As it tends to happen, I just had THE MOST INCREDIBLE experience (namely, leading a retreat in Portugal), but it was bookended with heartache. Before leaving for the retreat, my dear Gram had a serious fall and was gone within a week. Although she wasn't ever actually terminally ill (which made getting hospice care difficult), she announced… Continue reading Layers of Loss
Linger over what makes you smile. Savor delight and connection. Fully embrace and absorb meaningful moments as they pass. Why Incorporate Impermanence Practices? From completely forgettable happenings to momentous events, nothing lasts forever. Moments are here, and then they’re gone. Every sentient being will have its allotted lifespan. Even our sun is destined to eventually… Continue reading Impermanence
If you know me at all as a doula or death lit writer, you know I reference “intensity” far more often than “suffering.” This is because intensity—during birth, death, or grief—is pretty much a given. Whether it’s felt by the person actually journeying through or those surrounding them, and whether it’s emotional, physical, spiritual, or… Continue reading Attending to Suffering: Helplessness and Proximity
First, please know, you are held in gratitude. Whether you are a clinician, faith leader, deathcare worker, life coach, volunteer, neighbor, or loved one, the support you supply to others is crucial. Without it, many among us would feel lonely and neglected. So, thank you. Caring for people through the end of life can become… Continue reading A Letter to Death Care Providers & Partners
Before becoming a speaker and author, I’m not sure I really understood what an act of courage it is to share what you create. Public speaking is gravely feared, and it makes good sense! When we stand up in front of people and verbalize what’s on our hearts and minds (hoping it might be useful… Continue reading Vulnerability and Courage
Francesca Lynn Arnoldy 