Here are 11 ideas to help us develop a better approach to dying in the modern era.

Examples of the ars moriendi include these images - with (English translation) titles of 'The Temptation of Avarice' and 'Consolation by turning away from earthly things' 

In medieval times before most people could read, they used to rely on 11 little illustrations called the ‘ars moriendi’, which means ‘The Art of Dying’, to help them.

To be honest, they were made up of harsh religious messages.

But having a set of ideas to help us with this most difficult of life experiences is comforting.

Here’s our modern set:

First, we learn how to accompany someone who is dying, rather than being afraid of them and their death.

Second, we learn about the non-physical side to death, including spiritual (but not necessarily religious) experiences that transform a human life into something extraordinary.

Third, we learn how to eliminate pain, because pain can prevent a good death.

Fourth, we learn what death looks like, so we are able to face the death of those we love without being afraid of what we do not know.

Fifth, we learn the ‘housework’ required after death – what’s needed and what’s not, so we can let go of the person honourably.

Sixth, we develop the skills, particularly the social ones, to help when a death is unexpected.

Seventh, we learn how to say goodbye. We strip away dross, to say our own authentic goodbye – so we discard and recycle, sometimes going back to the ancient, sometimes moving away from it.

Eighth, we find new ways to reach out when grief strikes – for the sake of others and also for ourselves. 

Ninth, we plan ahead, taking what we’ve learned and applying practical steps, to help ourselves and to help others.

Tenth, we visualise, well before we need to, where we want to die so that this becomes reality.

Eleventh, we learn to talk about how we will die, because using words will show others what we want and also dispel fear – our fear and that of others.

This reproduction of the ars moriendi can be seen in the British Museum, London.