The Art of Dying How to Leave this World with Dignity and Grace - Book Report/Review Example

THE ART OF DYING Introduction Death is something that is inevitable. It has always preoccupied philosophers and all the ordinary people alike. Questions such as the purpose of life, what happens after death and if there is an afterlife, are uppermost in discussions. Man greatest fear is not death; rather it is the fear of the Unknown, since he does not know definitely what happens afterwards in the Great Beyond. People have approached the subject of death and dying in markedly different ways. However a prevailing attitude is that young people do not like to talk about it while the older people are a bit reluctant to even think about death, much less entertain the idea of the finality of death. This was why ancient civilizations had different approaches to death, and some tried to be immortal, such as the ancient Egyptians who mummified their dead in hopes of everlasting life. Death should be viewed as a part of life, and the beginning of another life, even a cause for celebration. Death is a Great Equalizer because rich and poor people, young and the old, and the high and the mighty all succumb to death. It is a topic that many people avoid to contemplate because it is morbid. Death can be viewed in many ways, from vastly different perspectives. Man has always struggled with the eternal question of death and most sought refuge and assurance in religions. It is because death is unavoidable, no matter how a person tries and most fearfully, it also comes in unexpected ways and in a manner or time that is unpredictable. One can merely delay death but not entirely eliminate it. This brief paper tries to discuss the many aspects of death and dying in a logical and intelligent manner as propounded in “The Art of Dying” by Patricia Weenolsen. The idea is to be enlightened on this topic and why people should confront death squarely. Discussion Although death is unavoidable, people do not know exactly when it will come. This is what the old saw says about it being “like a thief in the night” and that being so, the only way to see it and face it is to be prepared for it, for any eventuality. The “Art of Dying” talks about how people can prepare for it in many ways at different levels, so to speak, and the earlier, the better. Some people go to great lengths about how they will face death, such as dying with dignity and a fierce determination to put everything in order before they finally kick the bucket. This analysis is a critical review of the book from the viewpoint of the dying person and how to do it. Legal Aspects – the dying person should preferably give advance directives and a duly signed will that contains instructions with regards to properties, funds and other assets. This is to prevent confusion and possible squabbles among the heirs, especially if the inheritance is big. A good lawyer can handle most of these things and this spares the family unnecessary conflicts. Health Policy – dealing with death has policy implications for those who formulate the government policies with regards to hospice care and palliative care. The dying should be given a dignified death and the chance to be near their family. There is a gap in the health care system where some dying people have no adequate insurance cover for hospice care (Leven, 2011, p. 1). Health insurance and money are needed to provide pain management for the dying, if necessary. Social Significance – dealing with death in an orderly manner gives the dying person a last chance to deal with unfinished matters or loose ends. Its social importance is to allow all the grieving relatives to recover much more quickly from their sense of bereavement, and get back to work sooner and get on with their lives. This gives the whole society a better chance of getting it over with and spares the people left behind to deal with other things in the entire scheme of life. Financials – preparing for death can greatly help in putting financial affairs in order. A good idea is to tell loved ones the location of insurance policies, where these are kept and who are the beneficiaries and the policy amount. This will aid those who are left behind to deal with all the related expenses and hopefully, deal with the business of living, as life must go on. Some debts will have to be settled, what the debt is for, to whom and for what amounts, for example. Family Issues – this aspect deals with sensitive issues like how to tell children about the death of a loved one for them to cope well, how to deal with the emotional roller-coaster, how to be able to finally forgive past wrongs or even prospects for re-marriage of the surviving spouse. The idea is to give meaning to all the pain, suffering and grief caused by the dying person. Humanistic Aspects – death can be viewed alternatively as something that is painful or as something that can be managed in an orderly and rational manner. In this regard, it is vital to give emotional, psychological and spiritual support to the dying person. On the other hand, the dying person reassures those who will be left behind to continue living and get over it quickly. Political Issues – besides the inadequacy of health care, another issue that deals with the prospect of death is the use of the death penalty. This is a very divisive issue politically, more so if it concerns proposals for abolition, or in cases of wrongful convictions (Garland, 2010, p. 9). Spiritual Messages – the finality of death makes even some of the strongest atheists to reconsider their stance against religion and agnostics are also known to re-think their religious views when confronted with the prospect of finally living with the ages and entering eternity. A dying man should reconcile his beliefs and finally make peace with the Maker, to let go. Conclusion “The Art of Dying” is a practical and no nonsense book that offers sensible advice to all dying people and their loved ones in the face of certain death. It dares to discuss in dispassionate manner what most people avoid talking about. The author has given useful advice about dying. A person who is dying can even view it positively when everything is planned and prepared, unlike for the people who die sudden or violent deaths, such as those who perish in accidents. Death can never be adequately prepared but being informed about what can be done helps to assuage actual passage into the afterlife (Weenolsen, 1996, p. 3) and eases the transition between life and death. It is a universal issue with moral and even ethical undertones, with many similarities with issues of euthanasia (mercy killing) except that it does not actively advocate the taking away of life. It merely tries to inform people about what dying is all about, in the final analysis. In essence, this preparation is like having a good death, and even allows one to go out in style, so to speak. For example, a dying person can opt to have his favorite music played and hear it for the last time, a form of therapy to ease the pain, suffering and anxiety (Dossey & Keegan, 2009, p. 332). Going beyond acceptance, the book in effect talks about the final gifts of love, wisdom and faith only a dying person can give to his loved ones being left behind (Callanan & Kelley, 1997, p. 5). In the age of social networking and digital media, death and dying can be altered to reflect the new way of mourning for a loved one in a more constructive manner (Feiler, 2012, p. 1). Reference List Callanan, M. & Kelley, P. (1997). Final gifts: understanding the special awareness, needs and communications of the dying. New York, NY: Bantam Books. Dossey, B. M. & Keegan, L. (2009). Holistic nursing: a handbook for practice. Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Publishers. Garland, D. (2010). Peculiar institution: America's death penalty in an age of abolition. New York, NY: Oxford University Press US. Feiler, B. (2012, January 13). Mourning in the age of Facebook. New York Times. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/fashion/mourning-in-the-age-of-facebook.html?ref=deathanddying Leven, D. C. (2011, December 23). Finding hospice care for the dying. New York Times. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/28/opinion/finding-hospice-care-for-the-dying.html?_r=1&ref=deathanddying Weenolsen, P. (1997). The art of dying: how to leave this world with dignity and grace, at peace with yourself and your loved ones. New York, NY: St. Martin's Press. Read More