This Ted Talk by Dr. BJ Miller has gone viral and deservedly so. I just loved everything about this presentation. I love the way Dr. Miller spoke with such a calm and soothing voice full of compassion and empathy and without sympathy. The good doctor’s points about making the most of life even at the very end were powerful and so profound. Death is a topic most of us avoid like…well… the plague. However, Dr. Miller is correct in saying that we can use death to add meaning and purpose and even more joy to life if we think about it the right way.
I also loved his philosophy about helping others find more comfort during this painful process. He doesn’t think the medical professionals do as good a job as they should during this important time in everyone’s life.
I was moved by his story about holding a snowball that a nurse brought him while he was in the hospital recovering from his traumatic injuries that would change his life forever. He realized that you could still find joy and pleasure amidst even the most painful moments of our lives. What a glorious reminder!
Here’s Dr. BJ Miller talking about his accident and how it all lead to him becoming a doctor.
Here’s more about Dr. BJ Miller’s Zen Hospice Project which is where he helps apply his compassionate approach to the lives of those approaching their exit.