Sisters author confronts concepts of death

"By understanding that death is neither an enemy nor an ending and that there is no judgment anywhere in the universe, we can release our fear-based notions of punishment rather than correction, judgment rather than support, and an eternity of idleness rather than limitless opportunity for growth."

These are the words of author Terri Daniel, from her new book, "Embracing Death: A New Look at Grief, Gratitude and God."

Daniel will host a free mini-workshop and book launch party on Friday, September 17 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sisters Art Works Building, 204 W. Adams Ave. in Sisters. There will be live music by Brad Tisdel, and refreshments will be provided.

The book explores cultural and religious myths about death and the afterlife, and offers a path to alternative perceptions via intuitive tools such as meditation and after-death communication. Daniel's work has been praised by theologians, physicians and grief counselors as providing revolutionary insights into death and dying that offer enormous comfort to the bereaved.

"In Western culture, our fear of death is so all-encompassing that most of us neither live nor die peacefully because of it," Daniel said. "The idea of death as a terrifying experience to be avoided at all costs is instilled in most children by everything from religious doctrine to video games. Even the so-called 'positive' images of death - sitting next to Jesus on a throne or floating on a cloud playing a harp for eternity - keep us from a meaningful understanding of the sacred transition from physical to non-physical existence. These images do nothing to explain or justify our purpose on Earth, and they offer a stagnant, rather pointless afterlife."

Daniel has worked with grieving individuals from every religious perspective, particularly parents who've lost children, and they all have one burning question... Why would God let this terrible thing happen?

"It depends on what you think God is," Daniel said. "If you assign human characteristics to the concept of God, and you believe that this God will reward you with a conflict-free life in exchange for your devotion to a particular set of beliefs, then you're going to question those beliefs whenever conflict arises. This questioning is one of the hidden gifts of grief, because it presents an extraordinary opportunity for growth and expansion."

Lisa Melaerts, past president of The Compassionate Friends Las Vegas chapter, says, "Many bereaved are looking for bigger answers. I've watched Terri work with an audience using guided meditation, and the room shifted from heavy sadness to hope and amazement."

For more information call 541-549-4004.