Many of us saw it. And many Democrats were left concerned. This episode isn't about the debate itself or about some political analysis. But the debate did raise some existential factors about our own lives. How we look at and approach the aging process as a society could suggest how we grapple with our own inevitable fate.

We all have them. Illusions! And often we are unaware that we have them...that they live within the fabric of our thinking. This is especially true when it comes to existential topics. "People are living longer", in spite of current numbers. "I plan to die peacefully in my sleep", when discomfort and suffering are common demonstrations of many terminal illnesses. Unless you add pain medication to the mix. This episode aims to point out a few of the illusions that I've seen and wish to address. My hope is to bring awareness to illusions that keep us from looking at the second half of life realistically.

Cultivating the practice of impermanence is no easy task. Much work is before us. And one that is lifelong. It is wise not to rush this process, because we want to pay attention to the subtle movements we encounter when gently exposing our minds to the theme of brevity or giving up what is sacred to us. This can and should be done slowly because it involves thoughts and feelings that surface. The episode spells out a just few ways in which we can (and do perhaps without notice) reflect on the theme of impermanence.

We all work hard for that final episode in life where space comes without reservation. But does it? In a culture that fears anything pertaining to aging, illness, and death, we stand a strong chance to see and believe retirement will be one grand moment. And in our selective processing, we leave out unwanted pieces that can make retirement "another day". This episode encourages a brave look at a more realistic picture about retirement, one that if contemplated could prevent some of those surprises we prefer to avoid altogether.

We are constantly driven to resolve. And when it comes to physical ailments, especially more serious ones, we are committed toward recovery. But what happens when there is no recovery. Chronic and terminal illnesses do not succumb to our demands. Instead, they remind us that we are not in control and that rather than trying to conquer our attitude might have to be cultivating a new attitude on such permanent loss. But how do we do so? Certainly, simple recognition does us no good. We need more.

Anxiety and depression are familiar to most of us. Outside of acute moods and states, anxiety and depression are common. It is especially so when we consider reflecting on the complete journey of life--development and decline. This episode talks about common reactions we can face when cultivating an awareness to our aging process, chronic or terminal illnesses, and out last months, even days, before transitioning. But there are benefits to this practice. This episode lists some lasting benefits that you would appreciate.

Conversing with Death Podcast talks about what most of us don't want to hear. And for the host, hospice is where it all started. A new and strange way to see the world, a world that doesn't want to come to terms with the most existential truth, namely, we will grow old, become ill, and eventually breathe our last. As we begin a journey on cultivating a working relationship with out own fate, listen in on how working with courageous men and women within a 15 year span in hospice changed my life.