While We're Still Here

We learned about listening, now let's discuss how we can validate what our speaker is saying to us. We can narrow down emotions and tease out feelings that may have been expressed as anger or sadness but actually have a different root, such as fear or loneliness. Exploration into better conversation can improve communication.  Take a listen. Reach me:  https://kathy@whilewerestillhere.com htt...

This thanksgiving is not what you expect. Take a listen. Resources: 988 1-800-273-8255 Text HOME to 741741 Reach me: https://kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're Still Here Starting with Episode 56, the episode music was added. It was composed, produced and provided by Ky...

If asked, would you be able to define these two terms? They're quite similar but they have distinct differences without one being necessarily better than the other, but perhaps more appropriate in certain situations. They also cross over one another. In our attempts to be better listeners, I encourage you to take a listen and identify which you are inclined toward. Knowing the differences bet...

Here is another look at what I see as The Good Death. I'll share the opinions of others in this episode, in addition to mine. These people have much more personal experience than I do, and I think you will find their thoughts quite helpful in your exploration of your wishes for your end of life, or perhaps you will learn how you may be a loving participant in the end of life conversation with...

If we are so busy giving our advice or even what we consider encouragement to someone who is bearing their soul to us, are we really hearing? Are we have a heart connection? The end of life conversation is important enough that we should listen, intentionally, so that the speaker feels heard. Tune in for some tips on practicing active listening and do much less talking. https://hbr.org/2017/02/in-...

Our exploration of better listening continues. In this episode, learn how to actively listen and encourage respect and clarity in conversation. Once you master this listening technique, you can carry it into the tougher or more serious conversations around end-of-life matters.  Verywellmind.com.what-is-active-listening-3024343 https://www.mindtools.com/CommSkll/ActiveListening.htm www.pattiwood.co...

Are you a good listener? Maybe you are, but could you improve? Probably. Over the next few weeks we will learn about active listening and the impact good and not-so-good listening have on our relationships and interactions with people. Reach me: kathy @whilewerestillhere.com Blog: grimtea.com Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.c...

This was recorded awhile back and I didn't feel ready to release it, until today. Why today? I don't know for sure, but it felt right to send it out to you all, so here you are. This podcast illustrates one of the most important conversations I have had. I thought it would be difficult, and tears were shed prior to it, but I felt so different afterward. Give it a listen and see how it gr...

Good or Not So Good, death of a loved one can leave a hole in our heart. I'd like to think that the Good Death leaves more peace behind, where the Not So Good Death can leave pain, anxiety, and important thoughts unexpressed, which can add to or complicate the grieving process. We will hear some examples of the Not So Good Death and some ways to encourage The Good Death.  https://greatergood....

It's here, the discussion about The Good Death. I broke it up so you can ponder the ideas here and see how the ideas compare to your own ideas about The Good Death.  I referenced and quoted many items and here are the links: https://health.ucsd.edu/news/releases/pages/2016-03-30-successful-dying-elements-of-a-good-death.aspx   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4828197 https://www.o...

Listen to the definition of DNR, or Do Not Resuscitate, and what that means to you and your family. It can be a daunting decision to consider for your end of life, and one you should absolutely consider, evaluate, and assess to see if it is a decision you would choose. You do have options. Listen in to my story.   Listen and read here: grimtea.com whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewere...

Have you celebrated a smile? I know I missed many of these opportunities as I was raising our children. So much to do, so much to consider as a new parent. Now that my kids are adults, I am seeing so many opportunities to smile and celebrate the moments that make me smile.  I considered this recently when a subscriber to my blog, While We're Still Here (I'm Still Here), responded to my s...

We made it to the end of our topical list of the types of Thanatology and how each school of thought studies and examines dying and death. Social thanatology encompasses anthropology, sociology, cultural differences, and ancient to modern traditions not only in the United States but from all over the globe, whether a large city or remote tribe. How do people mourn, grieve, celebrate the life of so...

Spoiler alert: I discuss the final portion of the series This is Us. If you haven't gotten to the end of the series and you don't want me to spoil it, you may have to download this podcast episode and save it for after you finish watching Season 6 of This is Us. It isn't the last episode in Season 6, but it is called The Train. Hence, my inspiration for the message I bring you today...

We touched lightly into thanatology ethics, now we will explore the ethical choices and decisions made by patients and their care providers as well as family members. These are not as simple as it may seem. How do patients and their providers agree when facing end of life? How can we prepare our providers to follow our wishes? Take a listen. Reference materials:  https://f1000research.com/articles...

Documents: We have documents that describe our end-of-life wishes, documents that instruct our healthcare team and family members, indicate our funeral choices, and tell people how my estate will be managed. But when I considered becoming my friend's legal healthcare decision maker, I felt a burden I didn't expect. She had never asked me to do this and yet I found myself on a path of tak...

In this episode I am back in my studio, but without a cute puppy sleeping at my feet.  We will explore in this episode how pastors and theologians who earn an advanced degree with certification in Thanatology use their education and experience in the fields of chaplaincy, clergy, lay clergy, and funeral directorship, while working in Hospice, palliative care, and alongside first responders. Listen...

Hello, and thanks for listening! This is the next installment of my series looking at Thanatology, or the study of dying and death. In this episode you'll hear how musician practitioners can bring about serenity, peace, and opportunity to express final thoughts or share precious moments between a dying person and the family members present.     mtai.org  accordaschool.org    If you are enjoyi...

This episode could have been titled Kathy Unplugged, since my particular location included pretty much me and my computer and a set of ear buds. I couldn't wait to bring you today's episode. I didn't want to forget the nuggets that I learned because I felt they were compelling enough to share with you all.  A puppy being a mirror? What?? Take a listen and see if you can picture it--...

We will continue our series with Psychology, and a little story. It's a personal experience that proved to me how valuable our psychological professions are at the end of life or after a terminal diagnosis is given.  grimtea.com kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Facebook: While We're S...

I planned to talk about ethics this episode, and I went off track - a tangent - so I made an Ethics Preview to keep in line with the brief descriptions of each area of Thanatology we will explore together. Once I recorded the episode and realized what I had done, while it has great content I definitely plan to share, I decided will hold onto it for now. Ethics and morals guide decision making for...

In the past couple of weeks death has hit many people I care about, and I could not move forward with my plan since Death has its own plan. Instead, I have shared some thoughts about how life is interrupted by death, how we try to comfort others, and how we might learn how to be present with our loved ones.  Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whil...

Today we are starting to put the pieces together--the subspecialties that make up Thanatology. Our overview last week was a great start, but let's dig deeper. What professions study biological/physical thanatology? Let's learn together.  grimtea.com kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Send a text Listen and read my blog: https://whilewerestillhere.com Reach me at kathy@whilewerestillhere.com Fa...

In this episode I will define and start you on a journey of exploration into the field of thanatology. We will discover that the study of dying and death can provide medical answers, sort out emotions and behaviors at the end of life, and bring awareness to societal and cultural practices at the end of life and at the time of death.  It's a big term that covers a broad range of study. Let&apo...

Today I will be telling a sweet story about a kitten who impacted my life briefly but left a lasting impression. He showed me whimsy and tears, joy and sadness at the same time.  Also, I experienced a Steel Magnolias moment while I was with Tux that brings the idea of joy in sadness to life.  Steel Magnolias is a film released in 1989, directed by Herbert Ross.  Thanks for listening! If you have c...