Gallows humor, especially around death, offers a psychological distance that helps cope with morbid topics. For doctors, it can provide relief from grief, but must be used cautiously to avoid harm.

Bruce Wilson, a cardiologist turned hospice doctor, advocated for a cultural shift in how we view death, emphasizing its naturalness. After his own diagnosis, he embraced gratitude, finding peace in his end-of-life plans.

Stephen Jenkinson challenges modern culture’s avoidance of death, advocating for embracing mortality to fully live. He stresses rituals, interconnectedness, and leaving meaningful stories for future generations.

Patricia Hampl reflects on the joys of aging in her New York Times essay, embracing the "third stage" of life. She finds that real life, beyond effort and accomplishment, reveals itself in simplicity and ease.

H.M. Leona's memoir You Are Where I Am reflects her resilience, exploring themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and redemption. Her story offers a soothing, impactful message for the world today.

Under Ice follows Johanna as she performs a death-defying healing ritual, submerging herself in ice-cold water to heal a life-threatening leg injury. Her practice brings both physical and emotional healing.

Jason Silva explores life's impermanence in his "Shots of Awe" video, drawing on the wisdom of Rilke, Freud, and Dylan Thomas, urging us to embrace change and fight against entropy.

A Flight to Remember Foundation, founded by Tom Davis, uses drones with live-feed cameras to virtually transport people, especially those in palliative care, to meaningful places, creating joyful, emotional journeys.

Teju Cole reflects on the death of his grandmother, Mama, in Nigeria, using photographs to grasp her loss. A photo of her in a funeral shroud evokes deep emotion, highlighting the power of memory and mourning.

In "We Remember," Wendy Saul reflects on the deaths of her parents, describing the emotions and routines of caregiving, grief, and the bittersweetness of their passing, balancing sadness with gratitude.

Poet Max Ritvo, a child genius with a natural creative power, was mentored by Lucie Brock-Broido, who helped guide his imagination while he battled cancer, passing away young but leaving a lasting legacy.

In What to Wear, Leah Garchik reflects on the significance of clothing in life and death. She recounts choosing outfits for her parents’ burials, honoring their unique styles and the desire to be remembered.

Robert Bly encouraged Bruce Schneider to write daily, sharing wisdom from poet William Stafford. Their exchange deeply influenced Schneider's writing journey, strengthening the bond between father and son.

Chapters by Caren Martineau explores a mother-daughter bond, revealing a deep connection to the other side. After a death, the absence of empathy from a distant figure contrasts with the mourners' grief.

In R.A. Villenueva's poem "In the Winter We," memory burns bright like a hot flame, reviving the cold, flat imagery of winter. The poem, from Reliquaria, is beautifully brought to life in a short animation.

Emily McDowell created greeting cards to bridge the awkwardness of talking about illness. Drawing from her own cancer experience, she offers humor and compassion, helping friends stay connected during tough times.

Holly Strelzik reflects on childhood trauma from her father’s alcohol-fueled rants, transforming her holiday experience into one of healing. Now, she finds meaning in the present, supporting her husband with Alzheimer's.

Good Death? explores the growing interest in death literacy and defines a "good death" based on individual experiences, from avoiding pain to preparing loved ones, embracing spirituality, and cherishing love.

Alan Watts' The Dream of Life explores the paradox of consciousness and our connection to universal divinity, offering a new perspective on mortality and our place in the world, blending Eastern and Western philosophies.

In Being Mortal, Atul Gawande explores how medicine has taken over mortality, often ignoring patients' true priorities. He emphasizes the need for doctors to engage in honest, compassionate conversations about death.