Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should
strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life. (Dōgen)
What Really Matters at the End of Life - BJ Miller
by Gerald Lee Jordan
6 May 2021 00:00 (NZT)
"At the end of our lives, what do we most wish for? For many, it’s simply comfort, respect, love. BJ Miller is a palliative care physician who thinks deeply about how to create a dignified, graceful end of life for his patients. Take the time to savor this moving talk, which asks big questions about how we think on death and honor life."
Gerald's note: BJ Miller sparked my interest in working with the dying. His passion and compassion are inpirational and encouraged me to start following Zen Hospice and other social media sites. BJ's call for a rethinking of how we die is sometime I hope to consider on this site.
Death Doulas - also referred to as End of Life Doulas - provide emotional and other support to the dying and their
families. Support can be psychological (e.g. counselling), physical (aiding with exercise), clerical (helping with
completing documents, including advanced directives), documentary (recording messages, including final messages for
the dying), ceremonial (e.g. helping plan and/or deliver funerals) and other assistance which is not medical in
nature. Death doulas are not doctors, they are not nurses and they are not solicitors/lawyers. They are brought in
at the request of the dying and/or family and they are there to help the person transition from life.
About Nocturnal Works
The content on this site is provided to give resources and support to those dying, their loved ones and those
providing death doula (end of life) support. When we find out that death is near and the initial shock wears off,
emotions and questions flood into our minds. Noctural Works exists as place where you can find out about mental
health issues and therapy related to death, dying, grief and bereavement - as well as more practical support, such
as planning for death and supporting others on their journey.
The resources on this site are provided by Death Doula Ltd, a company in Aotearoa New Zealand which provides end of
life doula support online, in Wellington, Blenheim and Picton (New Zealand). These resources are not legal or
medical in nature, so do no rely upon them, but seek legal and medical advice, as required. If you are interested in
counselling resources not focusing on death and dying, you can visit our other site, Therapy Aroha.