On Love, Death, and Embracing Our Humanity | Roshi Joan Halifax & Frank Ostaseski

It’s here and then it’s gone. 

In so many ways this is the through line of our experience. 

From the sunny day,

To a common cold,

To time spent with loved ones,

Or the experience of our wedding day.

Joy, love, heartbreak, and ultimately 

Life itself - All by nature impermanent. 

To walk through this life

Is to walk hand-in-hand with change. 

It is simply part of what it means to be human -  

Part of what connects us all. 

This season on the podcast we wanted to make these shared experiences a focal point of our larger conversation. 

So for 3 episodes we have brought together some of the great teachers, physicians, writers, and leaders of our time.

To reflect on how we might embrace impermanence,

Relax into uncertainty, 

Loosen our grip of control,

And open up the possibility of appreciating, and taking in, the preciousness and beauty of this one life which we are given. 

Two weeks ago we kicked off this series

With world renowned meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg and palliative care physician and author, Dr. Sunita Puri. 

Last week we continued unpacking these themes with CEO Coach Jerry Colonna and legendary teacher, activist, and author, Parker Palmer.

Today we close this epic 3 part mini series by inviting two pioneers in end-of-life care to engage two of the great mysteries of human life:

Love and Death. 

Legendary Buddhist teacher, activist, author, and founder of Upaya Zen Center, Roshi Joan Halifax

And 

Buddhist teacher, best-selling author, and founder of the Zen Hospice Project, Frank Ostaseski

Will explore themes related to:

How we might embrace the experiences of loving and dying in ways that lead to living as fully as we can.

And the possibility of meeting impermanence with greater wisdom, compassion, and courage. 

During our time together they will offer reflections on: 

• Mindfulness as a practice of intimacy
• Learning to let go
• Surrender
• The joy of discovery
• And how we might meet all that life gives us with loving awareness. 

For more on Roshi please visit: joanhalifax.org or upaya.org

And for more on Frank please visit: frankostaseski.com

Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:

• On Work, Friendship, and Embracing Impermanence | Parker Palmer & Jerry Colonna
• Impermanence, Letting Go, and Finding Freedom | Sharon Salzberg & Sunita Puri

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