I recently had an illuminating conversation with journalist and end-of-life planning advocate Katy Butler on the Peaceful Exit podcast. She shared profound reflections from her books, The Art of Dying Well and Knocking on Heaven Door, as well as keen insights into how she came to these conclusions during her research about death and dying. For anyone hoping for greater serenity around mortality, this episode is a must listen. Here are some of my takeaways from our conversation:
1. Understand what really matters before crisis hits
During our conversation, Katy stresses that we must identify and convey what constitutes a life well-lived while decision-making faculties remain intact. That means reflecting deeply on sources of meaning, then openly discussing wishes with loved ones. What experiences, relationships, or comforts give you joy? Under what conditions would you view treatment as overly burdensome?
2. Honor mortality through ritual
Katy extols the power of ritual for imparting beauty and significance to aging and loss. She describes scattering yahrzeit candles after a Jewish loved one’s death anniversary, or creating a home altar space filled with their photographs and cherished items.
“These rituals help us on a completely nonverbal level. They help us on a physical, body centered level. And I think they address parts of our souls and psyches that we can’t even really name,” Katy says.
3. Draw strength from community
Katy also cannot overstate the critical role community plays along end-of-life journeys for both the ill and bereaved. She notes how facing daunting paperwork prompted one friend to complete Five Wishes forms alongside loved ones, turning an ominous task into meaningful time together.
Meanwhile, little occasions for laughter, listening and honesty keep isolation at bay. Remaining surrounded in compassion despite dependence or altered faculties sustains dignity and hope. No one should endure the most universal human experience alone.
While dying well may lie beyond any individual’s control, Butler believes we can positively shape the conditions around us through the courageous choices we make in dialogue with those we trust. Contemplating mortality directly, though difficult, liberates us to live aligned with what matters.