The Power of One Kind Heart
The Power of One Kind Heart
I have observed some miraculous things in my long career as a Hospice nurse, but none as touching and tender as the presence of grace I have felt this past month. It is my opinion that death is always spiritual. My Native American Heritage teaches me that”We believe profoundly in silence- the sign of a perfect equilibrium.” “Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind, and spirit. (Chief Joseph) There is a process the body moves through at the end of life called “Active Dying” Depending on the disease process, there are certain symptoms a trained hospice nurse looks for. One symptom that is very common is called Terminal Agitation. Terminal Agitation can cause some anxiety for those loved ones who are around the bedside witnessing their loved one as they go through this very unique physical process. This is a time when hospice is elevated to an art. It is important that the hospice nurse and the hospice team of caregivers anticipate the needs of all those present. Emotional support is especially important at this time, and because of the circumstances, seemingly small things become very large. At Zions Way Hospice the licensed massage therapist has become a very important part of the team. Massage therapists study and practice energy modalities which become very helpful while a loved one finishes all their tasks during those last minutes or hours in the body. When a loving, caring, silent space is held for the dying person an energy shift is felt as a kind of powerful, other worldly and beyond description process which alleviates terminal agitation. Usually the dying persons breathing pattern changes to a less labored and shallower pattern. I have observed an unconscious, dying person move their lips as though they are speaking to unseen others. I have also witnessed a kind of union or “oneness” developing among family members as they pass through this experience with their loved one. Hospice workers have been called “Midwives of the Soul.” And so it is. At Zions Way Hospice we have a very experienced and specialized team; we call it the Alternative and Complimentary Care Team. It is comprised of Licensed Massage Therapists, musicians, who play a number of soft calm instruments (The Native American Flute, Tibetan Bowls and bells, guitar music, harp music and soft singing.) The LMTs are very experienced in Aroma Therapy, Reiki, Therapeutic Touch, polarity therapy, cranial/ sacral therapy and many other gentle, loving therapies. We invite you to join us in the sacred ceremony of Zions Way.
