Death is part of life — and one of our wisest teachers. But unfortunately in our society we are greatly distanced from and fearful of dying and death and the lessons they hold, which can actually be transformative and healing. In these classes, we seek to reconnect with death through the lenses of great thinkers whose wisdom illuminates death — and therefore life, too.
Feb. 5:
Death Wisdom: “Death does not exist.”
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, MD, was one of our time’s most influential thinkers. She brought to light dying, death, and the afterlife in fascinating research, essays, and talks documented in many forms. This week, we’ll examine passages from her foundational essay, “Death Does Not Exist” from her book, On Life After Death. In it, she explains what death really is, based on her decades of experience with dying children and adults.
Feb. 12:
Death Wisdom: From grief to gratitude
We’ll continue to talk about the work of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, MD, the Swiss-born psychiatrist who revolutionized understandings of dying, death, and the afterlife. This week, we’ll examine a passage called “The Meaning of Suffering” from her book, The Tunnel and The Light. Kubler-Ross teaches us how to think about death and other losses in terms of lessons — enormous opportunities for growth that enrich the whole of life.
Feb. 19:
Death Wisdom: The power of choice in death
Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D., is a Harvard-trained brain scientist who lived through a massive stroke at 37 years old. She recounts the experience in her book, My Stroke of Insight. This week, we’ll discuss the chapter entitled “Own Your Power,” in which Taylor makes a case for improving life (and death) via choice. In addition, you’ll learn about practical choices we can make now, prior to our dying and death, that help us better prepare for these pivotal stages of life.
Feb. 26:
Death Wisdom: Befriending and surrendering to death
Don Miguel Angel Ruiz is a trained surgeon and a master Toltec nagual, a spiritually enlightened one who passes down healing wisdom through the ages. We will talk about a few passages from his book Beyond Fear, which outlines how humans live a life “infiltrated by fear” — with our greatest fear being that of death — and how we can instead “live for the pleasure of living.”
Attend one, or attend them all! Copies of passages discussed will be provided; no homework or prep work required. Class content applies to all humans, no matter what belief systems or life experiences you hold. All are welcome.
Facilitator: Amy Rush
Location: Downstairs Studio & Online
Cost: $20
Can’t make it? Sign up for the Livestream to receive the ZOOM recording with 72hr access for regularly scheduled classes and 1 week access for workshops!