I wonder if inhabiting the role of dying is to finally put down the need to inhabit roles, so many of which are burdened with responsibility, function and direction. Perhaps it’s a time to lower the weight of becoming and being in accordance with certain expectations to allow a simpler way of being to emerge which naturally includes a wish for reconciliation, appreciation, reflection, etc. It seems like there can be a sense of relief for those who can relinquish their roles and allow their experience to flow freely in the last days/weeks/months of their life. As you note, resistance to laying down roles (often with good reason, such as concerns that those reliant on you will be abandoned) is undoubtedly a source of suffering.
I think that's a sharp observation. But also highlights the near impossibility of conceiving of a life with no roles, which is why it might be easier to reckon with the role of dying, rather than the role of "no role." A way to lay down or terminate roles, to grieve them, should be an important facet of dying, rather than feeling like the roles just evaporated.
I wonder if inhabiting the role of dying is to finally put down the need to inhabit roles, so many of which are burdened with responsibility, function and direction. Perhaps it’s a time to lower the weight of becoming and being in accordance with certain expectations to allow a simpler way of being to emerge which naturally includes a wish for reconciliation, appreciation, reflection, etc. It seems like there can be a sense of relief for those who can relinquish their roles and allow their experience to flow freely in the last days/weeks/months of their life. As you note, resistance to laying down roles (often with good reason, such as concerns that those reliant on you will be abandoned) is undoubtedly a source of suffering.
I think that's a sharp observation. But also highlights the near impossibility of conceiving of a life with no roles, which is why it might be easier to reckon with the role of dying, rather than the role of "no role." A way to lay down or terminate roles, to grieve them, should be an important facet of dying, rather than feeling like the roles just evaporated.
Wonderful, ranging, useful reflections. Thank you.