In many hospitals and healthcare settings, in spite of the presence of compassionate and caring personnel, seriously ill and dying patients are often left with unmet needs.  We seek to give more attention to our relationship with the environment and quality of our inner life at this delicate time.

Great attention has been paid to creating birthing centers that provide families with warm and home-like settings, while also being well equipped to support the medical needs of mothers and the newborn.  Nursing homes and hospices also take into account some physical factors that are most important to provide palliative care for elderly and dying patients.  Little is known about the physical, emotional and psychological needs of dying patients.  What is their experience?  What factors are most significant before and during transition?

Open Heart, Deep Spirit is an initiative focused on offering programs and resources for individuals, communities and establishments, like hospice care, hospitals and nursing homes that share these same concerns.