In which, as the year comes to its end, our friends and collaborators look back and share their moments:

Life After Death

Nobody really knows what happens when we die, but one thing for sure is that we all will. In Western culture, death is a taboo subject and we carry on our lives as if we are going to live forever. Maybe our consciousness will, but our bodies will certainly check out at some point and we should all have the chance, at least, to plan a good death. If only we were not so afraid to talk about it.

On reflection, what was an incredibly challenging and terribly sad year for me in 2011 has this year brought me so much strength and insight, not least the complete removal of fear with respect to my own mortality. A most liberating state of being. The pain and uncertainty that I experienced whilst nursing my good friend at home through those final months, I now see as an utter privilege and would recommend anyone else do the same if they have the chance to share that special time with a loved one.

Yes, it was physically and mentally exhausting, and sometimes truly bizarre, but the selfless mindset that you occupy during those moments of pure love and the total breakdown of ego and materialism bring a much deeper understanding of the true nature of consciousness and the interconnectedness of people. In time, this literally forces you to re-evaluate and re-prioritise life’s many challenges and I am grateful to have been shown this.

On my quest to understand more fully what exactly happened last year, I have been introduced to the works of a number of quite brilliant men and women of science who, no doubt, would have just passed me by had my journey not been this way. Rupert Sheldrake, Peter Fenwick, Jill Bolte Taylor and Elizabeth Kubler Ross to name but a few. I have also been drawn towards some fantastic and like minded people who have now become lovely friends, cooking partners and music collaborators. Opportunities have been thrown my way this year that in previous years I would have jumped at. However, my philosophy these days is ‘do what makes you feel good’ and, although it doesn’t always pay the bills, it seems to be a pretty good system and I do feel good.

It goes without saying, I miss the boy like crazy but he is still very much alive in so many ways and continues to help me grow whilst I am here. After all, isn’t that the main purpose of every living organism, to grow and become strong?

“Love is the eldest and noblest and mightiest of the gods; and the chief author and giver of virtue in life, and of happiness after death.”
Plato