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<channel><title><![CDATA[HeartfulLivingAndDying - Blog]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog]]></link><description><![CDATA[Blog]]></description><pubDate>Fri, 13 Feb 2026 15:35:53 -0800</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[BEAR MOON HIBERNATION & REGENERATION MEDITATION]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/bear-moon-hibernation-regeneration-meditation5386939]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/bear-moon-hibernation-regeneration-meditation5386939#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:20:17 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/bear-moon-hibernation-regeneration-meditation5386939</guid><description><![CDATA[       For those who participated in the February Bear-Moon Hibernation &amp; Rejuvenation Meditation and asked for it (and anyone else who would like to experience it), the recording is finally up! This February&rsquo;s meditation does not have music with it. If you prefer music, the same meditation was recorded last year WITH music. You can find them each here:2026 Bear-Moon Meditation without music - https://vimeo.com/1163062008?share=copy&amp;fl=sv&amp;fe=ci2025 Bear-Moon Meditation with mus [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/screenshot-2026-02-11-at-9-21-28-pm_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">For those who participated in the February Bear-Moon Hibernation &amp; Rejuvenation Meditation and asked for it (and anyone else who would like to experience it), the recording is finally up! This February&rsquo;s meditation does not have music with it. If you prefer music, the same meditation was recorded last year WITH music. You can find them each here:<br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">2026 Bear-Moon Meditation without music - </span>https://vimeo.com/1163062008?share=copy&amp;fl=sv&amp;fe=ci<br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(0, 0, 0)">2025 Bear-Moon Meditation <em>with</em> music - </span>https://youtu.be/vmcdvWpbNbE?si=wNsBoGsGv2jUSHed<br /><br />I am wishing Everyone as much Wellness as possible as we all navigate these times upon our Earth.<br /><br />With Much Love,<br />Rev. Maya<br /><br />You are welcome to reach out via email:<br />mayamassar@proton.me</div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[February 11th, 2026]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/february-11th-2026]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/february-11th-2026#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 02:14:32 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/february-11th-2026</guid><description><![CDATA[       SAFE ZONE LINKS PAGE IS ACTIVE  Hello Friends of Action!The SAFE ZONE LISTINGS pag&nbsp;e is finally under&nbsp;way.&nbsp; Though still disorganized and incomplete, please visit it and send us more links!&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;On this page we will share links to sights that may be of use if you are:Someone being targeted or harmed by corrupt agents around the globeSomeone looking for ways to assistOrganizations that would like to share your contact info for othersPlease share with anyone who  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/screenshot-2026-02-11-at-9-17-25-pm_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <h2 class="wsite-content-title">SAFE ZONE LINKS PAGE IS ACTIVE</h2>  <div class="paragraph">Hello Friends of Action!<br />The<strong> <a href="https://www.mayamassar.com/safe-zone-listings.html" target="_blank">SAFE ZONE LISTINGS</a> </strong>pag<span style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span>e is finally under<span style="display: none;">&nbsp;</span>way.&nbsp; Though still disorganized and incomplete, please visit it and send us more links!&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color:rgb(37, 37, 37)">On this page we will share links to sights that may be of use if you are:</span><ul style="color:rgb(37, 37, 37)"><li>Someone being targeted or harmed by corrupt agents around the globe</li><li>Someone looking for ways to assist</li><li>Organizations that would like to share your contact info for others</li></ul>Please share with anyone who might benefit.<br /><br />Sending Love to All.<br /><br />&#8203;Maya &amp; the Heartful Team<br /></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Parliament of the World's Religions Statement of Interfaith Responsibility in a Time of Rising Authoritarianism]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/the-parliament-of-the-worlds-religions-statement-of-interfaith-responsibility-in-a-time-of-rising-authoritarianism]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/the-parliament-of-the-worlds-religions-statement-of-interfaith-responsibility-in-a-time-of-rising-authoritarianism#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 18:54:32 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/the-parliament-of-the-worlds-religions-statement-of-interfaith-responsibility-in-a-time-of-rising-authoritarianism</guid><description><![CDATA[	#element-57d8927b-ce25-4a6a-9357-9cfb39e607f0 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #24678d;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-to [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="707828115577884574"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-57d8927b-ce25-4a6a-9357-9cfb39e607f0 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #24678d;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-57d8927b-ce25-4a6a-9357-9cfb39e607f0" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">        <div style="width: auto"><div></div><div class="paragraph"><font color="#f5f5f8"><em><strong>Note: Whether you support the work of the PWR itself or not, the following statement of their</strong> <strong>stance on rising authoritarianism embodies the viewpoints of this website, speaking to the global phenomenon of wildly increasing allowance-of-harm from governments towards their own people and others.&nbsp; While we see the "fall" of structures of systemic harm as a necessary, it is also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/" target="_blank">Heartful Living &amp; Dying</a>'s position that it falls to each of us to find our part in the dismantling of such structures, the care and tending of our targeted populations and the creative re-imagining and building of a better world for all.&nbsp; Further, we do acknowledge that oppressed populations from Indigenous groups, to People of Color, to religious minorities, LGBTQIA+, the Differently Abled, Women and others have been screaming these facts at the less-oppressed for - in many cases -100's of years, and that as such, it falls to the newly awakened and less-endangered among us to take up the cause.</strong></em><br /><strong><br /><span>Not everyone is a revolutionary, not all will have the skills or courage to place themselves upon the front lines - perhaps you are an artist; paint, dance, sing your truth. If you are a water-bearer, bring water; a nourisher, deliver food.&nbsp; If you have financial means, give generously to those doing the other things, and those who struggle merely to survive.&nbsp; Whatever you see your strengths to be, investigate how you might be needed; no one who is called to be a part of the next wave needs to</span><em>&nbsp;sit this one out</em><span>.&nbsp; AND anyone who is directly in harms way&nbsp;</span><em>SHOULD</em><span>.&nbsp; If you are a part of a targeted population, yours is to protect yourself.&nbsp; Please do not place yourself in harm's way unless you are certain it is your calling.</span><br /><br /><span>MAY WE EACH FIND OUR WAY TO OUR MOST AUTHENTIC SELVES, WHICH CAN AND WILL ALWAYS LEAD US TOWARDS UNITY, COMPASSION, AND DESIRE FOR THE WELL-BEING OF ALL BEINGS.</span><br /><br /><span>Thank you PWR for your statement, below. (Those curious may follow the links to explore PWR further).</span></strong><br /><span>&nbsp;</span></font></div></div>    </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>  <div id="333316859951102027"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-7c303f2c-8b25-489a-a9fc-cc4f33a7cdb9 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #5848b7;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-7c303f2c-8b25-489a-a9fc-cc4f33a7cdb9" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">        <div style="width: auto"><div></div><div class="paragraph"><strong><br /><font color="#f5f5f8">&nbsp;&#8203;<a href="https://parliamentofreligions.org/civicrm/mailing/url/?u=18825&amp;qid=7118572" target="_blank">Statement on Interfaith Responsibility in a Time of Rising Authoritarianism</a>&nbsp;<br />&#8203;Around the world, communities are witnessing a troubling rise in fear&#8209;based governance, shrinking civic space, and the targeting of vulnerable groups. These developments are not isolated events, nor are they confined to one nation or community. They remind us that injustice grows when silence replaces solidarity.<br />In the face of systemic cruelty counter to the values fundamental to all religions, and to the democratic ideals to which the United States has long aspired - we will not be silent.<br /><br />As an interfaith organization committed to the dignity of all people, the&nbsp;<a href="https://parliamentofreligions.org/civicrm/mailing/url/?u=18826&amp;qid=7118572" target="_blank">Parliament of the World&rsquo;s Religions</a>&nbsp;affirms that this moment carries a clear moral responsibility. Our responsibility is to protect human dignity, practice compassion, and defend justice through our words&nbsp;and by our actions, in the public arena and in our individual lives. We are responsible to hold accountable those in positions of power, and to support one another in our wholehearted commitment to the values we share.<br /><br />Across our diverse traditions, we share a conviction that human worth is inherent, compassion is not selective, and justice is not optional. When any group is dehumanized through policy, rhetoric, or violence, the fabric of our shared humanity is torn.<br />Authoritarian movements depend on division. They seek to turn neighbor against neighbor and to misuse religion as a tool of exclusion. Yet across the globe, people of conscience are choosing another path: standing together across differences, protecting one another&rsquo;s rights, caring for the Earth, and insisting that no human being is disposable.<br /><br />Authentic religious freedom cannot exist where one worldview is elevated above all others or where dissent is punished. It thrives only in pluralism, rooted not in mere tolerance, but in mutual responsibility.<br />We stand at a crossroads. The choices we make now will shape the world future generations inherit. If authoritarianism feeds on isolation, our answer must be connection. If it thrives on despair, our answer must be hope made visible. If it seeks silence, our answer must be courageous presence.<br /><br />The personal is political because policies touch bodies, families, and future, because people matter everywhere.</font><br /><font color="#f5f5f8">Guided by its landmark declaration, "<a href="https://parliamentofreligions.org/civicrm/mailing/url/?u=18827&amp;qid=7118572" target="_blank">Towards a Global Ethic: An Initial Declaration</a>", the&nbsp;<a href="https://parliamentofreligions.org/civicrm/mailing/url/?u=18826&amp;qid=7118572" target="_blank">Parliament of the World&rsquo;s Religions</a>&nbsp;calls on all communities to choose courageous presence over silence, dignity over fear, and solidarity over division.</font><br /><font color="#f5f5f8">&#8203;&#8203;</font></strong></div></div>    </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>  <div id="441939189169710682"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-16a9f8b7-7e44-47fc-83c5-3a477a5eaf3f .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #ae40a5;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-16a9f8b7-7e44-47fc-83c5-3a477a5eaf3f" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">        <div style="width: auto"><div></div><div class="paragraph"><strong><font color="#f1f2f9">Note: You can also read this post here:</font></strong> <a href="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/pwr-statement.html" target="_blank">PWR STATEMENT</a></div></div>    </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/imge-from-www-freepik-com_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Bear Moon Hibernation & Regeneration Meditation]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/bear-moon-hibernation-regeneration-meditation]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/bear-moon-hibernation-regeneration-meditation#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:05:05 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/bear-moon-hibernation-regeneration-meditation</guid><description><![CDATA[       Hello Dear Friends, Please Join me;Sunday Eve/Night, February 1st at 5pm Pacific, 8pm East Coast(Moon reaches actual full at 2:09/5:09pm)Deep-Rest Bear-Moon Hibernation &amp; Regeneration&nbsp; MeditationEmail to receive zoom link:&nbsp; EmailVerify9@proton.me&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Come with your pillows and blankets, by daylight, moonlight or candlelight (or whatever makes you feel comfy and connected) as wise Bear-Moon spills her light across the land, for a deep dive into the innermost cave [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/blue-and-gold-art-screen-size_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Hello Dear Friends, <br />Please Join me;<br /><strong>Sunday Eve/Night,</strong> <strong>February 1st at 5pm Pacific, 8pm East Coast</strong><br />(<em>Moon reaches actual full at 2:09/5:09pm</em>)<br /><strong><em>Deep-Rest Bear-Moon Hibernation &amp; Regeneration&nbsp; Meditation</em></strong><br /><strong><em>Email to receive zoom link:&nbsp; <a href="mailto:EmailVerify9@proton.me ">EmailVerify9@proton.me&nbsp;</a></em></strong><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong><em>Come with your pillows and blankets, by daylight, moonlight or candlelight (or whatever makes you feel comfy and connected) as wise Bear-Moon spills her light across the land, for a deep dive into the innermost cave of the heart, a place and moment to remember yourself unto yourself, a space for rest and the renewal of who and what you really are.</em></strong><br /><em>(And, for the activists among us, to hold and enliven you for the tasks presented to us in these times of transformation.)</em><br />&nbsp;<br />While often known as Snow Moon in Celtic and some Indigenous North American traditions,<br />in the part of this earth where I reside &ndash; the unceded lands of the Anishinaabeg<br />(&ldquo;The True People&rdquo; <a href="https://icmagazine.org/indigenous-peoples/anishinaabe/"><em>https://icmagazine.org/indigenous-peoples/anishinaabe/</em></a> ) &ndash; February&rsquo;s Full moon is called by the name <strong><em>Makwa Giizis: The Bear Moon</em></strong>*.<br /><em>Listen to moon-music while you read;<br />Celtic: </em><a href="https://youtu.be/ifQ3JRS4gqc?si=MV1vccO3OhuxdR0a"><em>https://youtu.be/ifQ3JRS4gqc?si=MV1vccO3OhuxdR0a</em></a><br /><em>Indigenous: </em><a href="https://youtu.be/ISMCX8Wu2io?si=yCJhc-kmosV1qjF8"><em>https://youtu.be/ISMCX8Wu2io?si=yCJhc-kmosV1qjF8</em></a><br />Here, we are in the depths of winter (there are almost 3 feet of snow on the ground where I live).&nbsp; Here, nature sleeps, containing and rationing her energy through the long, cold dark of winter.&nbsp; Even now, as the year&rsquo;s light begins its return in northern hemisphere, we continue to honor the deep, still, dreaming world of Bear; the innate ability to hibernate &ndash; to shut down for a time, to conserve energy, to let Earth herself rest, to hold the dream and heal safely within our deepest selves. &nbsp;<strong><em>For all of us, no matter where we live, I think, there is a darkness, a harsh winter of sorts, in the state of the world.&nbsp; I hope to offer us a reminding of the light eternally within us.</em></strong><br /><em>*Here is Grandmother Kim Wheatley sharing on Bear Moon:</em><br /><a href="https://youtu.be/oVS9Iq183sY?si=z2IVkxHYzGrSa5nW"><em>https://youtu.be/oVS9Iq183sY?si=z2IVkxHYzGrSa5nW</em></a><br />&nbsp;<br />During this month&rsquo;s meditation, <strong><em>we will reconnect to - or strengthen our connections through - the heart&rsquo;s vibrational rhizomes &ndash; the unseen web of love</em></strong><br /><strong><em>that resides within and is accessible to all of earth&rsquo;s children (human and nonhuman), reigniting the birth of&nbsp;</em></strong><strong><em>possibility, creativity, and hope in our very challenging times.</em></strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><em>By no means a requirement for this gathering - but if you wish - I suggest putting out a gratitude offering of some sort before we meet &ndash; bowl of berries for Mother Bear, bowl of water for Mother Moon to turn to ice (if you live somewhere cold), or to nourish passing critters (if you live somewhere warm), or perhaps a monetary offering to an organization that supports Indigenous grandmothers or children anywhere.&nbsp; As our ritualists know, making offerings often deepens the work we do to follow. </em><em>&#61514;</em><br />&nbsp;<br />Just to be sure that you know, there are NO PREREQUISITES to this gathering; Come exactly as you are! With your joy or sorrow, peace or rage, excitement or indifference, energy or fatigue. . . Whether we are three or thirty matters not &ndash; all are most welcome to join us, and I will be so delighted to see you there!<br /><br />Find your innermost nest. Rest. Regenerate.<br />&#8203;<br />Much Love,<br />&#8203;<br />Maya</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/nest_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[A RE-POST of an Earlier Entry. . . DO YOU WANT TO WRITE A LETTER?  Would you want to receive one?]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/a-re-post-of-an-earlier-entry-do-you-want-to-write-a-letter-would-you-want-to-receive-one]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/a-re-post-of-an-earlier-entry-do-you-want-to-write-a-letter-would-you-want-to-receive-one#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:15:33 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/a-re-post-of-an-earlier-entry-do-you-want-to-write-a-letter-would-you-want-to-receive-one</guid><description><![CDATA[       This post originally appeared in this blog on May 10th, 2024.  Are you an&nbsp;ORGAN DONOR?&nbsp;And whether you are or are not, I have a question for you to consider. . .&nbsp;IF YOU WERE THE RECIPIENT OF A DONATED ORGAN, WOULD YOU WANT TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR NEW ORGAN'S ORIGINAL OWNER?&nbsp;If your donor had left a letter for their recipient (you), about their life and views, would you wish to read this?&nbsp; Why or why not?&nbsp;This was a topic of our discussions in one of the  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/published/screenshot-2025-08-21-at-10-17-26-am.png?1755785869" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><em><font size="2">This post originally appeared in this blog on May 10th, 2024.</font></em><br></div>  <div class="paragraph">Are you an<a href="https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up" target="_blank">&nbsp;ORGAN DONOR</a>?&nbsp;<br /><br />And whether you are or are not, I have a question for you to consider. . .&nbsp;<br /><br />IF YOU WERE THE RECIPIENT OF A DONATED ORGAN, WOULD YOU WANT TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR NEW ORGAN'S ORIGINAL OWNER?&nbsp;<br /><br />If your donor had left a letter for their recipient (you), about their life and views, would you wish to read this?&nbsp; Why or why not?&nbsp;<br /><br />This was a topic of our discussions in one of the Memento Mori Conversations.&nbsp; Some people expressed that they would indeed love to know and would read such a letter. Some shared that they would like to have the letter, but would wait a while to "get to know" or "feel the energy of" their new organ before learning more. Some shared that they would prefer not to know anything - either feeling that this knowledge would be irrelevant to their own life, or fearing they might learn something they did not want to know. . .<br /><br />What if you learned your donor had lived a life you disapproved of?<br />What if you learned your donor was someone who's standards you might not "live up to"?<br /><br />In fact, most donors are like the rest of us; having lived lives with both things to be proud of and things they might have wished they did differently.&nbsp;<br /><br />And if you feel you WOULD be curious to read such a letter, and you ARE an organ donor, WOULD YOU CONSIDER WRITING SUCH A LETTER FOR A POTENTIAL RECIPIENT OF YOUR ORGANS?<br /><br />If yes, what might you write about yourself?<br /><br />Some people in our discussion group shared that they worried that opening up such a vulnerable thing as this letter, could subject them to misunderstanding or even judgement of those who read that letter. The idea of being misunderstood when they were no longer alive to defend themselves felt too open, too risky. . .&nbsp;<br /><br />And I would agree - IF one is concerned with how one is perceived, this letter may not be a good plan for you.&nbsp; It is my opinion (with which you are welcome to agree or disagree) that IF I am to write such a letter, it must be free from any desired outcome for myself.&nbsp; The reason to write the letter must be as altruistic as I am able to let it be; that is, if I write such a letter, I must write it in the same way I gift my organs - as AN OFFERING TO THE RECIPIENT.&nbsp; No more, no less.&nbsp;<br /><br />And in fact, this is what I decided to do, some years back.<br /><br />Another concern one participant had was that "I might change my values or views from when I write the letter to when I die".&nbsp; To this I say, yes, we do grow and change, and our values may change with us. However, at the core of my being I have always been "me". If I go back to my earliest memories (and those who know me know that for whatever weird reason, I have memories that go back ridiculously far), at the very CORE of "me", I have always been the same soul. How I describe things has changed - I have become better at articulating my core self, but that core itself remains as it arrived.&nbsp; I believe (again, you are welcome to share other viewpoints) that we are as we are at our deepest essence.&nbsp; Yes, life offers us opportunities to refine and re-define that essence, as we stalk ever more authentic ways to live. But we are who we are. . .<br /><br />Because this is my belief, and because I myself would want to know my donor, I have written such a letter.&nbsp; Inspired by one of the wonderful participants in the Memento Mori Conversations group, I share it with you now (yes, this is a very vulnerable thing to share) in the hopes that reading it might help YOU:<br /><br />A). Clarify for yourself whether you, too might (or might not) wish to write such a thing<br /><br />B). Maybe take the risk to write a letter even if you decide NOT to share it - or even if you are NOT an organ donor;&nbsp; Writing a letter encapsulating one's take on living and dying gives one pause to know one's self more deeply, and to consider what one might still wish to grow, change or become in&nbsp; the remaining years, months, days or moments one still has on Earth.&nbsp; As a hospice chaplain and death support person, I can share that some of the most powerful and dramatically life-shifting moments people experience can often be at the very end of life; we can ALWAYS grow into our better selves.<br /><br />Below, I welcome you to read my letter (I have written it in the past tense, assuming it will be read when I am no longer living in my human body); please be gentle on me for it, as you might want others to be gentle upon reading yours.&nbsp; Think of it simply as "food for thought".&nbsp; It is my wish that your reading of it my be a part of your own discernment process and/or that of your own path of self-awareness. (Whether reading it guides you to what you may wish - or not wish - to do yourself.)<br /><br />Much Love to All,<br />Rev. Maya<br /><br /><br /><em>Note: You are more than welcome to share this blog post, but no portion of the letter below is to be copied or shared outside of this blog post without written permission. ( See &copy; note at end of letter). THANK YOU!!</em><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>  <div id="396787741488526010"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-4802907b-b2b8-4228-93f5-456e5b592e07 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #a9f8dd;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-4802907b-b2b8-4228-93f5-456e5b592e07" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">        <div style="width: auto"><div></div><div class="paragraph"><strong>Letter to Recipient(s) of my Organ(s) &#8232;&#8232;</strong><br />&nbsp;<br />The letter to follow should be offered to any recipient, or legal guardian of any recipient, of a transplant of any of my body parts: &#8232;&#8232;<br />&nbsp;<br />Dear (Name), &#8232;&#8232;<br />&nbsp;<br />It is my wish that you receive this letter along with the transplant of a part of my body. I want to share a few things with you, because it is my belief and experience that physical matter &ndash; in this case a body part &ndash; holds a sort of &lsquo;memory&rsquo; of things that have taken place near or within that matter in the past. Since a part of what was once me has now become a part of you, I thought you might like to know some of the things that &lsquo;part&rsquo; has experienced; in essence, I want to share a bit about me, my life, my points of view. These things may be irrelevant to you, but in case I am right, and some of the &lsquo;energy&rsquo; of me begins to influence you, I thought you might be curious to know your new body part&rsquo;s origin! &#8232;<br />&nbsp;<br />First of all, know that however my death may have come to pass, my basic belief is that there is nothing terrible about death itself; I, like my mother before me, see death as a natural and even possibly exciting passage; no more, no less. This means that I have left you my body part/s in a good way &ndash; full of the hope, love, excitement, and peace that comes with transitions one does not fear. Think of it like this: Your new body part is fully yours; I have released it and I am delighted to gift it to you! &#8232;&#8232;<br />&nbsp;<br />I am someone who did face a lot of things in my life &ndash; scary things, sad things, delightful things, magical things, powerful things, sweet things. . . I think &ndash; hope &ndash; I met each challenge and each grace with some semblance of courage and openness. I value INTEGRITY above pretty much everything else, though my message and motto was always to LIVE AS LOVE. I worked with Angels and stones, crystal and bones; I did my best to find art in everything I encountered. I saw my purpose and life as being a catalyst for the growth, transformation and healing of all I encountered, most especially myself. I mostly saw my life path as (whenever I could manage to make it so) an offering of my love, creativity, passion; all these in service of the betterment of life on our beautiful and precious Earth. &#8232;&#8232;<br />&nbsp;<br />I strived always to live (in thought and word and deed, to the best of my ability) in alignment with Highest Good and Deepest Love for All That Is. . . and with a wish that every moment of my life in some way be a contribution to the lessening of the suffering of all beings. Of course I am as human as the next person, and thus, to be sure, I often fell short of my mark;&nbsp;<em>I did not always succeed, but I always tried</em>. &#8232;<br />&nbsp;<br />It is my experience that everything &amp; everyone, every circumstance that we encounter &ndash; is some kind of mirror of what lies within us; thus I worked tirelessly to own my experiences and dig deeply within to change MYSELF any time I saw a need for change in the world around me; the more difficult a person or experience was for me, the deeper within myself I would look for answers. Usually, I found them. &#8232;&#8232;<br />&nbsp;<br />I see&nbsp;<em>conflict</em>&nbsp;&ndash; as my Angels and Stone &amp; Plant friends suggested &ndash; as&nbsp;<em>an invitation to CREATE</em>; if a situation arises in which I am involved in a conflict, I do my best to see it as a gift &ndash; a moment in which I have been invited to create something new &ndash; conflict implying that neither my idea nor yours is right; thus let us invent some new idea, as yet unborn. . . this view, to my way of thinking, could make&nbsp;<em>a world full of creative ideas</em>, rather than wars. . . so . . . perhaps, the body part that is now yours holds the energy of all this.&nbsp; May all your conflicts be blessings of opportunity. &#8232;&#8232;<br />&nbsp;<br />I loved very, very deeply in my life. I loved my parents and siblings, my children and their fathers, my lovers and friends, people I worked with, strangers I met every day; I loved those who misunderstood me too. I loved stones, plants, animals and the solar system. I loved the so-called unseen realms; Goddesses and Gods, Jesus and Allah, the fairies and elves, Angels and all manner of helping spirits. And as I sit here and type, I can say that I love you too, as you are a part of All That Is. Maybe you will &lsquo;feel&rsquo; me sending you Light from some Otherworld (what ever you may call it or think the land of death to be). . . and maybe you will not. But know this: if I can will it so, you will live a long and healthy life, so full of love and wealth and abundance of every sort that you, too, will be happy when it is your turn to let go of the physical matter that is your body, some long time from now.<br />&nbsp;<br />In September of 2009, my mother, Petie W. Grillo, was a day or so away from her impending death when she turned away from the wall, where she had been &lsquo;talking&rsquo; to her dead mother, Peggy, our ancestor Uncle Waldo (among other bright ones long since passed on), towards those of us in the room still living, and said:<br />&nbsp;<br />&ldquo;What I wouldn&rsquo;t give for just ONE MORE day, EVEN THE WORST DAY of my life&rdquo;<br />&nbsp;<br />I knew the concept here, but to be faced with someone who was really at that gateway, and was saying this so genuinely, touched the core of my being. Since then I remember this message every day (and I imagine I did until the day I died). It is small and simple, and yet it has the power to transform my universe when I recall it, especially when I am unhappy or in unhappy circumstances. I share it with you now, in case you could use the reminder that I myself needed so very often. It is so easy to get lost in comparing our moments to what we imagine they could or should be; but, at least for me, when I compare most of my rough moments to&nbsp;<em>not having any more at all</em>, my pain is transformed to a mysteriously shining gem within a treasured gift: presence and awareness of this time on Earth - My Life, whatever I am experiencing.<br />&nbsp;<br />I wish you every experience and shining moment your soul could dream of &ndash; from the fabulous to the mundane &ndash; and that you cherish every one of these during&nbsp;<em>your</em>&nbsp;precious time on Earth. &#8232;&#8232;<br />&nbsp;<br />Love Always,<br />&nbsp;<br />Maya Andrea York Grillo Massar*<br /><br /></div></div>    </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><em>&copy;MayaMassar2024 email mayamassar@gmail.com for permission to use material in my letter.&nbsp; (You are welcome to share links to this post!)</em><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Last Bits]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/the-last-bits]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/the-last-bits#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 10 Aug 2025 12:47:05 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/the-last-bits</guid><description><![CDATA[	#element-bd8c8d49-ca79-4399-8408-f586d5d88bd9 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #a9e4f8;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-to [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="394936018337422157"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-bd8c8d49-ca79-4399-8408-f586d5d88bd9 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #a9e4f8;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-bd8c8d49-ca79-4399-8408-f586d5d88bd9" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">        <div style="width: auto"><div></div><div class="paragraph"><strong><u>I Think of You</u></strong><br />08/09/2025<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>I think of you</strong><br /><strong>your heart bigger than all the worlds</strong><br /><strong>your mind infinitely woven in color, movement and the&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>refracted light of precious metals</strong><br /><strong>your body falling away from you</strong><br /><strong>spirit widening every moment now like the fan of a peacock goddess's&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>luminous tail feathers&nbsp;</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>And I wonder:</strong><br /><strong>If these were the last bits</strong><br /><strong>and you had perfect magic with which to make it so</strong><br /><strong>What would you choose?</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Maybe an answer for You in The World</strong><br /><strong>and one for You in Your family</strong><br /><strong>One for You with your lover</strong><br /><strong>but most of all,&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>a singular one for You</strong><br /><strong>in the quiet, still cave&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>of your own heart</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>A last place and space to feel into the remains of Self-on-Earth</strong><br /><strong>(This is a thing, of course, though not the whole thing, the larger thing we are all becoming/remembering/innately OF. Yet still <em>a thing we get to mourn the loss of</em>; Self-on-Earth.)</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>The Last Bits. . .</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Where?</strong><br /><strong>How?</strong><br /><strong>With whom?</strong><br /><strong>How many different answers might there be?</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>As I type, I recognize that it is less that I actually want these answers -</strong><br /><strong>Rather,&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>It is that I want to know if - and that -&nbsp;</strong><br /><strong>YOU know them, have them, to treasure for your unbreakable Inner-Whom</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Maybe not purposed so you can </strong><br /><strong>make them manifest</strong><br /><strong>but so that you might simply have them, even solely in some secret inner sanctuary, for</strong><br /><strong>your bright spirit</strong><br /><strong>for your mind</strong><br /><strong>for your heart</strong><br /><strong>for your moment-by-moment remaining body</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>for</strong><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Yourself.</strong><br /><br /></div><div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"><a><img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/editor/blue-smoke.png?1754830374" alt="Picture" style="width:167;max-width:100%" /></a><div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div></div></div></div>    </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>  <div id="910259019941218448"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-b26537cc-94ca-4806-875e-1ab9497bdfa2 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #a9f8dd;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-b26537cc-94ca-4806-875e-1ab9497bdfa2" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">        <div style="width: auto"><div></div><div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><br /><strong><font color="#0408f0">What do you<br />What do you&nbsp;envision for your last years, months, weeks, hours, and moments on Earth?</font></strong><br /><br /><strong><font color="#0407ec">Join us for our August<font size="5"> <a href="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/memento-mori.html" target="_blank">Memento Mori</a> </font>online gathering.<br />Everyone is Welcome. Groups are usually small and intimate, but you are welcome to remain a quiet listener. Click the MemMori link above for more details - or email Maya:<br /><a href="mailto:mayamassar@gmail.com">mayamassar@gmail.com</a><br /><font size="4">Wednesday, August 13th<br />12noon EST<br />Click to Join:</font><br /><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88247254767?pwd=b712bgGudloGE1lDqLaYoIb6eBanXh.1" target="_blank"><font size="5">ZOOM</font></a><br /></font><br /></strong><br /></div></div>    </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[HELLO! It has been a while. . .]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/hello-it-has-been-a-while]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/hello-it-has-been-a-while#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 28 Jul 2025 16:20:28 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/hello-it-has-been-a-while</guid><description><![CDATA[Dearest Friends,Yes, it has been quite a while since I posted here; like many of you, I have been deeply engaged in the many human crises around this world of ours, and these remain where my energy is being directed.&nbsp; More on this to come.&nbsp; But today, I want to share a link to Hospice Nurse Julie's most recent blog post. I get a lot of inquiries regarding the cost of hospice; Julie's article explains how Medicare Benefit works for those in the USA who are given a diagnosis of 6 months  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">Dearest Friends,<br />Yes, it has been quite a while since I posted here; like many of you, I have been deeply engaged in the many human crises around this world of ours, and these remain where my energy is being directed.&nbsp; More on this to come.&nbsp; But today, I want to share a link to <a href="https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/" target="_blank">Hospice Nurse Julie</a>'s most recent blog post. I get a lot of inquiries regarding the cost of hospice; Julie's article explains how Medicare Benefit works for those in the USA who are given a diagnosis of 6 months or less to live.&nbsp; (In Canada, most Provincial heath care plans cover hospice.)<br /><br />You can read Julie's post here:&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><font size="4"><strong><a href="https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/campaigns/view-email/E6UhRCQFWrtODc_D1YRD9aE-a-Ipn0ewRf5bnMXMXh7Pn672-VH0kaZ8m1RCGkYWvbGQ5OK80BYsh128uXB4djTsgl_3wGrI7EXkHebfOH6wl3Q315AlPodMvkCGF1cnhrwO2ToUZUUo1Nt9ZAcXGaQz0rZ0oYvJgpeBWg==?ss_source=sscampaigns&amp;ss_campaign_id=68821c9878efce219c7ec561&amp;ss_email_id=6887945a6ff20c30b70c1117&amp;ss_campaign_name=My+newsletter+is+here%21&amp;ss_campaign_sent_date=2025-07-28T15%3A16%3A51Z" target="_blank">Hospice Nurse Julie's Blog</a></strong></font><br /><br /></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none wsite-image-border-black" style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:0px;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/published/screenshot-2025-07-28-at-12-25-29-pm.png?1753719949" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;">Buy Julie's book <a href="https://www.hospicenursejulie.com/book?ss_source=sscampaigns&amp;ss_campaign_id=68821c9878efce219c7ec561&amp;ss_email_id=6887945a6ff20c30b70c1117&amp;ss_campaign_name=My+newsletter+is+here%21&amp;ss_campaign_sent_date=2025-07-28T15%3A16%3A51Z#block-yui_3_17_2_1_1706223164791_25060" target="_blank">HERE.</a><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[June 01st, 2025]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/june-01st-2025]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/june-01st-2025#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 01 Jun 2025 16:41:31 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/june-01st-2025</guid><description><![CDATA[YES!&nbsp; Both gatherings will be held in June; I very much hope to see you there!Love,Maya         	#element-add1ea7c-80ee-4fd6-a388-7800980bb061 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #515151;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-l [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">YES!&nbsp; Both gatherings will be held in June; I very much hope to see you there!<br />Love,<br />Maya<br /><br></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/screenshot-2023-11-09-at-4-21-45-pm_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div id="586026016766307207"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-add1ea7c-80ee-4fd6-a388-7800980bb061 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #515151;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-add1ea7c-80ee-4fd6-a388-7800980bb061" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">        <div style="width: auto"><div></div><div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><font color="#e9cf76"><strong>June Memento Mori Meeting; Open, Honest Conversations About Death &amp; Dying</strong><br /><em>Next gathering will be at our usual time:</em><br />2nd Wednesday of the month, June 11th, at 9am West Coast/12noon, East Coast North America<br />&nbsp; <em>(time converter: </em><a href="https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter"><em>https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter</em></a><em> )</em><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>ZOOM LINK: </strong><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88247254767?pwd=b712bgGudloGE1lDqLaYoIb6eBanXh.1"><strong>https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88247254767?pwd=b712bgGudloGE1lDqLaYoIb6eBanXh.1</strong></a><br />&nbsp;<br />Memento Mori is Latin for &ldquo;<em>Remember you will die</em>&rdquo;, &ldquo;<em>Remember that you must die</em>&rdquo; or &ldquo;<em>Remember to die</em>&rdquo;.&nbsp; The phrase may sound ghoulish, however its purpose is not to depress, but rather to <em>befriend the truth</em>: We Will All Die.&nbsp; It is a reminder of the presence of death which follows us all and to allow our growing comfort with this fact to<br /><strong>uplift and highlight the preciousness of our living moments.</strong><br />&nbsp;<br />The Memento Mori conversations are lightly facilitated, gentle, open discussions on many subjects about and around Death &amp; Dying, grief and celebration, and all things related.<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Come with your thoughts, your questions, your concerns, your creativity, your grief, your fear, your love. . . your SELF, exactly as you are.&nbsp; Come to share or come to sit in your own silence among us.&nbsp; </strong><br />&nbsp;<br />You are always welcome to invite others to the gatherings, post or share the invitations and links, or bring folks with you when you attend.&nbsp; Anyone interested or even just curious is invited.&nbsp; We no longer have a social media presence, so your word of mouth is what allows others to join us. (Thank you.)<br />&nbsp;<br /><em>You can learn more about the Memento Mori group here: </em><a href="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/memento-mori.html"><em>https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/memento-mori.html</em></a><em> &nbsp;</em><em>and you are always welcome to reach out by email between meetings if you wish.</em><br /><strong>Join the mailing list for updates. </strong><a href="mailto:mayamassar@gmail.com"><strong>mayamassar@gmail.com</strong></a><br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br /></font></div></div>    </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>  <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height:50px;"></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/mmm_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div id="906990065452266739"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-061c576b-e36e-4a02-853d-d0ec07dd5e11 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #5848b7;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-061c576b-e36e-4a02-853d-d0ec07dd5e11" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">        <div style="width: auto"><div></div><div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><font color="#e9cf76"><strong>June Monthly Moon Meditation &ndash; The Balance of Light &amp; Dark</strong><br /><em>We meet this month on our usual eve:</em><br />3rd Saturday of the month, June 21st, 5pm West Coast/8pm East Coast North America<br />&nbsp;<em>(time converter: </em><a href="https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter"><em>https://dateful.com/time-zone-converter</em></a><em> )</em><br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>ZOOM LINK: </strong><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83629693981?pwd=re9QlftAb8Y1fyT8QzyeMgb7iCG8Wt.1"><strong>https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83629693981?pwd=re9QlftAb8Y1fyT8QzyeMgb7iCG8Wt.1</strong></a><br />&nbsp;<br />Our Monthly Moon Meditation falls this month on a fascinating night; as the moon finalizes her waning it is the perfect time to allow that which we have been releasing to put itself to bed. . . meanwhile, this day is also smack amidst the most light-filled days of the year - Summer Solstice (June 20th), and so (whether you enjoy these things as mythical storylines or actionable intergalactic wisdom), while we dive into the darkening moon and the act of letting go, we also rise up in celebration of the Sun, and his longest days - and the power of ancient rituals like jumping over the fire for cleansing and blessing, the receiving of the abundance of Summer&rsquo;s wealth, and honoring the Nature Spirits for all they bestow upon us . . .<br />&nbsp;<br />This month, join us in exploring your own inner and outer balance in an unbalanced world; In such times of discord all around us, accessing and maintaining <strong>regenerative resilience</strong> is more needed than ever.<br />THIS IS WITHIN YOU TO HAVE &ndash; JOIN US IN THE REKINDLING of RESILIENCE!<br />&nbsp;<br /><em>As usual, I suggest preparing a comfy space, with pillows and a covering as the body temperature can drop during deeply relaxed states.&nbsp; Having drinking water, a pen and paper (or whatever your preferred method of notetaking is) nearby. Please have noise-making devices on silent.&nbsp; We will request that your zoom microphone be muted during the meditation until open discussion period at the end.</em><br />&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;<br /><em><font size="2">This is by no means a requirement for this gathering, but if you wish, I always suggest setting out an offering of some sort before we meet &ndash; this month as an offering, I invite you to an ancient Celtic Pagan (and also children&rsquo;s) practice: Leaving treats out for the nature spirits!&nbsp; Traditionally, the Fae (Fairy world that watches over growing things) prefer farm-foods; milk, honey, bread, cakes, other baked goods. . . but you know your home and area &ndash; choose treats you feel will be appreciated.&nbsp; Prepare these with intent and gratitude for all the Fae forgive us for, and place on tiny dishes (you can make these out of aluminum foil&nbsp; or use any small vessels you have) by your door or on a windowsill, or, if you have such a thing, at the edge of your garden, before sunset.&nbsp; Wait until after sunrise the following day to remove the dishes.&nbsp; You may later or in days to come, be surprised by some unexpected magickal surprise returned to you!<br />As our ritualists know, making offerings often deepens the work we do to follow. </font></em>&#61514;<br />&nbsp;<br /><br />&nbsp;<br />As always, there are NO PREREQUISITES to this gathering; Come exactly as you are! With your joy or sorrow, peace or rage, excitement or indifference, energy or fatigue. . . Whether we are three, thirty or<br />three-hundred matters not &ndash; all are most welcome, and I will be so delighted to see you there!<br />Much Love,<br />Maya<br />&nbsp;<br /><strong>Join the mailing list for updates. </strong><a href="mailto:mayamassar@gmail.com"><strong>mayamassar@gmail.com</strong></a><br /></font></div></div>    </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[DEATH AS A LIFE-ENHANCING PARTNER]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/death-as-a-life-enhancing-partner]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/death-as-a-life-enhancing-partner#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:22:33 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/death-as-a-life-enhancing-partner</guid><description><![CDATA[       Beautiful Memento Mori artwork by Jessica Behance&nbsp; https://www.harkenback.com.au/#/memento-mori-2/  &nbsp;A huge thank you to all our participants in April's Memento Mori Conversations - your beautifully courageous and authentic sharing and support of one another was/is so gorgeous and hope-making in thee times of so much world-wide nd personal trauma.&nbsp; I am honored to be present with each and all of you.Today, our jump-off topic was Death as a Life Enhancing Partner.&nbsp; I sh [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/published/memento-mori.png?1744219445" alt="Picture" style="width:318;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><font size="1">Beautiful Memento Mori artwork by <em>Jessica Behance&nbsp; <a href="https://www.harkenback.com.au/#/memento-mori-2/" target="_blank">https://www.harkenback.com.au/#/memento-mori-2/</a></em><br /></font><br /></div>  <div class="paragraph">&nbsp;A huge thank you to all our participants in April's Memento Mori Conversations - your beautifully courageous and authentic sharing and support of one another was/is so gorgeous and hope-making in thee times of so much world-wide nd personal trauma.&nbsp; I am honored to be present with each and all of you.<br /><br />Today, our jump-off topic was Death as a Life Enhancing Partner.&nbsp; I shared some of my own experience companioning people at end-of-life and some science around the concept that mortality salience (or, consciousness around one's mortality - awareness of death) can actually be of more value than simply reducing fear of death and dying, but might offer us a doorway through which we can live more fully as our authentic self/selves (I allow this to be both a comment to a collective of human beings OR aspects of self).&nbsp;<br /><br />I referenced an article in Scientific American on the topic, by Michael W. Weiderman, in Scientific American,<br /><a href="https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/thinking-about-death-can-make-life-better/">https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/thinking-about-death-can-make-life-better/</a><br />which described the outcomes of studies on adults who had been faced with their own or others' impending death. The studies showed that deep awareness of one's mortality shifted people's life-focus from extrinsic (such as material success and power) to intrinsic values (such as cultivating&nbsp; relationships, doing creative work and developing as a person.<br /><br />Further, we discussed that self development that includes discovering and LIVING BY one's CORE VALUES can raise our sense of fulfillment in life - whether we are actually fulfilling our values or simply working towards living them fully.&nbsp; What makes life fulfilling, it seems, is knowing those values, aiming for them - AND being free to be authentically ourselves.<br /><br />I shared a list of some potential "core Values" with the group, and individuals discovered their own not on the list.&nbsp; Are yours here?<br /><br /></div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/screenshot-2025-04-09-at-1-45-50-pm_orig.png" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">We also explored these questions:</div>  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/uploads/1/2/2/5/122568869/published/screenshot-2025-04-09-at-1-46-48-pm.png?1744220833" alt="Picture" style="width:358;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">The content of our group discussion is held in compassionate confidentiality, but perhaps in reading this something here will spark your own deepening into whatever your heart holds most true.&nbsp; In these times in which "truth" and "authenticity" are more endangered than any time in recent history, finding your own, b4eing in community (even if only online) with others who see you for who you really are, and living by your innermost values may be one of the few keys to finding a sense of inner peace or even joy, EVEN as we pas through a gauntlet of very difficult things.&nbsp; In your last moments - or any of your moments, are you not most fulfilled by shaking off masks and falsehoods and expressing your deepest self?<br /><br />Most of the dying people I have worked with have shared that it was only in truly facing their end, their death, that they allowed themselves to be who and what they truly were, and that this, even if only in the last months, weeks, days or in some cases, hours, was the most joy and fulfillment that they had known in their lifetime.<br /><br />The good news is that you can invite awareness of your death NOW, and - perhaps - have more years of fulfillment than you might have had if Death were not your Life-Enhancing Partner.</div>    <div class="paragraph">In closing, I once again shared Shawna Lamay's wonderful poem, in which she wishes us, in remembrance of death, to LIVE, FULLY: <br /><br />In Lieu of Flowers<br /><br /><em>Although I love flowers very much, I won&rsquo;t see them when I&rsquo;m gone. So in lieu of flowers:&nbsp;&nbsp;Buy a book of poetry written by someone still alive, sit outside with a cup of tea, a glass of wine, and read it out loud, by yourself or to someone, or silently.<br />Spend some time with a single flower. A rose maybe. Smell it, touch the petals.<br />Really look at it.&nbsp;<br />Drink a nice bottle of wine with someone you love.<br />Or, Champagne. And think of what John Maynard Keynes said, &ldquo;My only regret in life is that I did not drink more Champagne.&rdquo; Or what Dom Perignon said when he first tasted the stuff: &ldquo;Come quickly! I am tasting stars!&rdquo;&nbsp;<br />Take out a paint set and lay down some colours.<br />Watch birds. Common sparrows are fine. Pigeons, too. Geese are nice. Robins.<br />In lieu of flowers,&nbsp;walk in the trees and watch the light fall into it. Eat an apple, a really nice big one. I hope it&rsquo;s crisp.&nbsp;<br />Have a long soak in the bathtub with candles, maybe some rose petals.<br />Sit on the front stoop and (really) watch the clouds. Have a dish of strawberry ice cream in my name.&nbsp;<br />If it&rsquo;s winter, have a cup of hot chocolate outside for me. If it&rsquo;s summer, a big glass of ice water.&nbsp;<br />If it&rsquo;s autumn, collect some leaves and press them in a book you love. I&rsquo;d like that.&nbsp;<br />Sit and look out a window and write down what you see. Write some other things down.&nbsp;<br />In lieu of flowers,&nbsp;<br />I would wish for you to flower.&nbsp;<br />I would wish for you to blossom, to open, to be beautiful.</em><br /><br></div>  <div id="915673639990903096"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-ded5198e-d60d-4281-a896-3641b937d96e .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #24678d;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-ded5198e-d60d-4281-a896-3641b937d96e" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">        <div style="width: auto"><div></div><div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><font color="#f8f3f3">Join Us:<br /><a href="https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/memento-mori.html" target="_blank">Memento Mori; Open, Honest Conversations on Death &amp; Dying</a><br />on FB:<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/910002934051899" target="_blank">Mem-Mori on FB</a></font><br></div></div>    </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>  <div id="216208212836407160"><div><style type="text/css">	#element-b315e38f-113e-4d58-8c0b-fdedc57737e2 .colored-box-content {  clear: both;  float: left;  width: 100%;  -moz-box-sizing: border-box;  -webkit-box-sizing: border-box;  -ms-box-sizing: border-box;  box-sizing: border-box;  background-color: #6555c2;  padding-top: 20px;  padding-bottom: 20px;  padding-left: 20px;  padding-right: 20px;  -webkit-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-left-radius: 0px;  border-top-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-top-right-radius: 0px;  border-top-right-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;  -webkit-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  -moz-border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;  border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;}</style><div id="element-b315e38f-113e-4d58-8c0b-fdedc57737e2" data-platform-element-id="848857247979793891-1.0.1" class="platform-element-contents">	<div class="colored-box">    <div class="colored-box-content">            </div></div></div><div style="clear:both;"></div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Temporary Crisis/Disaster Care]]></title><link><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/temporary-crisisdisaster-care]]></link><comments><![CDATA[https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/temporary-crisisdisaster-care#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 05 Feb 2025 20:34:29 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.heartfullivinganddying.com/blog/temporary-crisisdisaster-care</guid><description><![CDATA[Hello Friends,Just a quick post to announce this temporary offering.&nbsp; Many of you know this already, but in case you were not, please feel welcome to forward this info to someone you know who might benefit.Cave of the Heart: Support for First Responders and Victims of Current Crisis/Disaster(Natural or Human-made)Maya (that is me) is now offering some Crisis/Disaster Relief Sessions at no cost&nbsp;&nbsp;- This is support for persons needing immediate care or a brief rest from high stress c [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="paragraph">Hello Friends,<br /><br />Just a quick post to announce this temporary offering.&nbsp; Many of you know this already, but in case you were not, please feel welcome to forward this info to someone you know who might benefit.<br /><br /><strong><em><font size="4">Cave of the Heart: Support for First Responders and Victims of Current Crisis/Disaster</font></em><br /></strong><font color="#2a2a2a">(Natural or Human-made)<br /><br /><strong><em>Maya (that is me) is now offering some Crisis/Disaster Relief Sessions at no cost&nbsp;</em></strong><span>&nbsp;</span>- This is support for persons needing immediate care or a brief rest from high stress circumstances. Simple exercises to reclaim calm; space to vent or release; a still place during chaos; Maya is a house-fire and abuse survivor, knows the city of Los Angeles, is trained in supporting victims and first responders of crisis/disaster, and hopes you will reach out, even if all you wish is to sit together in silence.<br />&nbsp;<br />NO judgement; All Faiths, no faith. BLM. Indigenous and Immigrant safe zone. LGBTQIA+ All Welcome.</font><br /><br /><font color="#a82e2e"><em><font size="2">NOTE: This offering was originally made to benefit First Responders and Victims of the<span>&nbsp;</span><strong>Los Angeles Fires</strong>.&nbsp; It is now extended to those traumatized by ICE/Police Brutality, Medical aid withdrawal, Violence, and other Crisis or Disaster, whether natural or human-made.&nbsp; Please feel welcome to inquire.</font></em></font><br /><br /><strong><font size="4">To schedule,<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://mayasessioncalendar.as.me/schedule/ce5904c9" target="_blank">CLICK HERE</a></font></strong><br /><br />Wishing everyone safety and a solid sense-sense-of-self as we proceed through these shared, trying times on Earth.<br />With Much Love as Always,<br />Rev. Maya<br /><br />For more info on Maya's sessions (what they are, how they go, cost, scheduling etc), you can visit these pages:<br /><a href="https://www.mayamassar.com/stone--star.html" target="_blank">Stone &amp; Star Interfaith Spiritual Direction</a><br /><a href="https://www.mayamassar.com/rest--renewal.html" target="_blank">Rest &amp; Renewal Sessions</a><br></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>