Healing With Death Imagery by Anees Ahmad Sheikh

Chapter 8 reviews the literature on death anxiety and death imagery, and demonstrates a core connection between the two phenomena. Researchers have perhaps devoted more time and energy to the investigation of death anxiety than any other death-related topic. Chapter 7 gives an exhaustive account of the use of imagery for unresolved grieving, including a number of case histories.

Case examples clarify the details of the process.Over the years, several clinicians have proposed the use of imagery for reconstructing death-related events and thereby facilitating the grieving process for individuals who are experiencing symptoms rooted in unfinished grieving. A variation of this technique, hypnotic suicidal rehearsal, is also discussed: it seems to be effective for use with clients who are contemplating suicide. Exploring the use of hypnosis for death rehearsal, Chapter 6 continues the theme that confrontation with death can lead to healthful consequences. Of all the major religions in the world, Buddhism is at the forefront of exploring the topic of death and dying and developing specific meditative exercises for confronting death.Chapter 5 presents an in-depth treatment of death imagery in Buddhist thought.

Chapter 4 presents a detailed critical overview of this field of investigation, with special emphasis on the transformatory after-effects of near-death experiences. Of particular interest here are increases in spirituality, concern for others, an appreciation of life, and an enhanced sense of meaning and purpose in life. Chapter 3 demonstrates the significance of confronting death through mental and artistic images it discusses six examples of death-related religious and existential works of art.Recently there has been an upsurge of interest in near-death experiences and their salutary effects on attitudes, beliefs, and values. A number of excellent imagery-based experiential exercises are discussed in detail. Chapter 2, specifically exploring Stephen Levine's contributions in this area, shows that only by opening up to the reality of death can one make living a conscious process of growth. It begins with an overview of ancient and modern approaches to the use of death imagery for therapeutic purposes, including a discussion of its possible benefits. Imagery is an important tool in dealing with death, and this book is devoted to exploring many facets of this fascinating issue. Sages of various traditions and ages have reiterated that we must incorporate the inevitability of death into the fabric of life to experience life's breadth and beauty.

Healing With Death Imagery by Anees Ahmad Sheikh