Talking about death and grief isn't easy, especially in our always online, awake, and bustling world. The job of a modern death doula is one I respect tremendously.
While reading this post, sitting by a lake, the thought kept arising (along with little fish and one turtle) ; This is death- all of it- the sun, the teeming bird life, and the rest. This chapter supported a curiosity towards instead of closing against death. Perhaps letting go of outmoded thoughts is a kind of apoptosis too. Thank you for your writing.
I love the "...but we don’t see many oil paintings of the personification of Love lurking eagerly in the wings, salivating at the thought of your inevitable heartbreak..." observation!
I ponder how we miss the function and constant presence of death in our very bodies and the world around us, part of each moment. I find that I feel much less fearful when this change is a constant companion rather than an unwelcome guest. I appreciate so much your article and also the acknowledgement that being with loss (such as of a career or job) sometimes feels more tolerable than that of a beloved homeland or loved one. I think our avoidance of death is functional to a point, but has left many at the mercy of overwhelm more often than not in world where we chase immortality instead. May we have the courage to be with the uncertainty of constant love and loss, so that we may be able to tolerate the inherent grief that comes with letting ourselves appreciate our precious but mortal relationships to others and this changing world with such intensity and intention.
Thanks to Adam Nathan for introducing me to your work, Chloe. This is such a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of writing that provides a perspective on death that I hadn't considered. I can't wait to read more from you.
I cross posted this exceptional writer (Chloe Hope) on my site, but the brief text you are allowed to provide didn't have room for what I'd written about her work. My full appreciation here:
The Universality of Death
Glad to have found your Substack.
Talking about death and grief isn't easy, especially in our always online, awake, and bustling world. The job of a modern death doula is one I respect tremendously.
Looking forward to reading more!
While reading this post, sitting by a lake, the thought kept arising (along with little fish and one turtle) ; This is death- all of it- the sun, the teeming bird life, and the rest. This chapter supported a curiosity towards instead of closing against death. Perhaps letting go of outmoded thoughts is a kind of apoptosis too. Thank you for your writing.
Great post, thank you.
I love the "...but we don’t see many oil paintings of the personification of Love lurking eagerly in the wings, salivating at the thought of your inevitable heartbreak..." observation!
❤️⚡️
I ponder how we miss the function and constant presence of death in our very bodies and the world around us, part of each moment. I find that I feel much less fearful when this change is a constant companion rather than an unwelcome guest. I appreciate so much your article and also the acknowledgement that being with loss (such as of a career or job) sometimes feels more tolerable than that of a beloved homeland or loved one. I think our avoidance of death is functional to a point, but has left many at the mercy of overwhelm more often than not in world where we chase immortality instead. May we have the courage to be with the uncertainty of constant love and loss, so that we may be able to tolerate the inherent grief that comes with letting ourselves appreciate our precious but mortal relationships to others and this changing world with such intensity and intention.
Excellent read Thanks 😊 Are you moving on to death energy soon?
This is amazing, Chloe. Courageous cour age - of the heart. So beautifully and so simply introduced. You make the ‘unthinkable’ inviting.
💖
It is quite wonderful to begin imagining this image!
Thanks to Adam Nathan for introducing me to your work, Chloe. This is such a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of writing that provides a perspective on death that I hadn't considered. I can't wait to read more from you.
I cross posted this exceptional writer (Chloe Hope) on my site, but the brief text you are allowed to provide didn't have room for what I'd written about her work. My full appreciation here:
https://www.adamnathan.com/p/death-and-birds-chloe-hope