Blue Wolf Reviews

Tag: purpose

  • Performance and Purpose in Dying and Death

    Performance and Purpose in Dying and Death

    It is said and never a truer word ever was spoken, than from the moment of birth we as humans are already facing the ultimate journeys ending; that of death or dying. For some, this comes earlier than others, with many living a very, very long life. This then begs the question why is it that we are so afraid of death if it is already a foregone conclusion.

    CK Hogan has in Performance and Purpose in Death and Dying, taken this subject matter and looks at the process of dying and death from a very broad perspective, in the desire to remove some of the fear and denial that surrounds the only surety in life.

    No one medium more than another has been used to establish the various areas of discussion ranging widely from Buddhism, psychology, science, spiritualism, philosophy, fear and denial.

    Near Death Experience, which is fascinating in extreme, as it can possibly show a small sliver of what comes next after death, is discussed in detail. Hogan also looks at the teachings of the Church and faiths in regard to prayer, faith, enlightenment, forgiveness and ‘the possibility of God’, all areas of strong belief and what it all means in relation to Death.

    Hogan’s thoughts, findings and concepts are backed up with many, many quotes from such people as Eckhart Tolle, Aldous Huxley, excerpts from Andrew Holeck’s Preparing to Die, (2013) which is fascinating in its concept, with Emily Bronte offering her thoughts on death in the poem, No Coward Soul Is Mine.

    Climate Change is also investigated, as it is considered this massive event is creating a spiritual emergency for humans, as they are having finally to reconsider their place in the wider concept of environment. We are in so many aspects of life, being forced to look at the serious issue that we (humans) are the highest evolved species in the animal kingdom, whether we like it or not; by refusing to accept this basic tenant, we are destroying our habitat, our world and in doing so bringing forward fears and the specter of death and dying.

    This profound statement “The secret of life is to die before you die and find that there is no death.”,  from Eckhart Tolle encapsulates all there is to consider and accept and is in so many ways the underpinning tenant of The Purpose of Death and Dying.

    Fascinating reading is to be discovered, challenging concepts, fresh perspectives and a better understanding of the final performance or role eventually faced by each one of us, is contained within The Purpose of Death and Dying.

  • Purposeful Breathing

    Purposeful Breathing

    In a recent interview, psychologist Dr Greg Smith explained that he had always had an interest in breathing. During his study of yoga, he saw there was a strong emphasis on the breath. While working with patients, he realised that often people who were anxious tended not to breathe out and people, when depressed, tended not to breathe in. After many years of counselling a wide variety of people, he has refined skills which are easily learned and used by patients. Purposeful Breathing explains his theories on the mind-body link that is developed with breathing.

    Dr Smith has published this book as a manual which outlines simple practices which can be helpful in a range of circumstances. Part 1 gives background information for breathing awareness and problem breathing, before moving on to the key principles of purposeful breathing, and styles. Breathing for specific purposes covers many areas of interest; stress, anxiety, energy, health, happiness and creativity are some of those. “Once you step out of the thought loops and have moments of mental quietness and calm, you can refocus,” says Smith

    There is an excellent chapter on values. Many of us strive to have a life with our sense of values being practised, but the author quotes Psychologists Seligman and Peterson who have presented a list of basic values which is fascinating to look at and reflect upon. It is felt that, if we have a clear set of values in our lives, everyday situations and decision making becomes easier. Reflecting on and identifying our own values, gives us a solid foundation for this.

    Part 4 of the book deals with Meditation, Mindfulness and Eastern Traditions, with exercises offered for breathing in Mindfulness for meditation and relaxation. There is a superb exercise for a spinal flexing breath, for those seated at a desk for a long period. This book is a treasure for everyone seeking a little calm in their lives. Just reading through the thoughts and exercises brings a moment of peace.