Last year I took the “Going with Grace” death-doula training developed by Alua Arthur. I’ve worked with grief throughout my career as a therapist, and for the last several years, I’ve worked with clients living with terminal cancer. I felt the training would help me assist these clients to wonder about the big questions; do legacy work; process their fear, grief, and hope; and deepened their connection with loved ones. Death doulas assist the family, loved ones, and the dying person, helping everyone have a more connective experience as well as aiding with the practical parts of dying. Some people hire death doulas far in advance of active dying, and some people seek one out when death is more eminent.
Prior to the training, we were instructed to bring something precious that wouldn’t return with us. I walked around my house looking at each treasure, weighing how dear it was to me, as well as whether I was ready to let it go.
The only advice the Going with Grace team offered was “Just like anything, you will get out of this exercise what you put into it.”
I considered several objects before landing on a delicate…
