living well and dying with dignity
For the first three years living with Long Covid (and not knowing it), I spent a lot of time avoiding allergy triggers and another covid infection. I masked in public places (still do), and tested frequently for covid before and after social interactions. Most of my limited social interactions were (and still are) in outdoor … Read more
Readers following the Long Covid (LC) series may note that I referenced a “trigger event” that increased my symptoms in 2023. Today I want to share about this, hoping it is of some use to other LC patients. The event was related to a covid vaccine. To be very clear, I am not anti-vax and … Read more
This edition of the seasonal timings will explore summer in the northern hemisphere. Summer solstice occurs on or around June 21st when the sun is at its most northerly point relative to the celestial equator. The definition of solstice comes from the Latin words, “sol” (sun) and sistere (stopped or stationary). At solstice, the sun … Read more
When I started blogging the ABC’s of Living Well my intention was to share the things I have learned from walking alongside hospice patients and their caregivers. Given that I am now almost to the end of the alphabet, it seems fitting to delve into the subjects of dying and death. Mindfully crossing (conscious transitions) … Read more
Xings can happen swiftly and may be celebratory and joyful or shocking and traumatic. A Xing can happen in an instant, beginning or ending an entire era. A baby’s first breath, for example, is a joyful single moment that forever changes its life and that of its family. Another swift Xing is the moment one … Read more
Since Further Shore was founded out of my desire to provide education about supporting the dying, “X” is for Xing is the best place to address the biggest elephant in the room; everyone dies. The definition of dying is the process of bodily termination; death is the irreversible cessation of all vital bodily functions. Readers … Read more
In this edition of the seasonal timings, May Day, also known as Beltane, is right around the corner on May 1st. This day marks the midpoint between the Vernal (Spring) Equinox and the Summer Solstice. The Celtic holiday, Beltane, marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere and puts an emphasis on joyful fire … Read more
In a previous post, I discussed the way Reiki and holding space are interwoven tools that help me to navigate Long Covid (LC) symptoms. While holding space (for self or others) can be learned via studying and practicing its guidelines, Reiki requires training that might be out of reach for those who are bedbound or … Read more
Today I’m offering an intermezzo in the multi-course dinner that is my Long Covid (LC) series. I will get back to the series in April, but for now, a little celebration is in order. For the first time since 2019, I traveled on my own to Phoenix to serve as a wedding celebrant. In some … Read more
It’s almost time for the Vernal (Spring) Equinox, marking the balance of sunlight and darkness as the sun crosses the equator, moving from south to north. This special day marks the beginning of spring in the northern hemisphere. This year the equinox falls on March 19, 2024, at 11:06 p.m. (EDT). Let’s explore this joyful … Read more