Just as no person is the same as another, each death is individual. This special book does not promote methodologies or theories, but rather offers insights, information and contemplations on the end of life. It supports the companions of those on their dying journey, whether volunteers, medical professionals, pastors or loved ones.

Renee Zeylmans taught courses on accompanying dying and bereavement for many years. She described the journey towards death as a reciprocal process, asking not only how do we travel with those who are dying and what can we give them, but what do they give us? This book is the fruit of a lifetime's work, and her intention was for it to enrich the reader, throw a new light on difficult situations, evoke recognition, console and offer choices.

As well as host of practical information about dying and death -- including questions around the physiology of death, fear, fasting, funerals, music, language, and human senses -- the book contains contemplations and meditations from different world views and cultures.

About the Author
Renee Zeylmans (1936-2018) was a psychologist and therapist working in the fields of relationship counselling, biography, and grief counselling. In 1974, her husband of only a few years died, leaving her with three young children. She then dedicated her professional life to helping those dealing with death and grieving. She taught and lectured widely on the subject.

Reviews

'The book is written in an unsentimental and measured way from the basis of a wealth of experience and in a way that allows the reader to make their own mind up about the views expressed. There is nothing whimsical or airy-fairy, it is solid and grounded whilst still addressing the spiritual aspects of death and dying. Once familiarised with this book it is definitely one to stay on the shelf for reference.'
-- Perspectives

'I have noticed a wonderful effect in my work, since reading this book. As a Hospice Chaplain attending the patients on the ward, I have become calmer and quieter in myself... I feel so deeply touched by reading this book. Renee Zeylmans has such deep sensitivity and this book opens us to levels of awareness so often sadly missed when someone is crossing the threshold.'
-- Annie Blampied-Radojcin, Hospice Chaplain and OneSpirit Interfaith Minister

'This book is an invaluable, sensitive and gracious volume of writings around death, dying and life after death. It's like a Lonely Planet guidebook, covering everything you ever wanted to know, and more besides about the subject. It is a work of reference, which I will return to again and again and could also recommend it as a book for study by any person, or group, interested in its vitally important content.'
-- New View

'[An] informative and compassionate book... full of practical information as well as human stories illustrating various scenarios. The author emphasises that the dying process is individual and that we may have to unlearn things in the process as well as learn... A very worthwhile read.'
-- The Paradigm Explorer

'I am captivated by the warmth throughout the contributions of Renee's book. Flowery prose and gushing poetry do not figure here. Her experience seems well reflected, then sensitively described, so that it can become for the reader a strong prompt to inner work.'
-- Camphill Correspondence

Book Information
ISBN 9781782506034
Author Renee Zeylmans
Format Paperback
Page Count 160
Imprint Floris Books
Publisher Floris Books
Weight(grams) 375g