Sacred Dying Creating Rituals for Embracing the End of Life

by Anderson, Megory

• ISBN13: 9781569244340
• ISBN10: 1569244340
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-12-24
• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books

Summary

Death may be inevitable, but dying alone or in fear does not have to be. Sacred Dying is theologian Megory Anderson's essential testimonial and handbook for creating a dignified, peaceful, and more sacred end to life. Anderson includes a section with many prayers and poems from various traditions, and shows how to use personalized and creative rituals to help those dying prepare for their death and to bring a sense of peace, reconciliation, and acceptance both to themselves and to the loved ones they leave behind. She discusses all aspects of this final transition, including how to help a dying person put "unfinished business" to rest; using massage to help the dying let go of his or her body; and how to use music to help the dying focus on specific times, places, or events. For this first-ever paperback edition, she adds a chapter on what can be done after death to help move the soul along. Intended for those who are going through the death of a loved one as well as those facing death personally, Sacred Dying facilitates creating a setting where death is experienced as it should bewith honor, respect, and sacredness.

Author Biography

Megory Anderson is a theologian, author, educator, and liturgist. Her personal encounter with a life-threatening illness led her to work with people who are facing death. Today, she runs the nonprofit Sacred Dying Foundation in San Francisco and frequently writes on the topic of sacred dying. She lives in San Francisco.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi
Foreword	xv
Thomas Moore
Preface	xix
Journey with the Dying	1	(11)
Returning the Sacred to the Act of Dying	12	(14)
Rituals for Embracing the End of Life	26	(21)
Traditions: Incorporating Religious Rituals	47	(28)
Centering and Preparation: Sacred Space / Sacred Participants	75	(25)
Letting Go of Burdens: Rituals to Release the Emotions	100	(25)
Letting Go of the Body: Rituals to Comfort and Release	125	(18)
Music: Healing and Transcendence	143	(20)
When Loved Ones Are Not Present	163	(23)
Dying Alone	186	(18)
Intentional Death: Ending Life Support	204	(17)
After Death: Until the Funeral	221	(25)
The Soul's Journey	246	(17)
Appendix: Scriptures and Sacred Texts, Poetry, Readings, and Prayers	263	(61)
Bibliography and Recommended Readings	324	(16)
Permissions and Acknowledgments	340	(5)
Index	345