Reflecting on life and death is something easily avoided. But are there benefits to thinking about our own mortality? And how should we go about it? Here are some of the best TED talks on life, death and everything in-between to help us make sense of it all, including one from Trinity CEO, Dallas Pounds. 

What really matters at the end of life | B J Miller | TED talks

 

Triple amputee and palliative care physician Dr Miller is a pioneer for person-centred end of life care. Here he asks big questions about how we think of death and honour life, and thinks deeply about how to create a dignified, graceful end to life.

What's wrong with dying? | Lesley Hazleton | TEDx Seattle 

 

In the hands of "accidental theologist" Lesley Hazleton, this question takes a humorous and thought-provoking journey into what it would actually mean to live forever, and whether we would truly want to. Lesley challenges ideas not only about death, but about what it is to live well.

My philosophy for a happy life | Sam Berns | TEDx MidAtlantic 

Sam Berns lived with Progeria, a rare life limiting disease that causes premature ageing. In his talk, aged 17, he shares his simple philosophy for a happy life.

When somebody you love dies, there is no such thing as moving on | Kelley Lynn | TEDx AdelphiUniversity

Stand-up comedian, actor and writer Kelley Lynn explores the controversial truth about grief and how to best support those dealing with grief.

Lessons from a hospice nurse | Alia Indrawan | TEDx Ubud

Alia Indrawan is a healing practitioner based in Bali, Indonesia. She has previously worked as a hospice nurse, and has taken the lessons she learned from death and dying to empower the lives of others.

Catch and Release - finding life in death | Michael Fratkin | TEDx Eureka

Michael Fratkin is a palliative medicine doctor who works to understand what's needed and what's revealed while supporting people at the end of their lives. Here he faces this challenge with practical, provocative and profound insights.

Let's talk about dying | Peter Saul | TEDx Newy 

 

Intensive care doctor Peter Saul calls on society to make clear preferences for end of life care, suggesting two key questions to start the conversation.

Let's talk about death, then get on with living | Dallas Pounds | TEDx Wandsworth

Royal Trinity Hospice CEO, Dallas Pounds, looks at the realities of dying and confronts the difficult conversations we all benefit from having.