Dealing with Death

In today's society, we tend to ignore death.

We avoid talking about it, thinking about it and planning for it. While we all know that death is inevitable, we do not want to believe that it will ever happen to us.

"Death can be terrifying." writes in his article "Confronting Death with an Open, Mindful Attitude" Mr. Todd Kashdan. He goes on explaining why death is so frightening to most of us. "Recognizing that death is inescapable and unpredictable makes us incredibly vulnerable. This disrupts our instinct to remain a living, breathing organism."

Our fear of dying has kept us alive (as communities and individuals) for centuries. However, the fear of dying does not serve our personal need for safety and if we want to live our lives, we must release this fear completely. Dr. Kashdan argues that a mindful approach to life may be what we need.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is defined as: "The state of our active and open participation in the present. When you are aware, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them as good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, you have to live every moment looking for new experiences. "

Acceptance of inevitable death is liberating.

You are no longer forced to manage fear and you can include death as an experience of your life.

Preparing for your death

Death is a natural part of life.

When you live in a destination that includes looking toward death and preparing for it, you can crush its power and live your life to the fullest.

The following list of tasks will help you not only confront your own death but also control it, if done mindfully. Since you can't know how your life will end until the time of your death, your preparations will help you come to terms with it.

First of all, prepare your will. Think of all your potential mobile and real estate assets. It may, also, be helpful to consider adding a reliable family member to your bank accounts.
Make a detailed plan of your funeral and / or memorial service, which will help your survivors recognize and celebrate your memory.
Organize all your financial and legal obligations.
Ensure your digital life for your survivors. Make sure you have listed all your passwords and usernames and let your survivors know how you would like them to handle your digital real estate (email and social media accounts) after your death.

If you don't try hard to reconcile with the reality of your death, you will never be completely satisfied with your life.

When you are constantly trying to defeat death, you are essentially stop living fully.

At Gesios Funeral Home, we provide experienced psychological support staff for our customers.

For further assistance, do not hesitate to contact us by phone at +30 2310 41 99 99 or even visit us at one of our offices in Thessaloniki.

Certified partners:

"MERIMNA"

Thessaloniki

Urban Non-Profit Company

Frangon 13, Tel. contact +30 2310 510010

e-mail: thessaloniki.support@merimna.org.gr

The MERIMNA Counseling Center in Thessaloniki provides psychological support to children, adolescents and their families when a loved one is ill or has died. This psychological support is completely free. Families with children up to 18 years of age can seek support, if someone of their family members are seriously ill or have died. At the same time, they inform and raise awareness of the public about issues related to serious illnesses, death and mourning of children and adolescents. More information can be found at www.merimna.org.gr .

Gelsini Zoi, Psychologist

Panagouli 2, PC 412 22, Larissa.

Tel. +30 2410 535018, Mob.: + 30 6943 998047

e-mail: ZGelsini.psy@gmail.com

Papamichael Panagiota, Clinical Psychologist. Systemic psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families

Certified Drug Addiction Advisor (ICRC)

Painting 80, Piraeus, Athens.

Mob.: + 30 6973680066

e-mail: verapapamix@yahoo.gr