Ep 49: Holding Space For Those In Their Last Season of Life

Conversations about death are ones that are easily shied away from. Yet, it is inevitable that we all will one day be faced with a loved one in their last season of life. In this important and heartfelt episode, you’ll meet Sue, a hospice volunteer who is also caring for her own mother living with dementia and the aftermath of a stroke. Gwen guides Sue in finding the answers she craves about how to best honor the time her mother has left and on navigating the new realities each day brings as she remains present to her pain and discomfort. Listen to this episode if: - Death and sickness are uncomfortable topics in your life - You are curious about how to best support someone in their transition - You find it difficult to care for yourself when there are others in need - You can feel drained and disenchanted when you are around someone who is suffering - You take on the suffering of those you love. Also in this episode: - How to use the wisdom of midwives in conversations about death - Why self care is never selfish - The limits of the human dimension of time and how to step out of them - The urge to fix discomfort - Honoring the “waiting period” before death - Conversing with our bodily sensations If you're suffering from the loss of a loved one or are with someone as they near the end of their life, here are some resources to help you: http://www.gwendittmar.com/blog/2020/5/7/the-gift-of-death-and-grieving http://www.gwendittmar.com/2018/5/25/how-to-grieve-in-a-healthy-way Follow Gwen on Instagram: http://instagram.com/gwendittmar To learn more about Gwen and her work or to be a coached on a future podcast, visit http://gwendittmar.com