soulful death care

"Bringing grief and death out of the shadow is our spiritual responsibility, our sacred duty. By so doing, we may be able to feel our desire for life once again, and remember who we are, where we belong, and what is sacred."

Francis Weller

Dying is not something that happens to us, it is something that we do. Having worked with many cancer patients over the years, this is what I know to be true: dying is not a punishment; it is not a failure; it is more than medical care (though that is also important too). How we face our dying days will leave an imprint on our loved ones for the rest of their lives. Delaying end of life conversations increases distress and confusion and burdens those involved. The longer we delay end of life preparation, the harder it becomes to face it. Many times, end of life planning can free us to live more fully in the time that remains. We don’t have a choice in whether we die or not, but we may very well have a choice in how we show up for it. How we approach our dying days can teach our loved ones how to face tremendous challenges with courage and grace. In the midst of sorrow and the heartbreak of death, we may leave those we love with a deeply meaningful and healing experience that they hold sacred for the rest of their lives.

Regardless of health status and diagnosis, I believe that healing is more than a cure, and something available to us even in our dying. It's an honor to work with those facing terminal illness whether it be hands on holistic care or end of life planning. Soulful Death Care is available before or alongside traditional palliative care and hospice services. I also cherish the opportunity to support those exploring their relationship to death and grief long before the end is near.

before the end is near

when death approaches

Learning to walk alongside death and grief, while recognizing them as inseparable and necessary parts of life, expands our inclination toward compassion, love, and courage. It teaches us how to be with others in hard times. Cultivating our understanding of death and grief long before the end is near deepens our capacity for the joy, beauty, and the sweetness of vibrant living. It clarifies what's important and true in our hearts, and helps us face life's transitions. On a collective scale, it begins to challenge the materialism, disconnection, and frenzied pace of modern society, bringing us into deep belonging with our ancestors, our communities, and the Earth.

"Joy is not the opposite of grief. Grief is the opposite of indifference.

Malkia Devich-Cyril

Soulful Death Care:

planning (in person or online)

End of life preparation and education when the end is near and when it is not. We inquire into a number of domains and needs including emotional, spiritual, physical, legacy, and practical with the goal of finding ways to enrich life now.

Soulful Death Care:

natural holistic support (in person)

Offerings may include therapeutic touch, acupuncture, sound healing, breath work, aromatherapy, and other techniques for pain relief, relaxation, and emotional wellbeing. These services offer comfort and support to people facing the end of life as well as their loved ones/care givers.

Soulful Grief Tending:

(in person or online)

Healthy grief includes sorrow and heartbreak, however, it is not just a feeling but also what we do. Grief is not meant to be done alone, something to be "meditated away", or something to "get over". Conscious courageous grieving can nourish our Soul, our ancestors, and the Earth.

grief and death doula offerings

“Grief is subversive, undermining the quiet agreement to behave and be in control of our emotions. It is an act of protest that declares our refusal to live numb and small. There is something feral about grief, something essentially outside the ordained and sanctioned behaviors of our culture. Because of that, grief is necessary to the vitality of the soul. Contrary to our fears, grief is suffused with life-force"

Francis Weller