Navigating Death and Illness

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Today we are addressing how to navigate the loss of a loved one or support them through serious illness. While everyone's experience and circumstances are different, our guest, Jonathan Teran, shares his family's story, and the takeaways feel truly universal.           

In August 2020, Jonathan lost his father to pulmonary fibrosis, and today he shares how his family used their Buddhist practice to navigate the journey, from finding him care, to supporting him during hospice, to dealing with the grief that came afterward.

On top of all of this, his father’s battle took place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in Texas, all while Jonathan himself was in his first few months as a resident physician.

CHEAT SHEET

1:30 How Jonathan started practicing Buddhism

4:16 Why he decided to pursue a career in medicine

10:29 His father's battle with illness

17:30 How his family used their Buddhist practice to navigate the experience

24:15 What they learned by studying Buddhism together

30:04 What his darker moments felt like and how chanting helped

35:06 How he is navigating grief

38:52 The impact it had on his work as a doctor

45:54 How chanting can help you bring out your best self

49:42 What his dream is for the future

51:38 Advice for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one