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The Beginning at the End Blog

  • Thistles
    Community Education | News and Events

    Human Composting: A Natural Return to the Earth

    Have you heard of human composting? It’s not as “icky” as it sounds. For those seeking meaningful, sustainable options, human composting—also called natural organic reduction—is a process that offers just that: a return to the earth in the most literal sense.

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  • Doodle
    Death Doula Stories | Spiritual Reflections

    Body, Brain, Mind and Consciousness

    Contemplating consciousness, perception and mind has been a lifelong pursuit. The question of the nature of our existence is like a little muse that sits on my shoulder all the time.

    Continue reading Body, Brain, Mind and ConsciousnessContinue

  • Sunrise by Laura Silver
    Death Doula Stories | Dementia | Spiritual Reflections

    Saying Good-bye (Ta Ta for now) to Barbara

    Less than a month ago I attended the funeral (celebration of life) of a very special woman named Barbara. I got to know her through my weekly visits to a memory care facility in the city. She was often accompanied by her lovely and amazing companion; Jenny. Jenny – knowing how important socialization is for people living with dementia – frequently…

    Continue reading Saying Good-bye (Ta Ta for now) to BarbaraContinue

  • Profiles of a baby, young woman, and elderly woman against a gold-to-blue background, symbolizing life's passage.
    Spiritual Reflections

    Who Do You Think You Are?

    Science shows us that we are not made of static parts, but of patterns—processes in motion, constantly assembling and dissolving. We are not so much “things” as we are “events,” happening over time. And yet throughout all this movement we hold on to a sense of singular identity. A name. A face in the mirror. A feeling of being “me.”

    Continue reading Who Do You Think You Are?Continue

  • Ontario Landscape by Laura Silver
    Community Education | Death Doula Stories | News and Events

    When is a Blog not a Blog?

    When it’s a newsletter! Hi Everyone! This isn’t my usual blog post, but I’ve been reflecting that it has been about a year since I first started publishing on my website. Perhaps an update is in order! I have had a very busy twelve months. A year ago, I had just accompanied one of my…

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  • Senior Women Coffin And Funeral In Church
    Community Education | Spiritual Reflections

    When “the Villain” in Your Life Dies: Grief and Eulogy

    Have you ever been to a funeral of a loved one and wondered if you were in the right place because the eulogy was so different from what you knew of that person?

    Continue reading When “the Villain” in Your Life Dies: Grief and EulogyContinue

  • Caring Woman Assisting Her Friend With Cancer
    Community Education | Death Doula Stories

    The Ups and Downs of Being a Death Doula: A Personal Reflection

    A death doula provides compassionate support through life’s final transition, offering emotional and spiritual guidance to the dying and their families. A fulfilling role that bridges medical and personal care.

    Continue reading The Ups and Downs of Being a Death Doula: A Personal ReflectionContinue

  • Sprout growing from soil
    Community Education

    New Practices in Aftercare: Aquamation and Human Composting

    In recent years, two new, eco-friendly alternatives have emerged: aquamation and human composting. These methods are gaining traction as people seek greener, more sustainable ways to say goodbye to their loved ones. In this blog I’ll share what these practices are, how they began, whether they’re available in Canada, and their environmental benefits.

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  • An elderly woman reviewing her online accounts
    Community Education

    Dying in an Electronic World

    Preparing your electronic accounts for your death is a crucial yet often overlooked task. It helps ensure that your digital assets are managed properly.

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  • View More: Http://ashleyberryphoto.pass.us/drake
    Spiritual Reflections

    Guest Blog: Drake Powe

    Time is an illusion 

    It all happens right now 

    Kind, patient, content, committed.

    Beauty never ends

    Continue reading Guest Blog: Drake PoweContinue

  • Trees Near Body of Water
    Death Doula Stories

    A Good Death Involves a Glass of Sherry, and a Lake

    I love a good story. This one is personal – and ever-so-slightly embellished! I am going to tell you the story of my grandmother’s death – one of many deaths she had.

    Continue reading A Good Death Involves a Glass of Sherry, and a LakeContinue

  • Landscape Near Kawartha Lakes2
    Spiritual Reflections

    Why Some People Avoid Thinking About Their Own Death

    I thought that anyone facing death would want to right wrongs, share sage advice, ask for forgiveness and forgive. My experience as a death doula is that this doesn’t always happen.

    Continue reading Why Some People Avoid Thinking About Their Own DeathContinue

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As a Death Doula in Calgary, I provide compassionate end-of-life support. My services are tailored to your needs, and I offer both in-person and virtual support.

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