Author Archives: Antal Polony (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Our Beautiful Funeral Music: “Fire & Rain,” by James Taylor

A beautiful song on loss and darkness, as lovely as it is sad

Singer/songwriter James Taylor achieved his breakthrough with this at once lovely and apocalyptic tune about love deferred and challenges ahead. Taylor reflects on loneliness and loss of faith, “Sunny days that I thought would never end,” and “Lonely times when … Continue reading

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What is the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention? An Interview with Kristen Smith

A suicide prevention specialist discusses her work at an international suicide prevention non-profit

Kristen Smith is the Survivor Initiative Manager for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, an international non-profit “exclusively dedicated to understanding and preventing suicide through research, education and advocacy, and to reaching out to people with mental disorders and those … Continue reading

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What are the Responsibilities of a Chaplain? An Interview with Rev. Lana Sandahl

A spiritual care professional in the medical setting tells about her work and experience

Reverend Lana S. Sandahl is Hospital Chaplain at Kaiser Permanente, South San Francisco Medical Center. She works in the Spiritual Care Department, providing counseling, spiritual guidance, comfort and advice to those facing end-of-life, intense trauma or life-limiting illness. She sat … Continue reading

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Traces of Several Religions in the Kiribati Ritual of Skull Burial

On the tiny island nation of Kiribati, a death and burial ritual incorporates practices of Christianity and the local religions

In what seems a unique strategy for coping with its colonial history, death and burial practices on the tiny island nation of Kiribati, a string of atolls in the Indian ocean comprising one of the smallest countries in the world, … Continue reading

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What are Crystal Singing Bowls? An Interview with Candace Keach

Sounds of solace

Candace Keach is the artistic director of the Spiral Sound of Crystal Bowls, a performance group which creates a soothing auditory and visual immersion experience through the playing of symmetrically arranged, vibrating crystal bowls.   Antal: Thanks for speaking with us, Candace. Can … Continue reading

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“Kevorkian” (2010) by Matthew Galkin

A fascinating portrait of a controversial man and his fight for what he believed in

These days Dr. Jack Kevorkian, sadly enough, is not generally associated with a courageous, eccentric, and by many accounts visionary doctor, but rather with his unfortunate moniker: “Dr. Death.” Yet perhaps such a handle is fitting. It is by his … Continue reading

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