As you now know, I am, and have been for quite some time, engaged and occupied with organizing the Dreaming & Healing conference, so I will share with you the articles my dear colleagues have been writing in support of our collective endeavor.
Our first guest writer, dear friend and colleague Ian McCartor, shares his experience in Mexico during the week around Day of the Dead—one of those special times of the year when the veil is said to be thinnest, when the spirits conspire in our favor, when the guidance of our dreams can be so palpable—and his practice of Death Poetry, which he will be teaching at the conference in experiential circles.
Here it is: Ian’s article, The Art and Practice of Death Poetry, published in Atención San Miguel, Mar 1, 2019, Vol XLV, No. 18
Having
worked as hospice nurse and learned from my experiences with different
cultures in such environments, it seems to me that the Mexican culture has a
keen comfort with mortality. Upon my arrival to Mexico last November, I felt
right at home.
As one Mexican friend told me, “while some parts of the world lock death out at
the door, we welcome her in for dinner every night.” This is
what I observed as locals warmly walked me through
many decorated scenes in cemeteries with families having cheerful
picnics on tops of tombs, sons sitting with silent beers in front of
gravestones, and mariachi bands singing for whole families openly
weeping at flowered mausoleums.
This is for those who openly welcome the reality of their short time on earth.
From what I heard and experienced, this acceptance helps us live fuller
lives. This mindful perspective concerns us with the sacred beauties
within the ordinary, focusing on the present moments that are so often brushed
away without gratitude.
During my visit, I was introduced to a fascinating individual, San Miguel’s own
transpersonal psychologist and death doula Wilka Roig, who indeed turned out to
be a kindred spirit and fast friend.
We talked about our numerous experiences with the dying. We reveled in the
common themes we see so often from those who are nearing the end of their
lives, the arcs that dictate so many human journeys.
Perhaps there is a way to not have to wait until a terminal diagnosis brings us
to see the divine beauty that lay about us at every moment. I think of my
life as it is, and find a moment that I will dearly miss, knowing that I will
be departing. This led me to one of
my contemplation practices, something the Japanese call Death Poetry.
Things like the joy of sharing love with friends and family, feeling the
morning warmth of a sunrise, the full giving of myself in the present moment
and not waiting for that perfect time that may never come. I find a single scene, a single frame,
and I write simply about it, feeling just a little more in tune with the
essence of living than I was before. It’s a simple practice, but surprisingly
powerful for those who give themselves to it.
I will be leading a series of workshops on The
Art and Practice of Death Poetry at the Dreaming &
Healing: Dreaming the Arc of Life conference in San Miguel taking place March
21-29.
I am absolutely delighted to introduce this practice
to those that are there. I will be teaching and learning alongside all kind of
wonderful practitioners from all around the globe, and would love to share that
experience with you. I will also be giving a concert, performing songs
inspired by my hospice work.
If this is something that calls to you, I invite you to come explore with us! It
will be a fascinating time, I am sure of it.
JOIN the dynamic, didactic and experimental conversation through which we dream new possibilities for our present and the future of our generations.
If you are unable to join in person, consider supporting the cause, which goes beyond this conference with the intention to shift the global loss and death culture.
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