Are you afraid of death?

Totally identify with that sentiment

[Spectral1212]

Originally Posted by somnia

I do not fear death, however I do fear the process of dying. Will it be quick and painless or slow and agonizing?

I believe that your death is pre-destined and the time cannot be changed. So I also must believe that how you die is planned. Maybe you are given the method of death based on how strong you are in that lifetime. I don't know, there are so many ways that people die horrifically that just do not seem fair no matter how you look at them. One thing I do hope though, is that any thing we want to know the answer to will be available when we pass over.

[Spectral1212]

Originally Posted by In vita mea

But we won't be sleeping, no dreams & no waking up.

It's very difficult for me to feel frightened of the thought of complete nothingness. If there is no afterlife and you were just annihilated, you would not know it therefore there is nothing to be fearful of. It is like sleep, an endless, dream-free sleep. While you are in the midst of a deep sleep like that you basically ceased to exist for a short time and, I don't know...I just can't wrap my head around nothingness I guess. Pain before dying is the only thing that gives me pause. But who's to say that even people that die in their sleep don't feel pain right at the moment of passing over. It's all very interesting.

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[11oris11]

I started studying death and dying in college within a context of nursing and providing end of life care. But when I faced my own possible death at age 40, I was "frightened" enough to start researching and reflecting on what death, dying, afterlife and after death communication means. When I had no fear of my own death, and one of my kids was at risk, I feared their death. One of my mentors, who was a grief counselor with 35 yrs. experience and belief in reincarnation, etc. fell apart when her husband of 45 years died. When I saw how she almost died from grief, I threw myself into learning and understanding as much as I could before my husband of 45 years dies in 2013. While I am a firm believer in reincarnation and after death communication (I started communicating with my husband from the day he died) I was not fully prepared for the grief of separation (as temporary as it may be) with the one person who knew my life story as no one ever will. At age 65 I realize the value of treasuring each moment with ones I love. Sure I'll see them on the other side, but what I create in the present is important. Think I'll call my 87 year old Mom now...

[wolfgaze]

Originally Posted by 11oris11

I started studying death and dying in college within a context of nursing and providing end of life care. But when I faced my own possible death at age 40, I was "frightened" enough to start researching and reflecting on what death, dying, afterlife and after death communication means. When I had no fear of my own death, and one of my kids was at risk, I feared their death. One of my mentors, who was a grief counselor with 35 yrs. experience and belief in reincarnation, etc. fell apart when her husband of 45 years died. When I saw how she almost died from grief, I threw myself into learning and understanding as much as I could before my husband of 45 years dies in 2013. While I am a firm believer in reincarnation and after death communication (I started communicating with my husband from the day he died) I was not fully prepared for the grief of separation (as temporary as it may be) with the one person who knew my life story as no one ever will. At age 65 I realize the value of treasuring each moment with ones I love. Sure I'll see them on the other side, but what I create in the present is important. Think I'll call my 87 year old Mom now...

Saw the nursing and thanatology reference in your post and I was curious if you've ever read the book 'Final Gifts' (Kelley & Callanan)?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005UDIC3E/...I2MK28JKJ3BQ40
Impressive insights into the experience of dying, offered by two hospice nurses with a gift for listening. The ``final gifts'' of the title are the comfort and enlightenment offered by the dying to those attending them, and in return, the peace and reassurance offered to the dying by those who hear their needs. Callanan and Kelley describe a phenomenon they term ``Nearing Death Awareness''--which resembles somewhat the near-death experience sometimes reported by individuals revived after being clinically dead. Nearing Death Awareness, however, develops slowly, and the dying person seemingly drifts for a time between two worlds. Attempts by the dying to communicate about this awareness, often expressed in symbolic language or gestures, may be misunderstood by those around them, who dismiss the expressions as mere ``confusion.'' According to the authors, dying messages fall into two categories: descriptions of what they are experiencing (such as the places they see, the presence of others no longer alive, or their knowledge of when death will occur) and requests for what the dying need for a peaceful death (a reconciliation, for instance, or the removal of some barrier to departure). To illustrate, Callanan and Kelley include numerous examples of Nearing Death Awareness from their years of caring for the dying. And they offer practical advice not only to involved family members but also to professional caregivers on how to recognize, understand, and respond to a dying person's messages. No lugubriousness or false cheerfulness here, but acute observations and astute advice on a difficult topic. -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

[Spectral1212]

Originally Posted by 11oris11

I started studying death and dying in college within a context of nursing and providing end of life care. But when I faced my own possible death at age 40, I was "frightened" enough to start researching and reflecting on what death, dying, afterlife and after death communication means. When I had no fear of my own death, and one of my kids was at risk, I feared their death. One of my mentors, who was a grief counselor with 35 yrs. experience and belief in reincarnation, etc. fell apart when her husband of 45 years died. When I saw how she almost died from grief, I threw myself into learning and understanding as much as I could before my husband of 45 years dies in 2013. While I am a firm believer in reincarnation and after death communication (I started communicating with my husband from the day he died) I was not fully prepared for the grief of separation (as temporary as it may be) with the one person who knew my life story as no one ever will. At age 65 I realize the value of treasuring each moment with ones I love. Sure I'll see them on the other side, but what I create in the present is important. Think I'll call my 87 year old Mom now...

Love this, excellent point on treasuring the moments. I have consciously been working on that for a few months, both treasuring the people and staying present. I think that is the key to contentment. I purposely use the word contentment vs happiness because I see happiness as something coming in smaller bursts whereas contentment is steady peace.

[dream jo]

not so mush nw coz i no i will sea evry 1 i miss os so mush i do
only thn i wory abot is goan 2 hell i am

[SoulRoots]

Originally Posted by somnia

I do not fear death, however I do fear the process of dying. Will it be quick and painless or slow and agonizing?

Same here haha I sometimes wonder how I'm gonna die and makes me cringe. But death itself is something that I'm actually very curious about and when it comes I will welcome it.

[CrystalSong]

Originally Posted by Spectral1212

Do you fear death, and if so, why? I am not talking about suffering or illness or some kind of pain because of the process, but the actual parting from this world.

No, I don't fear death anymore than taking my cloths off at night to get in bed.

I do wonder how it will come though, but am assured in my case it will be when I'm very old and I'll be surrounded by friends and loved ones - a beautiful crossing over.
That's a nice vision, it would be good to have a graceful passing over that bring peace and beauty and fearlessness to those who will also have come to that moment in their future.