Читать книгу Before We Say Goodbye: Preparing for a Good Death - Ray Simpson - Страница 23

PRACTISE BEING ON YOUR DEATHBED

Some traditions think that the sequenced loss of physical powers during the dying process mirrors in reverse the vulnerable struggles towards life of the birth process. The dissolution of the physical organs is sometimes likened to the different elements of earth, water, fire and air. Human beings are encouraged to simulate the dying process while they are in good health. Let us do this now, using the analogy of the elements.

1. EARTH AND THE DISSOLUTION OF THE BODY

I weaken until I have no strength or control over my body. I have to let go of bodily elements – muscle, sex, eyes, mouth. I know that I am made from the elements of the earth and am dissolving back into earth. I need to go with the flow.

2. WATER AND LOSS OF CONTROL OF BODILY FLUIDS

In my mother’s womb I was floating in liquid and had no control over this. Now, once again, it is like that. Perhaps I dribble or am incontinent, yet my eyes are so dry. I need to go with the flow.

3. FIRE AND THE DRYING UP OF BODILY PARTS

Not only my eyes now, but also my mouth and nose are dried up. My brain also seems to sink. Memories blur. Maybe I cannot recognize loved ones. Maybe I call out to my mother, not realizing that she left this earth long ago. It feels like being in the middle of a fire. I am being consumed. I need to allow this to happen.

4. AIR AND THE DISSOLUTION OF CONSCIOUSNESS

It is harder to breathe, to think. The gap between this life and the next is now very thin. I rasp and pant. My intellect disintegrates. Everything is a blur. I hallucinate. I may be terrified, or, if I am close to God, I may see saints, angels or beautiful scenes.

Now the physical elements are dissolving into ‘trans-body’ consciousness. Breathing ceases. I am declared ‘dead’.