Flying Home with the Angels by Rev. Carol Schroder
This guided imagery meditation project was inspired by hospice patients with whom I have worked for over ten years. The purpose of this CD is to assist dying individuals to peacefully let go of their earthly relationships and physical bodies.
Frequently they struggle anxiously to cling to their bodies which are slowly shutting down. When family members or friends give permission to their loved ones to move onto the next spiritual phase of their lives, they are better able to calmly die.
At the beginning of life we take in our first breath. It ends with the final exhalation of breath. Dying is the final stage of life. Too often we live as if we will never die. We refuse to prepare for our death. It is so easy to focus on our daily living activities of school, work, recreation, and relationships. We rush around on our earthly merry-go-rounds and avoid taking the time to stop and reflect about our lives.
When people are diagnosed with a terminal illness, they are shocked into a forced self-evaluation. They struggle with feelings of anger, fear, and dismay. Their loved ones are confused and overwhelmed by caregiving chores. The hospice team, composed of an administrator, medical director, nurses, home health aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers provide medical care and education as well as support for dying patients, their families and friends.
As a Hospice Chaplain I work with patients of all faiths and philosophies. My goal is to spiritually prepare patients to accept their approaching and anticipated deaths. I ask patients about their spiritual or philosophical beliefs. Then, I support them with holy and secular books, music, hymns, and prayers. I use guided meditations to help patients relax from the dying process. In their minds patients can imagine and travel to the beaches, lakes, or mountains. They can meet loved ones who have crossed over to their heavenly home. For a time they are free to travel on their spiritual journey. At last, they know that they are spiritual beings who are preparing to fly home with angels.
