Caring for Dying: the art of being present

Read more about Facing Death . . . with open eyes

People in the film:

Marcia Fields

Marcia is just getting to know Rick when he is diagnosed with lung cancer. Although he warns her off, she refuses to leave him. They struggle through their new relationship while one of them readies to die.

Christine Aceves

Both Christine’s mother and stepfather are dying, but she can only care for one of them. The stepfather is placed in a board and care nearby. It’s a delicate balance of life, death, work, family and love.

Frank Ostaseski

Founder of the Zen Hospice Project in San Francisco, Frank talks about the powerful lesson he received one long and difficult night while caring for a friend dying of AIDS.

Lea Carpenter, Retired Chemist & Program Manager

I appreciated Michelle’s kind words and found them soothing. I also learned that it’s ok to cry. I’m Filipino and I was brought up to believe it was not ok to cry.

{Name Withheld by Request}

While working with Michelle, I discovered she has the integrity like no other person in my entire 40+ years of experience working with other life coaches, therapists, spiritual teachers, etc. She does what she says and sticks to her word like no other. Her boundaries are firm and straightforward, yet she bends “softly” at the right moment when I need her to hear me at a deep humane and spiritual level. After my feeling betrayed by other coaches, therapists, and yoga teachers throughout my life, Michelle has restored my faith in her as a conscientious, aware, and human healer. That is a good start for me.

Maxine Jew, Clinical Laboratory Scientist

I was impressed by Michelle’s ability to guide me with a few key words or comments. The clouds would part and I was able to cut through the verbiage to more clearly recognize the root cause of ongoing stressful issues. With her guidance, I was led to more positive considerations as to how to modify or change stressful issues. She seemed to know what life is about and was capable of guiding all in the support group, even the most reticent, to open up with her approach. I appreciated her calmness and strength.