2
Videos
13
Writing prompts
1.5 Hr
time to complete
6
Resource Sections
Overview
In the Physical Module, you’ll use the reflection questions in the workbook to think about your physical body and your physical environment. Whatever your biological age or stage of physical health, you’ll be considering: what truly matters when you think about your body and the end of life?
Step 1:
Go to your workbook and begin with the writing prompts for Module 1.
Step 2:
After you’ve filled out the first set of questions, watch the videos below. The second video is a guided visualization called “Goodbye to Hands”.
Video: The one where Diane talks about warm blankets, orchids and your death date
Reflection questions
- What does your physical body mean to you?
- Where would you like to be during the last months, weeks, days of life? What would you like this physical environment to feel like?
- How would you like to be cared for physically?
- What things make you comfortable and at peace now?
- What things make you uncomfortable and anxious now?
- How do you want support when/if physical goals become difficult? Who would you like to attend to you physically if you need help?
- What do you want for the care of your body near the end of your life? What do you not want?
- Types of relaxation/awareness assistance?
- Pain and symptom management?
- Treatments outside of conventional medical support?
- What physical issues do you live with now?
- Think of your ancestors and your health right now. How will you most likely die?
- You have 90 days to live: What are the most important actions you would like to take in relation to your physical body?
Writing prompts
- Which resource materials from the previous unit did you explore and what stood out for you?
- What questions and/or answers surprised you from your reflection questions?
- What brings you here?
- Write about your experience with death.
- Consider the following prompts or choose your own.
- What was your first experience of death?
- What was your most recent experience?
- Which death has impacted you the most in your life so far?
- After watching the first video and considering what you’ve explored in writing, what are your intentions for this course?
Video: The one with the visualization called “Goodbye to Hands”
Step 3:
Now go back to your workbook and answer the Module 1 reflection questions. Then, fill out your vision, current reality, and action steps for the physical domain.
Writing prompt
- What was that like for you?
Next steps
- Explore some of the resources in this section. If you haven’t already done so, consider watching one of the Ted Talks.
- As you move through the course, consider: What specific topics would you like to learn more about?
- Consider: Goodbye to Hands with other parts of your body or one of your senses.
- Use this graphic to check your action steps!
Resources for Module 1
Articles to further your thinking of the physical domain.
- What Broke My Father’s Heart by Katy Butler
- Clinical Frailty Scale
- Simple Ways to Comfort a Dying Loved One by Dr Karen Wyatt
- Kathryn Mannix What Happens as We Die
- BLBD #86 “What Does Active Dying Look Like?” Hospice Nurse Julie McFadden
- End of Life University Episode 420 “Providing Comfort During the Last Days of Life” with Barbara Karnes RN
- Compassion and Choices
- This section of Compassion and Choices is particularly relevant
- From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty