How Do You Help Someone Who is Dying?

July 27, 2026 | 3 Comments

Audio only here

Hello Wonderful Open Heart Project,

When I first learned to meditate, I was given an instruction that has stayed with me for more than 30 years: place more attention on the out breath than the in breath.

This week my mother entered hospice care. She is 96 and as I prepare to be with her, that simple instruction has taken on a very different meaning.

The first thing we do when we’re born is breathe in. The last thing we do is breathe out. Maybe meditation is one way we get familiar with letting go.

I’m sharing my most recent podcast episode this week where I talk about why this teaching has come to matter so much to me.

I hope you’ll listen.

With love,
Susan

PS: Please check out my new book, Inexplicable Magic: Meditation for Mystics. It offers seven principles of meditation as a spiritual practice (rather than self-help).

PPS: If sitting together sounds supportive to your practice, please join the Open Heart Project sangha. We have a live meditation practice every morning.