Two baby roses
a picture from the realm of the unborn
Here’s the audio version…. You can click to listen.
Two roses being placed lovingly in a small vase for safe-keeping: this image, from a dream where I was in the realm of the unborn, lingers with me this morning.
I’ve cracked open this door to the other side a few times before, and I write about this process in The Call To The Far Shore. Talking with my son and his partner yesterday about their upcoming wedding seems to have awakened something, or someone, because it’s been several nights of baby dreams.
Last Sunday, Father’s Day, was the anniversary of my Dad’s death, and I spent some time talking with him. For me, this means centering into the quiet of my heart, saying his name, and perceiving the felt-sense that arises. It was a soft and loving field, closer than usual. Then the image of my three-month old granddaughter came to mind, and it was like Dad really beheld her. I spoke to him about her, asking for his protection and love to support her.
To have this kind of conversation engages my whole being. It’s an activity of heart and active imagining. Some people have a gift for this—perhaps they’re psychic— and it comes easy. In my case, it’s a labour of sorts: I must consciously and intentionally engage different parts of myself. But small steps lead to next steps, more connections lead to other ones, and over time a path is created—a devotional way of living with those of the far shore.
On another note, I feel like I’m out of school, for there’s a summer hiatus on doing more podcast interviews. It’s been heavy lifting doing numerous ones over the past few months, but in the process I’m coming to find my voice.
It turns out that a local radio show creator and host, Bruce Kauffman, attended my book launch and did a recording of it. He broadcast it on his program finding a voice last week, and there is a link to the recording below. It was a beautiful event featuring two talented musicians, Wendy Luella Perkins and Andrea Leyton. The invocation of our dead by Janeta Kobes and the introductory remarks by death care guide/doula Aileen Stewart brought a reverence that was palpable. The thoughtful questions following my reading of selections from The Call To The Far Shore made for remarkable conversation. I think you’ll enjoy listening.
Here’s the link to the June 13th podcast: CFRC radio"The Call To the Far Shore."
Thank-you to the many who listened to my recent podcast interview with Gwilda Wiyaka. There’s been lots of good feedback. Let me know if you’ve listened and have found it helpful. The link’s below for those who might still like to view it.
TV/podcast episode:
Audio/radio version of the episode:
My goal in writing the book and in inviting you to view podcasts is the same: creating a forum for wondering how to do death better. Your participation and your support are much appreciated!
“I wish I had this book when my Mum (or Dad or spouse) was dying!” —-The most common comment from readers.
Order The Call to the Far Shore: Carrying Our Loved Ones through Dying, Death, and Beyond through your local bookstore, Amazon, and most major booksellers.
https://www.amazon.ca/Call-Far-Shore-Carrying-through/dp/B0D9TMVNL9
The Call to the Far Shore: Carrying Our Loved Ones Through Dying, Death, and Beyond. Amazon.com
Audiobook now available: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Call-to-the-Far-Shore/Nancy-MacMillan/9781797187204
For more info check out my website: nancymacmillan.com and follow me on instagram: www.instagram.com/nancyjmacmillan/
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