Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death Paperback – April 20, 2009

I rarely leave reviews, but I felt compelled to write one for this product because it has truly impressed me. From the moment it arrived, I could tell it was well-made and of high quality. The packaging was secure, and everything was neatly arranged, which was a great start.What really stood out to me was how easy it was to use. Whether you're familiar with products like this or it's your first time, you'll have no problem figuring it out. The setup was quick, and it worked exactly as described. I’ve been using it consistently since it arrived, and it hasn’t let me down once.The performance is outstanding. It delivers exactly what you need and more. One thing I particularly appreciate is how reliable and efficient it is. It has quickly become something I reach for regularly, and I can already tell it’s built to last.Durability is another major plus. It feels sturdy and well-constructed, so I have no concerns about it holding up over time. I’ve accidentally put it to the test a couple of times, and it has proven to be tough and long-lasting.For the price, I couldn’t ask for more. I’ve seen similar products that cost much more but don’t offer the same level of performance or reliability. This one strikes the perfect balance between affordability and quality.Customer service has also been top-notch. The company clearly stands behind their product and is available to answer any questions you might have. It’s always great to know there’s support available if you need it.In conclusion, I’m extremely happy with this purchase. It has exceeded my expectations in every way, and I can confidently recommend it to anyone. Whether you’re looking for something practical, reliable, or just a great value, this product is the perfect choice. I’m sure it will serve you well for a long time.

This book, "Staring at the Sun: Overcoming the Terror of Death," is a great read for people who would like to learn a lot more about fear of death being universal and how it negatively influences many aspects of life. The author, Irvin D. Yalom, MD, is Professor of Psychiatry emeritus at Stanford University. Though he has a Jewish heritage, Dr. Yalom confessed to being an atheist. Religious people should not merely write off Yalom's insightful conclusions since he is an atheist. The fact that Yalom is an atheist does not invalidate his medical research, insights, and expertise. Atheism may be intellectual or a reaction to and a defense against the God of fear-based religion.The title, "Staring at the Sun," is pregnant with meaning. Yalom postulates that just as a person cannot stare at the sun without being physically blinded, no one can stare at death without being emotionally blinded. Phobia is from the Greek word "phobos"--fear. Humans have at least one phobia. Many have more than one, and some people have multiple phobias. Some of the more common phobias are: acrophobia (fear of heights), agoraphobia (fear of public places), algophobia (fear of pain), claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces), hemophobia (fear of blood), mysophobia (fear of dirt/germs), pathophobia (fear of disease), xenophobia (fear of strangers), and panophobia (fear of everything). Some clinicians have theorized that all phobias are just different manifestations of one primary phobia--the mother of all phobias.In this fascinating book, based on Yalom's lifetime work of studying fear of death and helping people deal with their phobias, it appears that there is One Great Phobia--FEAR OF DEATH! According to Yalom, "Death anxiety is omnipresent in the unconscious as an intrinsic component of the human condition; the absence of evident death anxiety at a conscious level does not mean that the individual is without death anxiety; death anxiety is easily aroused." He explained that for some people, death anxiety is in the background--corralled in the unconscious mind. "But for other people, the anxiety is louder, unruly, tending to erupt at three in the morning, leaving them gasping at the specter of death. They are besieged by the thought that they, too, will soon be dead--as will everyone around them...Thoughts of death may seep into and permeate your dreams no matter how hidden from your conscious mind. Every nightmare is a dream in which death anxiety has escaped its corral and menaces the dreamer."Omnipresent-death anxiety is immeasurably exacerbated by morbid fear of God and eternal damnation in literal hell fire which is spiritual terrorism. Conversely, fear of death is greatly ameliorated by a totally-loving conception of God and a sane, sensible explanation of purifying hell fire in the Holy Bible and other Holy Books which are emotionally-healing and life-transforming rather than worsening fear of "The One Great Phobia!"Boyd C. Purcell, Ph.D., Author of"Spiritual Terrorism: Spiritual Abuse from the Womb to the Tomb"

I've never read a book on this subject before, but not for avoiding the topic. I contemplate, not obsess over Death daily. On my own I have discovered what one should do. Near the end I want a sense of peace (think the new Star Trek Spock, actor Zachary Quinto, convinced he will die inside the volcano. On his knees, he closes his eyes, raises his palms upward and waits). That's how I want to go. Dignity at the end would be good, but that is problematic if you have rubber sheets on your bed.The author conveys his therapeutic approach to "death anxiety" in a straightforward and common sense manner. No sugar-coating and yet his techniques are quite empathetic. Dr. Yalom is not the type who would say "cancer is an opportunity," and based on his personal beliefs he leaves religion out of the equation altogether.What surprises most is the number of people in the book (case studies) who seem to have spent little or no time contemplating their own mortality only to confront some crisis or memory or loss or illness and suddenly are obsessed with the Grim Reaper. This is not to belittle their pain and suffering.Yalom makes extensive use of classical literature in philosophy and psychiatry (e.g., Epicurus, Freud). He mentions Nietchze's theory of eternal recurrence. If we are unconscious of the nothingness, at least the mental and physical pain will end.Dr. Yalom concludes in his Afterword "...raw death terror can be scaled down to everyday manageable anxiety. Staring into the face of death, with guidance, not only quells terror but render life more poignant, more precious, more vital. Such an approach to death leads to instruction about life.. To that end I have focused on how to diminish death terror as well as how to identify and make use of awakening experiences." That is the essence of his message.