What does it take to build community and connection at the end of our lives? In this episode, we sit down with our guest Charles Bush to discuss his experiences working with those nearing the end of their lives. Charles shares his insights on the ideal end-of-life experience, emphasizing the universal desire for connection and love, which is something we all could use more of in these times.
Charles' insights and experiences working with seniors provide valuable lessons that we can all learn from. As we explore the positive effects of psychedelic medicines in promoting a good dying experience, Charles emphasizes the importance of intimacy in creating a safe and supportive environment. Join us for this enlightening conversation on the importance of community and connection, especially as we age and approach the end of our lives.
"Dying [should] become a real event for all of us instead of a tucked away secret that more often than not is marked by a certain kind of dismay and confusion"
– Charles Bush
Charles Bush has lived on the Mendocino Coast for nearly four decades. Before coming to the Coast, he managed large residential service operations on college campuses. He co-founded Mendocino's successful and long-lived Community School. He retired from his position as director of Chamisa Mesa School near Taos, New Mexico, and became the Executive Director of the Redwood Coast Senior Center, where he served for several years.
Show notes:
Serving lunches to seniors
The experience of working at a senior center
Creating community
The ideal end-of-life experience
The one thing almost everyone says before the go
The connection between good dying and good drug taking
Different psychedelic experiences which build community
A gentle caring and a touching intimacy
Do you think about dying?
Dying is nothing compared to grieving
Dying is rooted in psychedelic or sacramental experience
Would you take a psychedelic right as you died?
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How many hours have you spent in the company of somebody dying? – Charles Bush