Life Passages

Life passages are difficult and, throughout history, communities and tribes have marked them in distinct fashions that range from tribal coming of age rituals to bat mitzvahs and bar mitzvahs to sweet sixteen parties and debutante balls. In some way, each culture celebrates the cycles of the sun and moon, the tides, and both life and death. There are rituals for every phase of life from childhood through adulthood, and they are generally celebrated with happiness. The significance of change as we travel our own personal journey is also affected by those around us. Often, the transition of life into death can seem more natural as those we love progress slowly through the years. But, other times, loved ones can be taken far too soon through illness or tragedy. These are the losses that we have the hardest time dealing with. Even though we celebrate the life, we mourn the loss. We become emotional to the point that it is difficult to perceive our personal future. It is so hard to accept the transition from the loved one’s physical presence here with us on Earth to a new spiritual relationship with him or her. But, that spiritual relationship can also be wonderful.

Transitional Guidance

Transitional coaching focuses on the person who is dying. It can begin at the time of diagnosis with a life-threatening illness before its effects take hold or it can begin during hospice and the actual dying process. I work with the dying to help them maintain dignity, sort through their feelings on this life and the next, and deal with funeral planning. I encourage each dying person to leave a message to loved ones about what is most important. This message can be conveyed through letters or videotapes. I also help the person or the family pick a hospice that best suits their needs. I then guide them in designing a care plan with the hospice that allows them to be in control of their own life as much as possible when it feels so out of control. Transitional coaching also includes meetings with all members of the family to work through the dying process. I can teach meditation and visualization for pain control and help in a variety of other ways to move them through this stressful time.