The world of Tzu Chi December 2020(Vol.129)

He related, “I lost my parents when I was very young. So, I have experienced ‘a sense of loss’ since a long time ago. Therefore, I cherish ‘a sense of belonging’ dearly.” Working in hospice care has exposed Yee Leong to more sides of life and death. From these, he has also gained insights into detachment in life. While working as a medical social worker in Singapore, his job required him to accompany terminal patients. He would help them solve their problems and fulfil their dying wishes. The sincere companionship brought about genuine interactions and the pain of separation. Yee Leong would attend the patients’ funerals to offer his last wishes. The ritual gave him closure—when the task was completed, so was the emotional connection with the patient. This ability was gained through years of working experience. When he first entered the industry, his job had him accompanying people of all ages. Once, a child he had accompanied for three years suddenly passed away, making it difficult for him to get over. After the child’s funeral, he had to detach himself for a while to release his grief. His way of detachment was to get closer to nature. When he lived in Taiwan, he often went to a waterfall to settle his mind. While looking at the flowing water, he would tell himself that everything would pass. Oftentimes, he would stay quietly for a few hours before leaving. Another way for Yee Leong to sort out his emotions was through writing. He would record the stories between him and the deceased. For those with deeper relationships, he would even write a letter to the deceased, read it at the graveyard and then burn it to conclude the relationships. He said, “I don’t advocate suppressing emotions or leaving the grief behind. I always say this to my audience: My dear, grief is not something to get out of, but to take care of.” Despite his experiences in accompanying terminal patients, Yee Leong admitted that he has always been anxious about death. “After all, one needs to face life and death by oneself. While benefitting others, I’m also benefitting myself. Living well, leaving well.” TZU CHI 129 25 Decluttering–The Art of Living