True Story London Podcast 10 - Make Me One with Everything w/Bonnie Oddie
Aug 15, 2023
Bonnie Oddie, a storyteller and practicing Buddhist, shares a poignant and humor-infused account of her mother’s request for assisted suicide upon a dementia diagnosis. The conversation navigates the emotional complexities of love, autonomy, and family dynamics. Bonnie reflects on the transformative power of inner voice guided by Buddhist principles, while also discussing the profound implications of empathy and compassion in tough situations. She provides insights into the stark differences in assisted dying approaches between the UK and Switzerland.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
No Single True Story
- There is no single "true story"; all stories are subjective, shaped by perception and multiple perspectives.
- Personal narratives differ even among family members experiencing the same events.
Inheritance of Complexity
- Jean Hart was a complex woman with sharp humor and creativity combined with self-criticism.
- Bonnie and her sister inherited resilience and creativity along with strong inner critics, shaping who they are.
Buddhism and Compassion
- Buddhist practice helped Bonnie deepen compassion and hold multiple conflicting emotions during her mother's assisted suicide process.
- Chanting as her mother helped her connect to her mother's life beyond limitations and judgments.