Why am I so afraid of death? How would my life be enhanced if that fear dissolved? An Insistence on Life grew out of such questions, as well as the personal accounts of death shared with author Jane Hughes Gignoux. By showing us ways to face death with understanding and grace, this remarkable book offers an exciting and inspirational model for embracing life.
A valuable companion to the increasingly popular discussions on the many issues surrounding death and dying, An Insistence will lead readers on a surprisingly uplifting journey into this delicate topic beyond traditional comfort zones.
The collection of poignant stories presents alternative approaches to accepting the end of life. Follow a family surrounding their elderly patriarch in his final months, finding all past estrangements erased as love becomes the only medium of exchange. Experience the joy and deep gratitude shared by a group holding sacred “going home” vigils. Discover the common threads woven throughout the stories as you encounter authentic moments of people who generously share the lessons they've learned about releasing fear and the transformation that ensues.
“Life is essentially a matter of storytelling,” says Ms. Gignoux. ”We can’t always control the events of our lives but we can choose how we interpret them. When we simply allow life’s journey to flow, exploring death and dying when it comes into view, our fears dissolve, enabling a deeper and expanded freedom to live."
Ms. Gignoux, author of Some Folk Say: Stories of Life, Death, and Beyond, and native New Yorker, has a long history in the rapidly expanding discussions on death and dying. Her website janehughesgignoux.com explains the different workshops, courses and presentations she presents on the subject including her signature workshop, "Embracing Life, Death and Beyond" throughout the USA, in Federal Prisons, as well as in San Paulo, Buenos Aires and Bali. Ms. Gignoux hosts two monthly Death Cafés, informal gatherings whose purpose is "To increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their precious and finite lives." In August of 2013, she was featured in a national TV news program on Death Cafés and on a Huffington Post live chat, watch it here: http: //janehughesgignoux.com/Jane/?q=Press. Ms. Gignoux is featured in the forthcoming film, "Death Makes Life Possible" being produced by the Institute of Noetic Sciences in Petaluma, CA.
She was an advisor for the Viewer's Discussion Guide accompanying the PBS series that aired in September of 2000 - "On Our Own Terms: Moyers on Dying." Starting in 1984, she was a volunteer play therapist with the HIV and AIDS pediatric patients at Harlem Hospital for eighteen years. She is an active member of the Institute of Noetic Sciences' (IONS) and past president of the Friends of IONS based in NYC. Ms Gignoux is an ordained certified Celebrant, offering ceremonies of all kinds including funerals and memorials.
