Author Archives: Oz Litvac (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

“The Gay Science” by Friedrich Nietzsche

Happiness and misfortune are brother and sister

Often misunderstood, or misinterpreted by many, Friedrich Nietzsche, the controversial philosopher whose work is as fascinating to ponder today as it was obscure in the late 1800s when he wrote about death and God, or rather, the death-of-God prolifically, was … Continue reading

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”Facing the Final Mystery: A Guide to Discussing End-of-Life Issues” by Laura Larsen, RN

A guide to talking about death, dying and end-of-life issues

Facing The Final Mystery is by no means a book you read in a few sittings — nor does it simply live on your bookshelf. Larsen’s book is more of a consulting manual, especially regarding problems that are unique to … Continue reading

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“Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan

A funeral song to remember soldiers and people who have passed away

The song “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” was originally written and sung by Bob Dylan for the soundtrack of the film Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid in 1973. The song has also produced countless cover versions, with each version proving to be suitable … Continue reading

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What is Spiritual Care for the Ill, Dying and Bereaved? An Interview with Rabbi Eric Weiss

How spirituality in bereavement couseling can aid those coping with death

Rabbi Eric Weiss is the Executive Director of the Bay Area Jewish Healing Center. Located in San Francisco, California, the healing center serves throughout Sonoma and Mountain View. His experience with death and dying started years back before Rabbinic school. During what is … Continue reading

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Tibetan Buddhist Burial Ritual

Exploring jhator, the Tibetan Buddhist burial practice of sky burial

In a Tibetan Buddhist burial ritual, it is believed that the physical body is just an empty vessel after death, which is then followed by rebirth. For Tibetan Buddhists, heaven is believed to be a place where soul or spirit await reincarnation. Though … Continue reading

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“Brokedown Palace” by Grateful Dead

A funeral song to soothe those dealing with grief and coping with death

Music expresses an endless amount of human emotion. It soothes those dealing with grief and serves as a soundtrack to life and death. We use music to inspire, mourn, remember, signify and symbolize the life of another as we cope … Continue reading

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