Monday, March 24, 2014

Ready or Not: The Law of Attraction vs. Preparing for Death

Disclaimer- The opinions and facts expressed in this post are not meant to offend anyone.  Any information posted to this blog is intended to educate and challenge your perspective.

The Law of Attraction stems from the belief that “like attracts like”.  Basically what you think about has the power to create circumstances, situations, and even physical manifestations of your thoughts. For example if you were to think about, visualize and meditate (replay over and over again in your mind) positive or good thoughts then the world around you will be full of positivity and goodness. On the other hand if you were to think about, visualize and mediate on the negative thoughts your world will be full of negativity.  Though this belief has been recorded throughout history the concept became popular in modern times with the publication of Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret. The Law of Attraction is even believed by many to be backed up by several religious texts including the bible i.e. Proverbs 23:7 states that “as a man thinketh in his heart; so is he”.  

Ever since I was a little girl I have been curious about death and the care of the dead.  That curiosity has evolved into a career in the death care industry that that has answered many of my questions about the care of the deceased and ignited a passion for educating the world about funeral service and mortuary science while encouraging others to plan for their funerals and burials before they are actually needed.   Needless to say that most of my thoughts have to do with death in some form or another and because of this most of my conversation relates to death in some fashion.  To me this is completely normal but I have learned over the years that others are not as open to discussing death and dying so freely.

As a child I would frequently ask family members, friends and random people questions about death in general conversation.  In most cases I received responses delivered with such uncomfortable facial expressions and body language that I would hesitate to ask more questions until something  peaked my curiosity so strongly that I could no longer resist.  Even today in conversations about death and making preparations with the families I work with, my own family members, friends and complete strangers; like clockwork those same uncomfortable, fearful, anxious facial expressions and body gestures are displayed by most.  
This has led me to question if people actually believe that by having a conversation about death and by planning for funeral and burial arrangements they may in turn be knowingly or unknowingly using the Law of Attraction to bring death upon themselves and others?
In reality the truth of the matter is that none of us of knows when or how we will die and the suspense is literally killing us. (LOL, not funny but I couldn’t resist).  We live in a society that works very hard at making us believe that we are in control of everything and that by doing this, eating that, driving a vehicle with these safety features, and working out for this length of time this many days a week we can live longer lives.  Though taking these measures has been proven to improve the overall quality of life in many cases; they cannot guarantee that one additional second or breath will be added to our lives.  In many cases the reactions and responses that I have received in conversations about death and preparing for death in my opinion reflect the belief that "if I talk about it or think about death it’s going to happen and if I don't acknowledge death, death can't get me".

I encourage any of my readers  who may be avoiding communicating your desires or educating yourself about preplanning and/or prefunding for end of life care and funeral/ burial because you believe that you are in some way attracting death to yourself or others (either knowingly or unknowingly)  to  challenge your perspective and consider the following:
1. Death is going to happen whether you talk/think about it or not
2. Death is not only going to happen to you but to your Mom, Dad, kids, your friends and everyone else you know
3. We as human beings have little to no control of when or how we will die.  Anything can happen at any moment that can results in the loss of life. (God Forbid)  
I wish everyone could live forever but by accepting the FACTS I feel as if not only are we as individuals more likely to make the most of everyday and experience a heightened quality of life but also in some weird way we are exercising true control by making the conscience decision to prepare to the best of our ability not only for ourselves but for our loved ones.
In conclusion I have to be honest and say that YES there cases when preened arrangements are made and required to be used sooner than hoped; but does this equate to attracting death?  For example, on Christmas day 2011 my Aunt Janine (who is a funeral director) was visiting from Florida.  There we are sitting around enjoying opening gifts and out of the blue she receives a call from work informing her that a couple whom she helped less than a week prior make prearrangement's for their funerals and burials had been killed in a plane crash. The timing in this situation can be perceived as spooky or perfect.  Personally, I believe and know for a fact that had they not made their arrangements their families would have been forced to deal with so much more than the shocking and devastating loss of their loved ones. 
DEATH IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO EVERYONE! READY OR NOT?

© Joe'l Anthony and The Grave Woman, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Joe'l Anthony and The Grave Woman with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.



Wednesday, March 12, 2014

An Appointment with Death

 

© Joe'l Anthony and The Grave Woman, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Joe'l Anthony and The Grave Woman with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

The Ugly Truth...

After seeing this video shared on a friends Facebook page I could not help but to share with you all.  Please take the time to watch this video and share it with as many people as you can.  This truths shared in the video have the potenital to not only change but save lives.

Sunday, March 2, 2014

The Conversation: Daddy’s Girl Part 2

Wow! Who would have thought that on my 28th birthday of all days I would be sitting down and preplanning my father’s funeral and burial?  As strange as it seems I think that this is possibly the best birthday present that I have ever been given. 

I truly believe in practicing what I preach but must admit that I have been somewhat of a hypocrite in this area.  For past few years I have allowed resistance and fear of facing reality stop me from being persistent in collecting this information from my Daddy and other members of my family and encouraging my friends and extended family to do the same.  

Sitting down as Daddy and daughter, having THE CONVERSATION and collecting the vital information needed for emergency situations, finances, and end of life care has given me such a peace of mind and heart. I thank God for this oppertunity and pray that each and every person that I know and reader of this blog is encouraged to do the same

© Joe'l Anthony and The Grave Woman, 2014. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Joe'l Anthony and The Grave Woman with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.