What I Learned About Life from Death | Jane Whitlock | TEDxMinneapolis

Jane lost her husband at the age of 47. This experience transformed every aspect of her life. She believes this level of transformation is available to every single person out there. When we don't talk about death and remind ourselves daily, (maybe hourly) that we are going to die, we run the risk of taking this magical gift called life for granted and getting all tangled up in caring about what doesn't matter. Jane Whitlock, aka, Doula Jane, is an end-of-life doula. Whitlock provides guidance and emotional support for individuals and families through the end-of-life process. Why is it okay to ask strangers at the supermarket about their pregnancy but not about their impending death? Doula Jane spends an inordinate amount of time thinking about how she can normalize death. You could say that she has a healthy fascination with death, grief, and dying. Recognising the need for an impartial and compassionate perspective during her husband’s terminal cancer battle in 2013, Whitlock launched her practice to help others in dealing with the fragile and fleeting constants of life and death. Whitlock declares that Death and its sacred rituals have many gifts to offer us. The gift of living our best lives while we face dying. The gift of finding meaning in our lives. The gift of having the opportunity to tell loved ones: I'm sorry, I forgive you, thank you, and goodbye. When we know we are dying and time is short there comes an opportunity for deep transformation for both the departing and their loved ones. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Пікірлер: 105

  • @radicalhonesty3628
    @radicalhonesty36282 жыл бұрын

    I try to process all I feel, as I watch this video... But the pain is too great, too big, too overwhelming. smothering: I am breathless. I am drowning, suffocating. Dying of loneliness and longing. I can't bear it. I just can't. Please, please pray for me, friends. May the prayer(s) you say for me, bless you, as well...

  • @JayJay-ki4mi
    @JayJay-ki4mi3 жыл бұрын

    I had Cancer. Then lost two of the closest people to me to Cancer. When you get told you have Cancer, or your loved one is terminal, everything slips away except for love and compassion. Nothing is important. I live every day not planning for a future. People think I'm crazy, or wrong, but I say live for now tomorrow might not be here.

  • @lenameli9352

    @lenameli9352

    3 жыл бұрын

    Agree Jay jay, live for today. Soetimes we forget.... but when you come close to death the only thing that means anything is love. God bless and live for today your best self. Live life like its your last but with love and kindness!

  • @tuvienphapvan-scchontu-syd1742

    @tuvienphapvan-scchontu-syd1742

    2 жыл бұрын

    we love you Jay Jay :)

  • @Papin47
    @Papin47 Жыл бұрын

    "Best human self: Kind, Loving and Grateful"

  • @heatherstorm2483
    @heatherstorm2483 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you. I am visiting my elderly parents at the moment, who I don't get to see very often because I live far from them. My father has had a fall and although he broke some bones, he's OK. But he doesn't feel that he's doing that great, he feels the breath of mortality. Today we are going to my uncle's memorial service. My mother is heartbroken because her baby brother died on her birthday last month. She's overwhelmed because my father doesn't think he's going to make it and she's not well herself. This talk randomly came up on my feed and I now how the courage to take up some knitting today. Thank you very much.

  • @hexxan007

    @hexxan007

    Жыл бұрын

    Sending lots of love to you and your parents

  • @katslondon1
    @katslondon13 жыл бұрын

    What a special lady. So comfortable in her own skin, wearing her crinkled skirt and casual sandals, no pretence, you feel like you know her, or want to know her. What a fantastic way of looking at death and the journey there. I would hire her for someone I love who was dying.

  • @reneecoates2689
    @reneecoates26893 жыл бұрын

    I love this talk. Thank you for being real and vulnerable! After working in healthcare for 20 years and losing my mother to cancer without a doctor ever having conversation about death it is refreshing to hear someone talking about it in beautiful, honest way.

  • @lewisgivner1951

    @lewisgivner1951

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you. It's quite a full plate you serve. However I wish that you would take your time and go to all the nde sites. Near death experience. There are truly many wonderful experiences that we all have had when our heart and our brain stopped working for anywhere from 2 minutes to a half hour. And we left our body and we were greeted by angels previous friends and yes Jesus. And when you do pass on it's a delightful experience you probably don't have any pain but you're out of your body and your body's left behind with all of this drunk. Like a butterfly coming out of a cocoon. And if you're lucky enough to make a transition into the light and feel the ever abundant dazzling wonderful love of God you then know that it always was here with us. And as I passed on and experienced it I look back to the Earth and I saw those who were isolated alone because they don't turn their face to the sunshine of God's love and I said I'll go back just to remind others that they don't they are not alone now and never will be and all living a blessed existence now and will have more of a blessed experience when they pass over. Eternally loved Louis

  • @dondressel452
    @dondressel4523 жыл бұрын

    Carpe Diem became my motto after I was diagnosed with 4th stage cancer Everything she is saying is so true I have been a caregiver losing my wife to cancer over 30 years ago Now I’m on the other end

  • @janetcarl3578

    @janetcarl3578

    3 жыл бұрын

    Bless you

  • @stellaroma8589

    @stellaroma8589

    Жыл бұрын

    God bless you..lightand ❤️

  • @serenashopmx
    @serenashopmx Жыл бұрын

    Jane, you made me cry and laugh at the same time. BRAVO! 👏 Thank you for sharing it with us!

  • @ThePoochCoach
    @ThePoochCoach9 ай бұрын

    This was amazing. 👏🏼 So glad to have found a kindred spirit. I have been helping people with their dogs’ transitions for years. ❤

  • @gapaltz
    @gapaltz Жыл бұрын

    What a gift. So grateful to be able to share this with others. Thank you

  • @dawnmarie1350
    @dawnmarie13503 жыл бұрын

    That was so beautiful! I just lost my mother a few days ago and it has been a very difficult time. 😥🙏

  • @karenhenry518
    @karenhenry5182 жыл бұрын

    best and most needed ted talk ever! thank you so much!

  • @DrJanTaplin
    @DrJanTaplin Жыл бұрын

    THIS WAS FANTASTIC!!!! thank you!

  • @cheryllarson8225
    @cheryllarson82255 жыл бұрын

    You touched my heart Jane! Thank you for being YOU!

  • @karinbotha7169
    @karinbotha71695 ай бұрын

    I talked to hubby mom and dad about death long before they died. They were so calm when they died.

  • @rosemariethomas1057
    @rosemariethomas10573 жыл бұрын

    I'd never heard of a 'death doula' until recently but it makes perfect sense, if we have them for birth, then why not at the other end. Thank you Jane!

  • @jodiejo1609
    @jodiejo16095 ай бұрын

    Bravo. Absolutely perfect sense of humor, heart and authenticity. You’re a beautiful soul. God bless🙏🙏🙏

  • @AskaDeathDoula
    @AskaDeathDoula4 жыл бұрын

    Jane you are so authentic and so funny. I am so proud and grateful! xo Suzanne

  • @mariebotha4478
    @mariebotha44783 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. I attended my mom's memorial service yesterday. I vow to contemplate my own death each day. Death can indeed be equated to birth 🙏

  • @mangoyacho
    @mangoyacho3 жыл бұрын

    Most captivating - mind-opening - funniest speech ever. Thank you!

  • @JohnDoe-jl1dv
    @JohnDoe-jl1dv2 жыл бұрын

    Great job Jane. Very touching.

  • @heathermacdonald6404
    @heathermacdonald64043 жыл бұрын

    What a loveable woman! With a great message. Big hugs!

  • @JohnWHays
    @JohnWHays5 жыл бұрын

    It took me this long to finally view this, and though it is a timeless subject, seeing it now feels precisely timed for a most beneficial impact. Thank you, Death Doula Jane for letting your soul drive.

  • @lewisgivner1951

    @lewisgivner1951

    Жыл бұрын

    Please check out on KZread etc. NDE. Those who are of us that have had near-death experiences on going to the other side and come back. Can tell that there are angels waiting to lift you out of your physical form and into a whole new wonderful loving world. Call them angels Jesus well God's holy workers. Be mentally emotionally at peace. Life is abundant and eternal. Love Louis

  • @bennygrace1
    @bennygrace14 жыл бұрын

    thank you - I have a friend who also is a death doula - thank you for your work, your humor, for my tears and deep appreciation for this talk - I needed it!

  • @Doogle136
    @Doogle1364 жыл бұрын

    You are a delight, Jane! Thank you- I'm learning to 'make friends' with the ultimate destination. You added a lot to my lesson.

  • @chasestarnes1
    @chasestarnes13 жыл бұрын

    Fantastic speech! Really makes you reconsider lots of things and brings in a new perspective!

  • @Gaya_Kairos_Art
    @Gaya_Kairos_Art3 жыл бұрын

    This is one of the most inspiring TED Talks I have ever seen! Thank you!!!

  • @tamdini
    @tamdini3 жыл бұрын

    This had the best beginning as birth is such a reflection to our end of life. Thank you! I work in hospice as a volunteer coordinator and it does sound like maybe she was volunteering in the wrong hospice. So many of the people I serve could not afford personal care let alone a death doula. While there is a clinical side, there is also a spiritual, emotional and personal side. Hospice is patient driven and how many times I’ve said, “I’m not leaving you until you give me the go.” We meet people where they are, and bring to them support, presence and what they love among so much more. And humor! Thank you Doula Jane for your humor! End of life work comes from many angles. Thank you all for all you do.

  • @lindamacgregor8039

    @lindamacgregor8039

    3 жыл бұрын

    ...and likewise thank-you for what you do!

  • @MeadowDay
    @MeadowDay3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this amazing talk...I learned a few good life lessons for sure 🥰🥰

  • @emilysez
    @emilysez5 жыл бұрын

    Jane, thank you. I'm dealing with the death of a loved one and you really helped me. Everyone should see this, it's so funny and so moving and so universal.

  • @jamimoor7311
    @jamimoor73113 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, this was beautiful and so informative. You are a beautiful lady♥️

  • @willdeaquino263
    @willdeaquino2633 жыл бұрын

    A million thanks wouldn't be enough.

  • @honorinahimeezavalacastro9099
    @honorinahimeezavalacastro90992 жыл бұрын

    Exelente y muy sencilla ilustración de como vivir , enfrentar y ayudar a otros a enfrentar la muerte.

  • @anngonzalez8698
    @anngonzalez86983 жыл бұрын

    Awesome job! Very engaging and fun to listen to.

  • @mikahist4155
    @mikahist41553 жыл бұрын

    the best ted talk ever. thank you so much for your kindness , mrs whitlock.

  • @DS.12
    @DS.124 жыл бұрын

    It is my turn to select a topic for my monthly book club. I decided to use your video along with an assignment to have each member write his/her own obit to share. I'm so curious how this will turn out this coming Sunday! Everyone loves your TEDX talk! Thank you!

  • @DraGnFly007

    @DraGnFly007

    3 жыл бұрын

    Did the group go for it? Were u surprised by the shares? You and your friends are fortunate to have this group as it's truly more about books.

  • @DS.12

    @DS.12

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@DraGnFly007 yes, we did. I was in a silly mood, so I kept mine humorous while the others were serious and somber. Everyone in the book club enjoyed the assignment, though. 😀

  • @wsddrama8735
    @wsddrama87352 жыл бұрын

    she is simply amazing

  • @monicaolmedo345
    @monicaolmedo3453 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful talk, everyone should see it!

  • @bakhytgul4457
    @bakhytgul4457 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your service. Want to give you a big warm hug! ❤️🙌

  • @deathdoulao
    @deathdoulao5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Jane

  • @katherinegordon8088
    @katherinegordon80883 жыл бұрын

    Thank you!

  • @mzanonymz
    @mzanonymz3 жыл бұрын

    Loved the analogy (to live LIFE like a car): "The soul does the driving, the ego is in the back seat, and death is riding shotgun." Near the end of your talk, I finally heard what you'd said (3 times earlier) - the word "knitter." Knitting a lonely patient's experiences together - the gift of their life's purpose.

  • @mollypinto4666
    @mollypinto46663 жыл бұрын

    Listened to you twice love, not once. Somebody who shared my views so profoundly ❤️ I too look around at gatherings and wonder at people. Arguing fighting being mean not realising with one click on the Master Keyboard....one of us may never see tomorrow in this world.....and wonder which one it will be. Hope life treats you kind🙏💕 God bless always ❤️

  • @joyrideshowwthemetaphysica7449
    @joyrideshowwthemetaphysica74493 жыл бұрын

    You are beautiful! I am truly inspired.

  • @ananda_miaoyin
    @ananda_miaoyin2 күн бұрын

    Brilliant speech.

  • @420_Logan
    @420_Logan3 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @amybarrows5305
    @amybarrows530510 ай бұрын

    Great talk! I already play those games, I'm going to have more fun with them now thinking of you and this talk

  • @lifechroniclesinterviews
    @lifechroniclesinterviewsАй бұрын

    So good

  • @pamelaroy8007
    @pamelaroy80073 жыл бұрын

    you are truly a beautiful person...

  • @atomofspace7024
    @atomofspace70244 жыл бұрын

    Very interesting

  • @surabhisrivastava6923
    @surabhisrivastava6923 Жыл бұрын

    thanks so much maam .....idia

  • @donspace9677
    @donspace96774 жыл бұрын

    very interesting

  • @CDNBOBify
    @CDNBOBify3 жыл бұрын

    EXCELLENT

  • @user-nz5ce4wd1x
    @user-nz5ce4wd1x5 ай бұрын

    One word: FABULOUS!!!!! 🙂

  • @waltporter7707
    @waltporter77072 жыл бұрын

    That was great 👍

  • @DraGnFly007
    @DraGnFly0073 жыл бұрын

    My plan for death? Is to live my life the best I can that mirrors Christ's. Ask for forgiveness and guidance when I fall short (which is everyday.) I am preparing for my life AFTER death as well. Jane, thank you for your share.

  • @arlinegeorge6967
    @arlinegeorge69673 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful amazing soul . It's so true when we loose our loved ones. Magically life goes on. Thank you, bless you. All your dreams come true .

  • @sedonasky7314
    @sedonasky73145 жыл бұрын

    BRAVA Jane!

  • @TheSanfernan
    @TheSanfernan2 жыл бұрын

    I would love this with Spanish subtitles.

  • @MsParto1
    @MsParto12 жыл бұрын

    I think people are nervous and hence laughing, I was crying.

  • @Mia-rn2gk
    @Mia-rn2gk2 жыл бұрын

    I always thought like that .. since very young I couldn’t understand what is the big deal with dying

  • @pamelaroy8007
    @pamelaroy80073 жыл бұрын

    cool lady - but u are never alone when your dying, your guardian angel and the Lord is with u - amen

  • @lenameli9352

    @lenameli9352

    3 жыл бұрын

    Agree you are never alone. There is always the lord, your guides, your angels and your family on the other side. God bless

  • @lucagunther5405

    @lucagunther5405

    3 жыл бұрын

    Aaargh. Not really the point. Is it? If you can’t be honest with someone when they lay dying, then when?

  • @melissamedina6685

    @melissamedina6685

    2 жыл бұрын

    That is wonderful if that is someone's belief. No one should physically die alone unless that is what they ask for.

  • @shannonlarsen6008

    @shannonlarsen6008

    Жыл бұрын

    Not everyone believes that however- so it’s important to say that to specific people and not all

  • @pamelaroy8007

    @pamelaroy8007

    Жыл бұрын

    @@melissamedina6685 your right dear - thats so true

  • @gretanavarauskaite2904
    @gretanavarauskaite29043 жыл бұрын

    ❤️

  • @ehtechbits
    @ehtechbits Жыл бұрын

    Excellent presentation, thank you. I am looking for your contact info. Could you share, please?

  • @wandawhiteman6211
    @wandawhiteman62113 жыл бұрын

    i experinced body going up my sprit and body laying on bed ,,i was having aneurysm ,,blood clot stopped by lung and heart

  • @VladyslavKL
    @VladyslavKL2 жыл бұрын

    🕊

  • @yankee2666
    @yankee26663 жыл бұрын

    James Jones wrote 'From Here to Eternity'. I wonder how this other person gained access to that title.

  • @davidwilsonBC
    @davidwilsonBC2 жыл бұрын

    I can't really suspend my belief in life beyond " death" so this is 'unbelievable' to me! But while I am believing and being quite certain 'I' survive death, despite my body's eventual disintegration, I guess I also must be tolerant of those who do not yet know about life after 'death'. I am the spirit and the energy and consciousness that enabled all those intrauterine cells to co-ordinate and cooperate and evolve into a "viable" fetus and eventually become born as a spirit/soul with a body. and I am the same spirit self which exits from the bodily form at 'death' to carry on much as I was prior to conception. The details of life beyond continue to elude me, and that's likely as it should be. I find plenty in this physical world to be confused about. This is a very sad video for me. According to it, by inference, billions of souls that once breathed in a body and loved and laughed, are no more. Surely it begs the question, "Why on earth should they ever have been at all?" I just don't buy it.

  • @annamaegold
    @annamaegold3 жыл бұрын

    I used to be normal. 🥴🎯🙏🏽💖💊

  • @artsmart
    @artsmart2 жыл бұрын

    What can anyone say after a talk like this;)

  • @annec4019
    @annec4019 Жыл бұрын

    re Bea o wow

  • @pawelsawicki7003
    @pawelsawicki70032 жыл бұрын

    Those guys are crazy laughing

  • @MadhurieSingh
    @MadhurieSingh3 жыл бұрын

    Hindutva has the whole concept mentioned and explained in detail. Read Bhagwad Gita book. Replace Krishna with your name.

  • @harvinderubhi5540

    @harvinderubhi5540

    2 жыл бұрын

    To be aware is the key and our journey is unique, no matter how many scriptures describing and explaing the phenomenon of birth and death one reads or recites. We have to walk our own walk. Wisdom is not a monopoly - it's universal. To learn from others experiences is invaluable. Be aware, be mindful be happy. There is only one thing permanent that everything is temporary.

  • @surabhisrivastava6923
    @surabhisrivastava6923 Жыл бұрын

    india

  • @99volare
    @99volare2 жыл бұрын

    Y

  • @raquelgustinelli5861
    @raquelgustinelli5861 Жыл бұрын

    thank you....try to act like this...

  • @chrismoyahfromsaskatoon9094
    @chrismoyahfromsaskatoon90942 жыл бұрын

    The old farmer and his dog. - KZread

  • @sleepsmartsmashstress740
    @sleepsmartsmashstress7403 жыл бұрын

    The pregnancy to terminal cancer comparison is flawed. The correct one would be fetus versus the body in the coffin They do behave similar to each other

  • @shannonlarsen6008

    @shannonlarsen6008

    Жыл бұрын

    Not everyone goes into a coffin tho - and it’s not a comparison to cancer it’s a comparison of the before birth and after death

  • @missrockcantswim
    @missrockcantswim5 жыл бұрын

    Yeehaw

  • @mouradcohen2058
    @mouradcohen20583 жыл бұрын

    beautiful women....wink wink.....are often extremely intelligent, and indeed she is intelligent this Jane (are you going to delete this one too)

  • @cartergursky579
    @cartergursky5793 жыл бұрын

    The rhetorical thistle occasionally number because kohlrabi intriguinly mate afore a psychedelic scorpion. violent, pink archer

  • @stephenlokey6711
    @stephenlokey67113 жыл бұрын

    ...the constant laughter is most annoying, funny how people show their nervousness by giggling!

  • @cartergursky579
    @cartergursky5793 жыл бұрын

    The lying fiber desirably enjoy because cello utrastructurally command as a shaggy toast. , living mine

  • @bryannicholes9319
    @bryannicholes93193 жыл бұрын

    The last second phytogeographically snow because humor findingsinitially fasten like a unused spruce. divergent, quizzical society

  • @walcottleanan5562
    @walcottleanan55623 жыл бұрын

    The female fertile wilderness consistently crash because vegetarian archaeologically learn off a steadfast mosquito. splendid, abject mail

  • @letroces
    @letroces10 ай бұрын