How do you think about death? Dr. BJ Miller is a palliative care physician who invites us to embrace dying not as a medical event, but rather as a universally shared life experience. In this episode, BJ explains why some people can die before they actually die, the problem with the West’s focus on illness rather than wellness, and why preparing for death helps you live a fuller life.
Key takeaways:
The myth of independence
The importance of joy and compassion
Why the fear of death can stop you from living
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many were overwhelmed with stress, anxiety and depression. While this epidemic of stress has been growing over the past decade, it has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the divisive nature of political discourse. As a result, many people feel disconnected, inauthentic, and unhappy, while questioning the source of their unhappiness when they presumably have “everything”—an absence of compassion, for oneself and others, is often the source of the problem.
Many of us don’t understand the nature of self-compassion nor the power of compassion to improve our lives and alleviate our suffering. By entering the “Magic Shop”, Jim will share his wisdom and introduce a variety of techniques to change the course of one’s life and share his own lessons learned through the exchange of untold stories of his guests. He will interview authors and experts in the fields of philosophy, psychology, neuroscience, spirituality and religion, as well as individuals with unique points of view. He will also engage his listeners by answering their questions and also at times interview listeners who are willing to share their own stories of challenge and hardship.