As a society we have been distanced from the process of dying and death since the growth of the hospital and funeral industries. People no longer die at home surrounded by their family, and the family no longer take care of preparing the body of their loved one in preparation for burial or cremation. As a result we have disconnected from the cycle of life and death, becoming fearful to the point of not facing the inevitable. Not preparing either ourselves ~ for how we want to die or, our families ~ for how they will cope ~ practically or emotionally.

We do not need to wait until we receive a terminal diagnosis to start the process of preparing for death. Indeed many traditions, religions and philosophies consider a daily awareness of our mortality a pre-requisite for living consciously, fully and joyfully.

So preparing for death or ~ living consciously ~ can begin now. Whether you are now alone or supported by family and friends, we can work together at all or any of the following stages to ensure that you live an authentic life, fully experiencing and expressing who you are.

Please call or email to schedule a free consultation. The relationship we create is a sacred gift for both parties and fees are based on fair exchange, within the means of the individual.

Preparing for Death

The first work that we do together involves ‘Unravelling Life or Journey Work’. This can be a simple practice beginning with a Life Review or Recapitulation. This can include, but is not limited to: Unresolved/Incomplete Personal Business ~ Ego Work ~ Attachments ~ Forgiveness of the Past ~ Facing Fear of the Future. Various techniques suited to the needs of each individual will be used, from simple sharing and witnessing to deep trauma healing through breathwork and guided meditations.

Together we will design a simple personal daily practice to become present, relax and release physical tension and, let go of emotional and mental disturbances.  A practice that centers and ultimately leads to a state of inner peace. It is from this place that we can then move into our daily life.

Part of the preparation also involves putting in place the necessary practical arrangements that ensure that your wishes are documented and that no unnecessary burdens are placed on relatives and friends in the event of your death ~ particularly if sudden. Together we will review such things as: making a Will ~ a Living Will, including DNRs ~ Funeral Arrangements (eg burial or cremation) and Powers of Attorney. At this time thoughts can be expanded to include Gifts of Goodbye for loved ones, Funeral Service details and the such. A written plan of action can then be prepared and undertaken as a matter of urgency with legal counsel.

In the event of a terminal diagnosis this process then expands to include documenting Pain Management, Dying and Transition Plans. Questions such as How do I want to die? eg level of pain relief and lucidity, use of medical or natural pain relief and techniques, euthanasia; Where? eg Hospital, Hospice, Nursing Home or Family Home; with Whom? eg Medical Professionals, Family, Friends, Ministerial Professions such as a Pastor or Soul Midwife and What is going to happen? ie really addressing the fears of the process of dying ~ a ‘no holds barred’ discussion, and what happens or you would like to happen to the body just before and after death eg vigils, rituals, rites, ceremonies to be observed according to your custom, tradition or religion.

At this stage we will work together on the daily practice to develop more advanced practices designed to assist a complete ‘surrender’ to the process including pain management and last moments of breath.

Final Stages of Dying/Transition/Crossing

In the final stages of dying it is important to have regular support and reassurance regarding all the elements of death such as: the Physical ~ process of the body’s shut down; the Emotional and Mental ~ process of detaching, releasing and letting go; and the Spiritual ~ process of the expansion of awareness, consciousness and out-of-body-ness. My role as Soul Midwife is then to provide the caregiving and ministering and/or support loved ones to provide the caring for you in the final stages, honoring your wishes and easing your transition.

Crossing the Sacred Threshold/After Death

As you have prepared to die consciously ~ when the final moment of death comes ~ you will be ready. Death is the final healing and there are a number of simple and advanced practices that can assist your crossing. We will work on those together depending on your beliefs and preferences. Examples include holding the space in a sacred manner and witnessing, prayer and ceremony, use of breath/heart entrainment, guided visualizations using pre-agreed words and images to trigger the crossing, Journeying with the Soul or Psychopomping and finally Transfer of Consciousness at Death. Some practices can also be done remotely without necessarily being present in the room at death.

After death your wishes for care and disposal of the body will be initiated and carried out  as documented (within local/state legal requirements), including; requirement of Waiting period before disturbing/moving the body ~ Laying out of the body including washing, anointing and dressing ~ Vigil and Wake periods.