At the end of life,no one wishes they worked longer hours

“Tell me,what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

So asks Mary Oliver inher poem The Summer Day. While that line is very familiar,it can feel a bit jarring when read in context. The preceding line – “Doesn’t everything die at last,and too soon?” – comes as a wake-up call.

Hospital chaplaincy is a ministry of being with people in the most challenging times of their lives and embodying hope by offering a calm,non-judgmental listening presence.

Chaplains and pastoral or spiritual carers create a safe space for a person to share what’s on their heart and make meaning of their situation. Listening deeply is a powerful act and we often witness visible transformation in a person as they get in touch with who they are and what they value.

Sharing stories about what gives life meaning,purpose and a sense of belonging can literally bring someone’s heart rate down and reduce anxiety.

For some people religion and faith are very much a part of their spirituality,and for others not so much. Sport,the arts,enjoying the company of family and friends,being in nature,travel,social conversation,work and creative pursuits are some of the many ways that spirituality happens. It’s as unique as we are.

My role as manager of a vibrant pastoral care team included caring for the carers and encouraging human flourishing within the team. Keeping hope alive relies on a healthy work-life balance,good self-care,a rich spirituality and companions on the journey.

The term pastoral or spiritual carer as used as the profession is now inclusive of practitioners without a religious belief. Our training includes becoming aware of our own vulnerabilities,so we can hold them aside for later exploration and not impose our beliefs or experiences.

I would like to share five lessons I learned about living well until we die by being with patients and their loved ones around the time of death.

Part of coming to maturity is the realisation that we don’t need to ask permission because we already have that authority.

So:“Tell me,what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”

Reverend Lauren Mosso is a Minister in the Uniting Church.