Publishing a book is an UNDERTAKING. What goes into it? Heaps of inspiration, ideas, stories, research, and time, plus some grit. As I near the final stretch of my new book's gestation, I'm looking back on the journey... Before this book came to be, there were serendipitous experiences that led to the "right time, right… Continue reading Creating “The Death Doula’s Guide to Living Fully and Dying Prepared”: From Invitation to Publication
In honor of Alzheimer's Disease Awareness, I have decided to share some of my personal experiences caring for people with dementia. Life has presented me with some irrefusable opportunities to learn new lessons lately, and I hope some might reach—and resonate with—overwhelmed caregivers. Connection is always paramount, after all. First, though, it’s important to clarify… Continue reading Caregiving and Dementia: Connection and Loss
Although definitions vary slightly, the term “talisman,” from telesma (Greek) and tilsam (Arabic), is often defined as a physical object imbued with powers to repel negative forces or attract positive energy. There is evidence from as far back as 25,000 BC that prehistoric peoples readily used these symbols of protection, and they were very common in ancient Egypt—especially in… Continue reading The Talisman: Discovering Death Rituals as a Doula
As a presenter about end-of-life doula work, I have come to realize that guiding groups through workshops often mirrors direct work in the field. Whether it’s birth or death, people yearn for support and validation from a nonjudgmental listening ear. This goes for leading participants through visualizations and advance care planning, too. When an array… Continue reading Working Through Wishes
The epilogue from Cultivating the Doula Heart: Essentials of Compassionate Care
Francesca Lynn Arnoldy 