing their own memorial, and participating in a death visualization. 

The Living Funeral offers a cathartic journey, helping participants develop a profound sense of mindfulness, acceptance, and appreciation for the fleeting beauty of life. By delving into death meditation, the ceremonies emphasize the significance of living fully in the present moment.

You can reach Emily Cross on Instagram @steady_waves_center 

Or through her website www.steadywavescenter.com

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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My guest is Jeff Hopper, and we get right into the conversation with this one. 

Jeff is a hospice chaplain and he talks with me about his life journey to becoming a chaplain.

He also tells us about his work with patients, along with the valuable lessons he's gained along the way.

While incarcerated, Jeff encountered a Christian Hells Angel biker while, and despite his impending life sentence, he prayed for their meal. This encounter sparked a 30-year journey of self-discovery that led to him becoming a hospice chaplain, or spiritual counselor.

Jeff was a volunteer chaplain where he delivered death notices to inmates, informing them of the passing of their loved ones and their inability to attend the funerals due to their incarceration. 

In my current role as a death doula, my focus is on supporting clients or patients, regardless of my personal beliefs in a similar way to Jeff as a hospice chaplain. 

Jeff talks about the importance of living with intentionality. By consciously considering our words and actions, we can avoid unnecessary mistakes and ensure our actions align with our true intentions.

Emotions can be misleading, even when they come from a place of love. 

Love should not be solely based on what someone does for us or their appearance, but rather an intentional choice.

As Jeff speaks with couples facing loss, he has learned that intentional love is key. 

They acknowledge each other's flaws and imperfections, yet they continue to love one another. 

This intentional love should extend to everyone, as it is what we truly need. 

Jeff’s journey has taught him the importance of serving others, being intentional in love, and finding meaning in the work he does as a chaplain.

You can reach out to Jeff on Facebook 

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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Joining me today is Narayani Gaia, a spiritual guide who helps individuals harness their energy, transform their sensitivity into strengths, and heal the past. 

She offers private sessions and group training both locally and remotely.

In our conversation, Narayani will share her personal experience of losing her partner and the valuable insights she gained while navigating the grieving process.

Along her journey, she discovered answers to many questions through various cultures and teachings.

One approach is adopting Buddhist practices. You can engage in personal meditation or simply sit quietly, breathe, and relax to gain a deeper understanding of the world. 

During her grieving process, she allowed herself to experience sadness while incorporating prayer. 

Letting go of stories, people, past experiences, or even aspects of our lives requires discipline and self-care. 

It is essential to process and move through emotions for emotional and physical well-being. 

Failing to address and release emotions can hinder healing. 

It may seem paradoxical, but connecting with your higher and lower self is crucial. 

This integration work forms the foundation of her practice, where she shares the teachings she has received, experienced, and continues practicing daily through meditation and spiritual work.

You don't need elaborate rituals or experiences like those found in certain initiations or on reservations. 

A simple ceremony with an authentic prayer, a candle, a journal, tissues, and a cup of tea can take you on a profound journey. 

We all have the ability to connect with the sacred, and when we tap into our authenticity, the universe will guide us.

To contact Narayani, you can visit her website.  And here is a link to her offerings. 

Support the show

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support 

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast. 

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life. 

[email protected] 

https://www.endoflifeclarity.com/end-of-life-planning to learn more about End of Life Care planning and schedule a free 30-minute call.

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