1. Planned Departure: Releasing is a planned departure or "going away." It marks the end of an individual's life within the community and signifies the moment when the person departs from the familiar confines of their assigned role.
2. Honor and Celebration: Releasing is not viewed as death but rather as an honorable and celebratory event. The community gathers to pay their respects and express appreciation for the individual's contributions and presence.
3. Individual Choice at Age 80: Members of the community have the option of choosing releasing once they reach the age of eighty. It is the individual's prerogative to decide when they are ready to depart.
4. Emotional and Psychological Preparation: Releasing involves the act of letting go and being released. Members who have chosen releasing engage in psychological preparation, confronting past memories, fears, and experiences to come to terms with their decision.
5. Transition Period: Individuals undergoing the process of releasing spend time in the Transition Room. Here, they prepare physically and mentally, receiving comfort, support, and wisdom from the Receiver of Memories.
6. Role of Memories and Wisdom: The Receiver of Memories, who holds knowledge of the past, plays a vital role in guiding and comforting those preparing for releasing. They share wisdom, memories, and experiences that help individuals come to terms with their choices and emotions.
7. Acceptance and Release: Releasing signifies acceptance of the cycle of life and a recognition that everyone's contributions are valuable. It is a culmination of learning, reflection, and finding solace in the legacy left behind.
Overall, releasing reflects the belief systems, communal bonds, and value system of the community. It underscores the importance of individual agency, introspection, and the interconnectedness of lives within the society of "The Giver."