Overcoming the Fear of Death: Through Each of the 4 Main Belief Systems

by Kelvin H. Chin

Woody Allen once said, "I'm not afraid of dying. I just don't want to be there when it happens." For those of us who will be there when it happens, Kelvin Chin is providing insight, caring support and a warm life philosophy. A much needed book on more than fear, but of really living. -Pen Densham, Oscar Nominated Filmmaker ARE YOU AFRAID OF DEATH? What is death? Is it the end, the beginning, or a transition? Why are we so afraid of death? After all, death is inevitable. "Overcoming the Fear of Through Each of the 4 Main Belief Systems" helps us reduce and overcome our fears without having to change our beliefs about death. It is written - The Devout, the Agnostic, and the Atheist - Baby Boomers, GenX'ers, and Millennials - Everyone! What you will - The 4 Main Belief Systems About Death that cover all religions and cultures - How to overcome your fear of death through your belief system Kelvin Chin is a speaker, author, and meditation teacher. Executive Director and Founder of the Overcoming the Fear of Death Foundation and TurningWithin.org, he has worked on death and dying issues since the 1980s. Born in Boston, he has lived in 6 countries, and lectures worldwide. "I couldn't put it down. Very insightful. Loved the personal stories. Everyone can benefit from it. Because one thing is certain. We are all going to die." -Donna Carpenter, Caregiver

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2016

About the author

Kelvin H. Chin is the Executive Director and Founder of both the Overcoming the Fear of Death Foundation and the nonprofit TurningWithin.org. Working with audiences on death and dying issues since the 1980's, Kelvin has taught numerous seminars for the healthcare industry, was a state-certified Long Term Care Ombudsman for the California Department of Aging, and a co-founder of the Center For Medical Ethics and Mediation. Bringing greater clarity to his client's thinking in their personal and business life is something Kelvin has applied throughout his 40-year career, including teaching meditation worldwide to more than 1,000 people since the 1970's in schools, businesses, the U.S. Army and at West Point. Kelvin also formerly held CMO roles at AmLaw100 law firms, and was a VP for the American Arbitration Association. Kelvin was born in Boston, raised in Norwood, Massachusetts, and has since lived and worked in 6 countries. He has delivered more than 2,000 presentations worldwide. While at Dartmouth College, he studied at the Université de Strasbourg, France. He is a graduate of Dartmouth, Yale Graduate School and Boston College Law School, and is the father of two artistically talented children.

Reviews

[Brittney Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calming, comforting, and a gift from God

I’m so glad I read this book. I picked it up last night and tore through it all evening and all morning. I feel a great relief and will return to this book if I ever need it. Thank you!

[Joshua Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelvin is extremely intelligent and has a lot of experience regarding the fear of death. He's counseled many people as they were coming to the end of their life's journey, and helped them find peace and lessen their fears. Whatever happens on the other side, (and he covers lots of different possibilities) there's absolutely nothing to fear. Kelvin helps you to realize that it's a waste of time and energy to worry about when or how you might die, or what's going to happen afterwards. Instead, use that time and energy to live life to the fullest and make the most of every opportunity. Whatever does happen, you'll be able to handle it just fine when that time comes. In the meantime, focus on developing your relationships and talents and enjoying life as much as possible.

[Kamin Lambertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelvin Chin has written a very clear and concise summary of a subject that has been largely misunderstood, ignored, feared and/or shrouded in mystery throughout written history. His approach allows the discerning reader to gain a simplified yet universal, non religious approach to the significant life event we often refer to as "passing away". Given that there is a requirement for healthcare workers to be trained to have a frame of reference for events that take place at the end of life and that we all have loved ones who will eventually reach the end of their lives this is a great place to start embracing the subject with the goal of understanding death from the patients’ point of view . I look forward to more essays about the related topics that he teaches and lectures on.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a dream…

Asked my subconscious to show me what was holding me back from letting go in the form of a dream. They responded with “fear”.

Picked up this book in hopes of letting go of that fear. The fear of dying was one of the main fears in the dream, but others were sprinkled in as well. I woke up with a strong urge to calm myself. To look inward. To understand.

So I found this book. Read the sample. Then bought the Kindle version.

I will continue to meditate on my fears in the process of letting go of each one, in hopes that it will help me calm myself further. Like Kelvin said, this energy is best used elsewhere. I intend to take full advantage of that.

This book really helped. Thank you.

[Lisa Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kel(vin), I am in the process of reading your book. I love it! Your straightforward manner of writing works wonderfully for me. I wish, 16 years ago, when my husband was dying here in Charleston, that someone, even his doctor, spoke to me in that very straightforward way. I mean, I knew on some level that Geoffrey was near the end but I was in absolute denial on another level. Wish I'd had your book then.Anyway, folks who read it now will benefit in a great way.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok

This book didn’t really give me anything new. Basically described 4 types of belief systems and figure out what you believe based on these four and then if you’re in between that’s okay. But decide what you believe and apply that to your life, which is what I’m already trying to do. So it was a good quick read but ultimately not helpful like I expected.

[Gayle McCreary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I came across this book! For most of my life I have had great fear and anxiety about what happens after we die. I had very limiting and frightening beliefs about what happens after death. Kelvin Chin thoroughly discusses the 4 main belief systems most people have about this. After reading this book my beliefs have shifted and I have found comfort and peace at last.

[Jamye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Losing a Loved One, Caregiving, or for Anyone!

An absolutely beautiful book from front to back. Thankful for the read and what I’ve been able to apply. It’s the simplest of things [to apply in one’s life] that are often the sweetest.

[yvonne bustamante · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!!!

Great read! Explanations and examples are very helpful. A must read if you have a fear of dying or someone you love has passed.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read as part of my dealing-with-death-anxiety project. I was hopeful for this short book as it received many 5* ratings on Amazon, but it wasn't what it advertises to be. It purports to be about allaying death anxiety by discussing thoroughly the four major belief systems about death (1: that the body and mind both die and consciousness goes with them; 2: that the mind continues and that continued existence is a scary thing; 3: that the mind continues and that the continued existence is not scary; 4: that you will be reincarnated). However, the discussion of (1) and (2) were very superficial, with some nod to mindfulness regarding number (2), and most of the time was spent on (3) and (4) recounting anecdotes about how people have felt spirits of their loved ones come back to visit them, or recollected memories from past lives. This is definitely what the author believes as he gives seminars on this, as I found when I checked on his website in the middle of reading the book. While I am open-minded on the possibility of (3) and (4), I felt like this was a big bait-and-switch, and thus the book was not helpful at all.

[Rebecca Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelvin's approach to overcoming the fear of death through the four main belief systems opens the door for the reader to confront the proverbial "elephant in the room" by increasing an understanding about beliefs about death and accepting the inevitability of death. By identifying with one or a hybrid of the 4 main belief systems, a person can free up the energy of fear, and use that energy toward something fulfilling, clever, creative, inventive...you fill in the blank. It is reality that as a culture we avoid the topic of death and dying at all costs. Kelvin cites the statistics: "50% of healthcare costs in the U.S. are spent in the last 6 months of life; Medicare paid $55 billion just for doctor and hospital bills during the last two months of life." As a culture, our focus is on prolonging the physical life, sometimes at the cost of quality of life. Kelvin emphasizes the importance of turning within to strenghen the mind, and it is through building this inner strength and truly overcoming our fears we can ensure our own happiness. Like birth, death ought to be normalized so we can prepare ourselves and our loved ones for the inevitable. Kelvin teaches us the way.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelvin Chin's book is one that all can (and honestly, should) read. The way he phrases his points creates a "safe zone" for all kinds of belief systems, and guides the reader to a more enlightened and educated state. After reading the book I felt much more educated about how I think of myself and others in regards to death, and clarified and even rid some of my fears related to death. Death is a huge part of what goes on in life and it's really important that we talk about it rather than bottle it in. Kelvin creates a door to having regular conversations about death, which is why I think this book is going to be a gateway to death being talked about more and more in a healthy and understanding way. Loved it!!!

[KAREN · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a nurse, I’ve personally seen a patient’s heart stop while in surgery, only for it to restart on its own minutes later…So in reading this book, I am sensitive to the various, very personal experiences that occur on a daily basis. The stories that are shared in this book make one think more about how we view death, regardless of our belief systems. I found this book to be non-threatening as it leans more towards a universal perspective, and it was an easy read. I’m looking forward to the next book!
Karen Chin, MS, RN

[George Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear Compassionate Thinking

Overcoming the fear of death requires clear, compassionate thinking, which Kelvin Chin shares with readers throughout his new book. Kelvin draws on his strengths as a storyteller and a popular lecturer to explain why we don't need to be afraid of death no matter what we believe about it — and Kelvin covers the whole range of beliefs, from the totally materialistic to the most exotic versions of an afterlife. Since death is as normal a part of life as birth is, Kelvin effectively encourages us to stop scaring ourselves silly about it.

[Jimmy Caplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Chin has taken a fearless approach to a topic fearful to many. The result is a no-nonsense, easy-to-understand introduction to the different beliefs about death either as a transition or ending, and numerous anecdotes help to keep the analysis insightful and - yes - even entertaining. Nothing is guaranteed either in life or after death, and the ability to accept the uncertainty about what might happen to us after life's end is what can empower us to fully engage in what is happening for us before it ends. Definitely a surprise ending you can enjoy!

[Jeff Ginsburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelvin's viewpoint is unique and addresses a void in my wanderings and fears. Since the basis of my fear is *not knowing*, Kelvin's compassionate voice assures me that exploring our concept of death in this logical but highly personal way will greatly lessen its negative impact. Throughout he underscores the importance of turning within to discover and embrace our true self. I felt the author was sitting with me as we discovered together. Engaging from start to finish.

[Patrycja Lewicka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcoming the Fear of Death: Through Each of the 4 Main Belief Systems" is a transformative guide that empowers readers to embrace mortality with grace. By exploring diverse belief systems, the author inspires us to confront our fears and find peace in the face of the unknown. This book is a gentle reminder that every ending is a new beginning, encouraging us to live fully and meaningfully in the present. A truly uplifting read!

[Johnathan Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelvin's book concentrates on the subject in his title, but it is more than that. His approach to meditation is somewhat unique in my view. It addresses the subject in such a way as to broaden one's perspective on life itself. It serves as a practical guide to the 'study' of subjects such as reincarnation and Spirituality in general...this can be an important book for one to find more direction in one's personal life-journey.........J.C. Hjort

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kelvin Chin delivers a powerful and comforting guide to facing one of life’s greatest fears death. Clear, insightful, and relatable across all belief systems, this book offers wisdom, compassion, and practical ways to find peace. A must-read for anyone seeking deeper understanding and courage in the face of mortality.

[Jennifer Skiver · Rating 5 out of 5]

After losing my sister last fall, I reached out to my meditation teach Kelvin Chin for help. You see, Kelvin is also an expert on death and dying, grief and sadness. This book is my touchstone for reassuring myself that my fears are just emotions to be sorted. Sure, I still have tough days but Kelvins calm and soothing writing style ease the process.

[Sheba S Andrew-Popp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well written book on overcoming fear and normalizing what is often bypassed, which only generates more fear and anxiety. I love how the author explains it from different belief systems. It’s going to happen to all of us and why don’t we get to know where we are with it and then identifying what we can do to make the journey less difficult. Easy read and succinctly written.

[Candice Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an important reminder that there is more to life/reality than meets our eyes. It will be very helpful to those working with family, friends or clients facing death. The author’s inclusion of people’s experiences makes it compelling and authentic.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me through a dark time in my life and expanded my mind because of Kelvin’s grounded approach. His meditation technique is absolutely brilliant and would recommend it to anyone who is struggling, to give it a go. You won’t regret it.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book changed my life! It was incredibly helpful in navigating all areas of my life and uncovering previously undiscovered blindspots about my fear of death, belief systems and how I view the world.

[Kamin Lambertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginner’s book for “All Things Kelvin”. Really gets to the heart of what makes the author tick. Where do you fall under the Four Belief systems? A must read for anyone who has experienced loss of a loved one or has any hint of anxiety about what comes next..

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents death in a mellow and calming way. Perfect read to normalize death and figure out your own belief system when it comes to death.

“Live life now in the continual present.”

[Alice Yoder · Rating 2 out of 5]

A simplistic read with not enough meat to it. Very disappointed.

[William Baldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Chin does a great job of laying out the world's four main belief systems and explaining both why overcoming the fear of death has been an age-old challenge for mankind as well as laying out a clear path forward for everyone to successfully, sustainably overcome our own fears of death and dying. It is definitely worth the read.

[Michael Churney · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all need a book about thanataphobia.
I feel many people have a fear of death.
This will hopefully help your anxiety and fears.
Definitely an important subject to understand.
Kelvin writes with clarity and is very supportive always.