Wild with Sarah Wilson cover image

Wild with Sarah Wilson

STEPHEN JENKINSON: How to die well

Mar 28, 2023
Stephen Jenkinson, expert in dying and Harvard-trained theologian, challenges societal misconceptions about aging and responsibility. He explores our culture's avoidance of death and reflects on his experiences counseling people on death. The podcast delves into the absence of enlightenment in the final moments of life and emphasizes the importance of embracing ordinary aspects of life. The importance of leading with our humanity and persevering in difficult times is also discussed. Overall, the podcast offers profound insights on wisdom, elderhood, and starting at ordinary.
45:23

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Dying well requires embracing the poverty of dying, accepting the limitations and inevitable consequences of the dying process, and recognizing dying as a life force and a dimension of humanity, rather than an enemy to be conquered.
  • To confront the current climate crisis, individuals must embrace their humanity and lead with life-loving values, recognizing that humanity is not guaranteed, but our humanity is, and taking action to address the crisis.

Deep dives

The Poverty of Dying Well

Dying well requires embracing the poverty of dying, accepting the limitations and inevitable consequences of the dying process. Many people resist facing the reality of death, leading to a profound lack of clarity and guidance on how to approach it. This is especially true in Western cultures, where there is a strong emphasis on individualism and self-determination. The fear of death deepens the poverty, making it even more challenging to confront. Stephen Jenkinson suggests that dying well involves learning to weave with the thread-bearness of death, to make a place for death at the table and engage in a companionship with it. This requires recognizing dying as a life force and a dimension of humanity, rather than an enemy to be conquered. By embracing the poverty of dying, individuals can affirm life and leave a worthy legacy for future generations.

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