Death Journaling: Creating Keepsakes of a Lifetime
*Content is related yet distinct between Death Journaling weekend immersions and full retreats. Sign up for either or both!
Press pause on the daily grind to immerse yourself in creativity, contemplation, and connection. Together, we’ll welcome more peace into our hearts and deeper meaning into our days. Welcoming deathcare providers, death literacy advocates, and curious mortals alike!
DESCRIPTION
Our “manual” for the retreat will be Francesca’s new book, The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared. The format of this interactive workbook was largely inspired by Francesca’s own “Death Journal,” what she calls the remembrance project she’s been making for her beloveds for the end of her life—whenever that occurs.
Inside its pages, a death journal can contain mementos, messages, song lyrics, poetry, quotes, “core self” lists (“Happiness Is…,” “Comfort Is…,” and others about gratitude and beliefs) as well as preferences for end-of-life care and disposition.
“Basically, it’s me on a page. It’s what I’ve loved and why. It’s my words and wishes. When they open it, my loved ones will hear my voice. And hopefully, they’ll feel my love.” -Francesca
INTENTIONS
- A slowed pace: Welcome peace and awe after leaving behind any pressures and stress. All of the details and plans will be thoughtfully arranged, freeing you up to be more present and relaxed.
- Restoration: Rest deeply and nourish yourself well.
- Reclamation: Reclaim your wholeness and even your mortality.
- Connection: Connect to yourself and a community of kindreds.
- Enjoyment: Life is meant to be lived fully! Memento mori.
Expect topic talks, group discussions, partner debriefs, and reflective writing...PLUS down time for integration and rest. During our time together, YOU will create the beginnings of your own death journal within a supportive community of kindreds.
“Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.” -Rachel Naomi Remen
TOPICS
- First, we’ll start by cultivating a mindset of compassion as we become our own doulas.
- Next, we’ll explore our connections to self, strength, source, story, and support.
- Then, we’ll discuss “mortality awareness” and “death wellness” while developing Memento Mori practices.
- Next, we’ll focus on “planning, preparing, and processing” as we create components of our Death Journals, including core-self lists, life stories, meaningful messages, and more.
- Infused throughout will be guided meditations and visualizations to foster clarity and healing.
By the end of our retreat, your Death Journal will be overflowing with creative, inspired entries with space for continued work!
TESTIMONIALS
“Francesca, the gift you are giving this world is indispensable. You share your knowledge with others with grace and compassion, without judgement. I am forever grateful for the growth I have seen in myself and others who have had the privilege of working with you.” –Celia Harnett
“Francesca has a gift for facilitating and bringing a baseline of calm and flow to her work. Her presence made the retreat.” –Lauren Agrella-Sevilla
“Francesca, I most appreciate the care and thought that went into bringing this retreat to life. You created a beautiful way to investigate living and dying, boldly, gently and honestly without pretense or judgment. I’m still expressing thanks for our time in Monchique. It’s changed me. I’m living life from a wider perspective and welcoming death to tag along.” –Retreat Participant
“This program should be part of required training for all medical and nursing students and strongly suggested for those in practice.” –Robert Varipapa MD
What past retreaters have loved most:
- Being able to step away from regular day-to-day life and immerse myself in place and internal space was amazingly healing.
- I am thrilled at the way the circle of people came together in the course of the week to provide a safe and nurturing space or processing death wellness.
- Amazing interaction with Francesca and participants.
- Getting in touch more deeply with my own feelings on death (and life!).
- Connection to others and taking a good look at myself and my values.
- Most beneficial was listening to people’s experiences and ideas. What I enjoyed most was the camaraderie and laughter.
- Just thank you thank you thank you. First rate experience.
*See footage of a past, actualized retreat: Portugal 2023
YOUR RETREAT LEADER
Francesca Lynn Arnoldy is a community doula and death literacy advocate. She authored Cultivating the Doula Heart: Essentials of Compassionate Care (a guidebook), Map of Memory Lane (a picture book), and The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared (an interactive workbook). Francesca is a researcher with the Vermont Conversation Lab and she was the original course developer of the University of Vermont’s End-of-Life Doula Professional Certificate Programs. A trusted thought-leader, Francesca has been featured in articles by The New York Times, Fast Company, Newsweek, The Verge, and AARP. She regularly presents on life-and-death topics with hopes of encouraging people to support one another through times of intensity.
*Contemplative Doula events are NOT mental health or medical support/care offerings. Please contact your provider (or emergency services when applicable) to seek assistance as needed with mental health and/or medical care.
Questions? Email me in the contact form below!
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