"Our job is improving the quality of life, not just delaying death...You treat a disease, you win, you lose. You treat a person, I guarantee you, you'll win -no matter what the outcome. " Dr. Hunter Doherty aka Patch Adams

Sometimes it takes someone from the inside who has taken the time to prepare in advance to show the way within the inner family circle; sometimes it takes someone from the outside to offer a new perspective in heat of the moment. Which kind of family do you have and how will that determine how you prepare?

Heart of Wisdom Wednesdays- what have you uncovered or been reflecting on recently that has brought you to a fresh perspective/deeper peace?

Feel free to post something you're feeling grateful for. Pet pics welcome any day ; ) Today, I'm feeling deep gratitude for warm enough weather to melt ice, making walks safer and much more enjoyable with my high energy LOVE BUG of a puppy. She's a very playful mini-golden doodle.

I recently participated in the Heartspace for Healing & Hospice Level 1 Course. I had access to the material for a year, which gave me plenty of time to contemplate the teachings and practices and begin to integrate them more effectively. Melissa Lewis, RN BSN presented the material clearly and compassionately, showing us how these techniques can ease and assist those close to death – as well as techniques to clarify ourselves: to skillfully manage our emotions – this is crucially important as most people also experience strong emotions witnessing those close to death, especially loved ones. Heartspace provided us with several useful tools and the time and space to put them into practice with each other while Melissa guided us. Many questions arose during these sessions and Melissa answered them thoroughly, competently, and compassionately – also offering additional insights to bring us further in the practices. These techniques are a treasure and benefit the living and the dying. I highly recommend this workshop to anyone who would like to know how to aid someone dying and ease their transition. Grateful for the opportunity, J. Cole