by Paula Schneider

            My love for working with people who are living the last hours of their life must truly be getting deep inside of me.  I once had the good fortune to spend a weekend at a bed and breakfast in Woodfords, California and while there found myself easily slipping into thoughts of what it means to transition from this life to the next.

            I was sitting in the great room that had a large picture window overlooking a magnificent back yard.  The grass was a vivid green and there was a small brook running through the yard.  Bright, colorful flowers lined the brook and ferns filled in where flowers did not grow.  A large tree provided shade for the backyard which soaked up the Western setting sun.

            As my husband and I gazed at this captivating and peaceful scene, my mind began to envision this room as the perfect room for a dying person to spend their last days.  What a gift to be surrounded by such peace and beauty!  As the sun set lower we could now see little insects flying in the air, though just a moment ago they were invisible to our eyes.  Behind the busy insects, a rocky mountain rose up to the blue sky.  Puffy white clouds drifted lazily past.

            I perceived that such a setting would be an ideal place for someone to reflect on his or her life—and to be able to look out on such a scene that depicted nature and natural rhythms of life would be so comforting!  My belief is that death is a natural part of life, a part of a natural cycle of ongoing vibrancy and fullness.  What we see when someone is beginning to make their transition is not reality.  Truly, what is happening is that the soul is making ready to shed a worn out, no longer useful, cocoon and to emerge as a new being.

            This peaceful vision filled me for quite some time, and I worked hard to move my mind into another arena of thought when the time came to go on to another activity.  I was left, however, with a lingering peace, and to this day, when I think of that lovely room and back yard, I feel rich, fulfilled, and at peace.  Truly, we each deserve to end our present existence in such a place.

Do you know that shallow breathing contributes to feelings of anxiety and to incomplete oxygenation of the vital organs of your body temple?  If you suffer from “anxiety attacks” and sluggish body functions, please join us Saturday, April 17, here at Unity Center for our third Science of Breath class.  We are reading the book, Science of Breath, and practicing what is known as the Complete Breath.   We also integrate other spiritual breathing practices as we learn more about yogic breathing and the importance of breathing properly.  Suggested Love Offering:  $10.  All proceeds go to Unity Church of Today.  Class led by Paula Schneider, RN.

Advanced Unity Metaphysics

Rev. Maryellen Youngs is teaching this class from 10:00 – 12 noon, on the 2^nd and 4^th Saturday of each month.  It focuses on the practical application of Charles and Myrtle Fillmore’s teachings: “How to move” from head to heart; “How to” go within and find answers; and “How to find peace amidst turmoil.