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This post is re-published with permission from https://www.andrealuudesigns.com/post/becoming-a-death-doula . Photo from Wix. 9 lunar events ago, my rabbit had died. After several months of sitting in my grief, I decided to do the one thing I needed for myself which was to heal myself and seek out my fellow friend and personal astrologist. I was advised by her to try my hand at becoming a death doula after extensively studying my birth chart. She asked "Death must have been a

Bottom Drawer Boxes is a project conceived by @thebabylossmentor in Australia that I would like to share with the Infant and Pregnancy Loss Support (IPLS) community. All recognition of the idea belongs to The Baby Loss Mentor. The Bottom Drawer Box project is on my “to-do” list for the future. The project would require a funding source. The Bottom Drawer Box project recognizes that business owners, community organizations, or industry leaders are likely going to encounter a

Dear Friends, I recently finished reading The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman and couldn’t wait to share it with you. This novel follows Brett Bohlinger, a young woman who, after her mother’s passing, learns she must fulfill a list of childhood dreams to inherit her mother’s fortune. The list includes goals like “Go to Paris” and “Perform live on a super big stage.” As Brett embarks on this journey, she confronts personal challenges and discovers what truly matters in lif

In our fast-paced world, conversations about death often take a backseat. Yet, it's an inevitable part of life that deserves attention and care. As a death doula candidate in Dufferin County, I am passionate about filling the gaps in our community by providing compassionate support to individuals and families navigating the end-of-life journey. Photo from Wix. What is a Death Doula? A death doula, or an end-of-life doula, is a non-medical professional trained to support indiv

This post is republished with permission from https://longwayhometherapy.com/a-final-parting-gift-guest-blog/ In Sweden, there’s a practice called “Death Cleaning”—or Döstädning—popularized by artist and essayist Margareta Magnusson. The idea is to minimize your possessions and declutter so that when you die, others won’t have to. Essentially: clean up after yourself. While there are many benefits to living with less, that is the core intention. Photo from Wix. I first consid

Death is one of the few experiences every human being will face, yet it remains one of the least talked about. In many ways, our culture is deeply uncomfortable with death, often avoiding conversations about it until we have no choice. I know this because I used to be that person. Photo from Wix. I would shield my children from funerals or viewings of family members, and I felt almost annoyed at the idea that anyone might expect me to be comfortable with it. When my children

Dear Friends, I just finished reading a great book that I think would help explain a death doula’s role for you. It's called Cultivating the Doula Heart: Essentials of Compassionate Care by Francesca Lynn ArnoldyI know you expressed an interest in becoming a death doula, as have I. This book is part “how-to guide” and part hopeful manifesto. It helps explain the difference moving from sympathy to empathy to compassion, and also has some contemplative exercises. The book is b

Death isn’t a medical event—it’s a human one. As a death doula, I have the privilege of walking alongside individuals and their families in one of the most intimate chapters of life: the end. My role isn’t to cure or diagnose but to hold space, provide comfort, and guide people through what can often feel like uncharted and overwhelming territory. Photo from Wix. In British Columbia, end-of-life care is evolving. More families are seeking support that is as emotional and spir

Death is one of the few experiences every human being will share, yet it remains one of the most difficult subjects for us to talk about openly. When the end of life approaches, families often find themselves navigating grief, practical decisions, and overwhelming administrative tasks all at once. In those moments, compassionate presence can make an enormous difference. Photo from Wix. Five years ago, I experienced a health crisis that brought me close to death. While I reco

My first memory of wanting to help people die with support was when I was 7 years old, and my grandfather fell ill and was in the hospital for 6 months. I would go to the hospital with my father and spend every day with him and hold his hand. I felt strongly at that age that, although he was in a coma, he could feel me being there, and I was supporting him. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to be there when people were sick/dying to hold their hand, to support them,

Dear Friends, You must add Death is but a Dream – Finding Hope and Meaning in Life’s End by Christopher Kerr, MD, PhD to your must-read list. I initially heard Dr. Kerr on CBC Radio. He is originally from Canada and is now practicing as a hospice doctor in the USA. He completed a residency in internal medicine, began a fellowship in cardiology while working as a hospice doctor to help pay his bills. Dr. Kerr states he knew close to nothing what it meant to be a doctor of the

Death is a topic many people avoid but talking about it openly can be surprisingly comforting and insightful. This is where Death Cafés come in—a unique space where people gather to talk about death, dying, and everything in between. If the name Death Café feels a little intimidating, you're not alone. Many people hesitate at first. But don’t let the name keep you away—it’s simply a space for open, honest conversation, often filled with warmth, laughter, and even moments of

Dear Friends, I hope you’re doing well! I just finished reading a book that I think you’d find absolutely fascinating: From Here to Eternity: Traveling the World to Find the Good Death by Caitlin Doughty. It’s one of those books that challenges the way you think about something as universal as death, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. Caitlin Doughty, a mortician and death-positive advocate, travels the world in this book to explore how different cultures approach dea

This post was re-published with permission from https://www.les-passeuses.com/blog/Blog%20Post%20Title%20One-2n472-5laka We rarely talk about our own death. Yet taking a moment to imagine how we would like to experience this final transition can become an act of freedom—almost an act of tenderness. An “ideal death” is not a perfect death; it is simply a death that reflects who we are, one that honours our history and our way of moving through the world. Photo from Wix. An end

This post is re-published with permission from www.serenityendoflifedoulaservices.ca Grief often arrives in silence. After the loss of a loved one, many find themselves yearning for one more conversation—one more chance to say the things left unsaid. While death is a natural part of life, the emotional landscape it leaves behind can feel overwhelming and isolating. As a death doula, I've seen firsthand the healing that comes from creating spaces where grief is not only acknow

Dear Friends, I am writing to recommend the book 21 Days to Die: The Canadian Guide to End of Life by Linda Hochstetler. This guide offers an invaluable perspective for individuals navigating the complex emotional journey of end-of-life, whether it be the person dying or those that love them. Linda Hochstetler has extensive experience and has created a resource that is useful for patients, families and their caregivers. The book is structured to provide clear, accessible guid

In a world that celebrates birth with joy and ceremony, why do we so often shy away from discussing the end of life? Death is one of the few universal experiences, yet it remains cloaked in fear, avoidance, and uncertainty. As a death doula candidate, my mission is to shift this narrative by offering compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive support to individuals and families navigating the sacred transition of dying. My journey into end-of-life care began wit

The sign read, “Please help me feed my three children.” It was made of a discarded side of a cardboard box, well-used and bent in the middle. The black ink was bold and dark, the P lease underlined. The whole sentence should have been underscored and punctuated. By her unspoken English and pleading gestures, I knew that someone else had written the sign for her. She wore her misfortune like a grieving widow, veiled in sadness and complexity. She, too, was deserving of somet

This post is republished with permission from Westcoast Duck Yoga . In a past post, I have outlined the role of the yoga therapist a nd in this post, I wanted to outline the crossover between the role of a death doula and the yoga therapist. What is a death doula ? The word “doula” is Greek for helper. Birth doulas, for example, are known in their work supporting /helping women during their labour process and so a death doula supports/helps a person through the dying proce

Having a Power of Attorney (POA) in Alberta is important because it ensures that someone you trust can make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so due to illness, injury, or absence (if you are away for an extended period, traveling or living abroad). Photo from Wix. Here are the key reasons why it's essential at any age! 1. Protects Your Financial Affairs A POA allows your chosen representative ("attorney") to manage your bank accounts, in