before the end is near

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.

when death approaches

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. 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.

soulful death care

Death Doula Offerings:

• Soulful Death Care: planning (in person or online)

End of life planning 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.

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 relish the opportunity to open the door to end of life conversations with folks exploring their relationship to death and grief long before the end is near.