Briefly Perfectly Human audiobook cover - Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real about the End

Briefly Perfectly Human

Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real about the End

Alua Arthur

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Health & NutritionMindfulness & HappinessPersonal Development

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Briefly Perfectly Human
Embracing Mortality+
Death Doula Care Work+
Death Literacy & Planning+
Guiding the Dying+
Navigating Grief+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
What does Alua Arthur argue is the primary benefit of contemplating our own inevitable death?
  • A. It prepares us for the legal and financial hurdles of aging.
  • B. It clarifies our priorities and helps us live a more intentional, authentic life.
  • C. It allows us to detach emotionally from worldly possessions and relationships.
  • D. It speeds up the grieving process for our surviving family members.
Question 2 of 7
What pivotal experience led Alua Arthur to leave her career as an attorney and become a death doula?
  • A. A transformative encounter with a terminally ill traveler in Cuba.
  • B. The sudden passing of a close family member during her childhood.
  • C. A near-death experience she had while recovering from a severe illness.
  • D. Volunteering at a local hospice center during her law school years.
Question 3 of 7
According to the text, why might a dying person exhibit intense emotions like anger or frustration?
  • A. They are experiencing the psychological side effects of pain management medication.
  • B. They are frustrated by the lack of spiritual guidance provided by medical staff.
  • C. They are anxious about the financial burden their care is placing on their family.
  • D. They are grieving the imminent loss of everything familiar to them, including their world and relationships.
Question 4 of 7
How does the book suggest older relatives should view the act of organizing family meetings to discuss end-of-life plans?
  • A. As a posthumous gift that spares their family the stress of making tough decisions while grieving.
  • B. As a legal requirement to avoid state intervention in their medical care.
  • C. As a way to distribute their wealth fairly among descendants.
  • D. As an opportunity to resolve long-standing family disputes before passing.
Question 5 of 7
What is highlighted as a crucial factor when selecting a professional death doula?
  • A. Their years of experience working in a clinical hospital setting.
  • B. Their compatibility with the dying person's religious, spiritual, or secular belief system.
  • C. Their ability to provide legal counsel for complex estate planning.
  • D. Their willingness to make medical decisions on behalf of the family.
Question 6 of 7
What is a consequence of modern society's 'phobia of death,' as described in the text?
  • A. An overreliance on medical technology to artificially prolong life.
  • B. A decrease in the number of people choosing to write living wills.
  • C. An increase in the cost of professional end-of-life care services.
  • D. A disconnect from the natural cycle of life, leading to hurried actions like moving bodies quickly to funeral homes.
Question 7 of 7
What is considered a vital practice for caregivers when sitting with a loved one as they are dying?
  • A. Distracting the dying person with cheerful stories to keep their spirits up.
  • B. Immediately offering physical comfort every time the dying person cries.
  • C. Staying present and holding space, despite the strong urge to dissociate from the emotional intensity.
  • D. Leaving the room frequently to ensure the dying person has complete privacy.

Briefly Perfectly Human — Full Chapter Overview

Briefly Perfectly Human Summary & Overview

Briefly Perfectly Human (2024) explores the profound impact of confronting and understanding death on leading a more fulfilling and authentic life. Drawing on insights from America’s most visible death doula, it highlights the importance of discussing and preparing for the end of life while encouraging us to embrace mortality as a way to live more fully in the here and now.

Who Should Listen to Briefly Perfectly Human?

  • Individuals seeking deeper understanding of life through mortality awareness
  • Caregivers and health professionals interested in end-of-life care
  • Anyone looking for personal growth and transformative perspectives

About the Author: Alua Arthur

Alua Arthur is a death doula, a companion who supports and guides individuals and families through end-of-life experiences. She is the founder of Going with Grace, an organization that offers end-of-life planning services. Arthur’s TED Talk, “Why Thinking About Death Helps You Live a Better Life,” has garnered over 1.5 million views since its release in 2023. Arthur is also a regular guest on platforms like CBS’s “The Doctors” and Disney’s “Limitless” docu-series.

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