American Book of Dying: Lessons in Healing Spiritual Pain

A scarey title, perhaps, but not a downer. The author is so knowledgable about death practices around the world and in the various religious traditions. To understand death and to hear from those who have been "midwives" to the dying is a source of peace and great hope. There is history here, and stories, and helpful words. I highly recommend it!

This is a must read for anyone who is faced with a loved one who is dying. So many stories to help understand the dying process and how to help. But it is more then that because through understanding the dying process it opens your eyes to living your life fully and completely which prepares you for your own death. this book in harmony with Dying Well by Ira Byock really opens the door to living a great life which in turn help you die well but also helps you become soul friend to someone who is dying. Which makes the transition from this life to the next peaceful. I think that is what everyone wants is a peaceful transition. MUST READ

Excellent and insightful book composed of three parts: insights into the dying process, stories of how people found peace in their dying using the Enniagram as a paradigm, and resources about the dying process. I have even used the stories from the middle section to help a person who was unable to commuicate to process their own decline and inevitable death. Teaches how to help a person prepare for their death in a wholesome and healing manner. Offers great insight into the nature of spiritual pain.

This book clearly engages the discussion of death and dying with new energy and clear wisdom drawn from the rich ancient traditions and experiences of those who have walked this path. The references to several "books of dying" highlight the thread and legacy passed on through all cultures and faith traditions regarding the meaning and transition related to death and dying. The discussion regarding spiritual pain and the expression of this pain through questions of meaning, relationship, forgiveness, and hope has helped to deepen my ability to care for and listen actively to patients in my role as a hospice chaplain. The highlight for me was the stories of patients and families who have "lived" this encounter with death. Richard Groves' ability to tell these important stories in relationship to the ancient wisdom of the enneagram brings clarity as to how we all appraoch life and death. This book is a wonderful resource for patients, family members, those who are working with the dying, those in professional caregiver roles, and those wanting to learn.

I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to understand the process of death as a peaceful transition from this life to the next. There is so much to learn from the dying that is confusion but this book takes you through all the experiences the dying have that is not of this world. You are truly in touch with the spiritual life when you walk the journey with someone who is dying. This book helps to make this experience a blessing and a privilege to be a part of. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a caregiver or has older parents or close to someone who is terminal. This book has also helped my not fear by own death. It is definately worth taking the time to read Richard Groves experiences.