What to Know About Dying

The Washington Post's Ashley Abramson on what death doulas want us to know about dying, including: it can be peaceful, it does not need to be painful, there is sometimes a surge of clarity and energy before death, and hearing is often the last sense to go. Most important, though is this:

Thinking about death while you’re alive can make it less scary Many cultures see death as a positive experience or transition, not something to be feared. While your own end of life can be hard to think and talk about, death doulas encourage doing both. One of the best ways to experience a peaceful death — and a fulfilling life — is to contemplate your own mortality regularly. “The more we allow ourselves to talk about death in every way, the logistical realities and emotional connotation, the less scary it is,” said [Erika] Reid Gerdes.