Tough Conversations

Solutions Through Compassionate Communication.

Is There Such a Thing as a ‘Good Death?’

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Sig Cohen, http://toughconversations.net/, shares a story about a loved one preparing to die.After several years of relentless chemo and radiation to check her cancer, Rebecca decided to die with dignity.

She consulted with family members and some close friends and then contacted a nearby hospice. Whatever ‘tough conversations’ there might have been were brief, open and honest. How could anyone object to Rebecca’s decision after all the various treatments that she had undergone? Everyone was in the loop: family members, close friends, some neighbors and a few former colleagues. [Read more…]

Pope Francis: Mediator Extraordinaire

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Carolyn Parr, http://toughconversations.net/, discusses the Pope's best practices. Pope Francis’ recent three-day trip to the Holy Land left me breathless. Out-of-the-box reframing, powerful symbols, and total attention that feels like love. The Pope wants to make peace between Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians. As many know, they’ve been at odds since 1054 when a formal split occurred. Orthodox Christians control the site of the Holy Sepulcher (where Jesus was allegedly buried). An ecumenical worship service? Impossible. The Orthodox would never allow a Roman Catholic mass to be celebrated there. [Read more…]