How It All Could Be

by Stephen Jenkinson

At hundreds of screenings of Griefwalker across North America there are some questions that faithfully appear every time, whether in big cities or small villages: Has it always been this hard to die? What do dying people fear most? When do you really begin to die, and what are you supposed to do then? How is it that grief is a skill, something to be learned and practiced? This is a work book – part meditation and part guided study – that begins the deep human project of learning what dying well could be, and what dying asks of us all. It is a good companion to the film Griefwalker, and it works deeply on its own for anyone trying to approach dying with soul and intelligence intact. It is a little blueprint for a cultural revolution on behalf of dying people, on behalf of us all.

37 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Stephen is a teacher, author, storyteller, spiritual activist, farmer and founder of the Orphan Wisdom School, a teaching house and learning house for the skills of deep living and making human culture. It is rooted in knowing history, being claimed by ancestry, working for a time ​yet to come.​

Reviews

[Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it's unfortunate how much of this short little meditation leans on having watched, or actively watching, a related film project Jenkinson was involved in (that being Griefwalker), most of the provocative points remain salient without the visual aid or additional context provided. Certainly provides topics of grounded conversation worth bringing up with family or within social circles.

[Jason Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The one book I always carry with me...