palliative care

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Read More Messages in the Healing Cafe ] [ FAQ ]

Posted by Gene Brassard (24.222.199.206) on 14:38:29 04/10/04

Don't get me wrong! I am in no way demeaning the compassionate services palliative care providers offer to those in need. On the other hand I do believe that in the world we live in we are too often being advised that somebody else, some specialist can do it all for us. Of course this kind of advice is nice to hear because it relieves us of our own responsibility to do it for ourselves. Specifically, I'm referring to the issue of dying. Since we all know that at some point we will die, should we not accept the responsibility of preparing for that moment now while we live by doing whatever we are capable of doing to help others in need, by not contaminating our world and our environment, by putting others first. Doesn't world history and our own little private histories patently show us that selfishness, greed, exploitation, etc.etc. do not make for a happy ending? These thoughts have nothing to do with religion. It's just common sense and accepting reality. The nature of our human condition requires human beings to be more than self centered entities; it requirres that each individual become involved in the common good through selfless service. Those who follow those rules seem to die peacefully. And they're not out of reach to any of us.

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:
Subject:
Comments:	: Don't get me wrong! I am in no way demeaning the compassionate services palliative care providers offer to those in need. On the other hand I do believe that in the world we live in we are too often being advised that somebody else, some specialist can do it all for us. Of course this kind of advice is nice to hear because it relieves us of our own responsibility to do it for ourselves. Specifically, I'm referring to the issue of dying. Since we all know that at some point we will die, should we not accept the responsibility of preparing for that moment now while we live by doing whatever we are capable of doing to help others in need, by not contaminating our world and our environment, by putting others first. Doesn't world history and our own little private histories patently show us that selfishness, greed, exploitation, etc.etc. do not make for a happy ending? These thoughts have nothing to do with religion. It's just common sense and accepting reality. The nature of our human condition requires human beings to be more than self centered entities; it requirres that each individual become involved in the common good through selfless service. Those who follow those rules seem to die peacefully. And they're not out of reach to any of us.
Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ Read More Messages in the Healing Cafe ] [ FAQ ]

Dr. Carl A. Hammerschlag, M.D., CPAE, psychiatrist and author, is a professional keynote and motivational speaker. He speaks on a variety of topics including healthcare, mind body and spirit, health and wellness, mental healing and leadership. He has delivered motivational and keynote speaches to corporate and business clients around the world.