The typical tasks that death doulas perform can vary, but all of them are aimed at easing the journey toward a “good death.” (Unsplash)

What death doulas can teach us about dying well without religion

As religious affiliation declines, the rituals and guidance it once provided around dying have disappeared for many people. Death doulas fill that gap.
Why do so many people believe in the Mayan apocalypse myth? Apocalypse image from www.shutterstock.com

Apocalypse myths show our fear of the world as we know it

If you believe the hype, the end of the world has finally come. The Mayan calendar’s “long count” began on 13 August 3114 BCE and will end today on 21 December 2012. Why do people believe the world will…
When 20 children - along with six adults - are murdered in cold blood, is there an appropriate response? EPA/Michael Nelson

Connecticut shootings: we must carefully define our response

There are two ways of responding to deadly violence such as the school shooting in Connecticut. We can respond violently, as a way of protecting ourselves from the fear and anxiety we feel. Or, we can…

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