I feel butterflies in my belly as I type this. I know as I write this, I am beginning a deep journey.
A journey that is calling me to talk to anyone I can about death. All kinds of death. Physical, energetic, emotional, egoic, etc. Through the lens of death not being the final act, but rather an act of alchemy. And that with our conscious awareness, we can support the transition into a loving transformation.
Currently I am exactly two weeks away from embarking on the biggest journey my soul has yet to take in this lifetime as ‘Lisa’. I am traveling abroad on a one-way ticket, with no set plans to return. Carrying the main intention in my heart to walk the lands of my ancestry and to connect to lost wisdom.
The idea to create this project came to me when a bank teller suggested “Hey, you should start a travel blog!” as I walked out of the building. Her way of wishing me well planted a seed that immediately began to grow. In that instant I saw it all spiral out.
Why yes, I will start a travel blog! And it will be about death and it will feature anyone I meet who is willing to go deep with me!
With a skip in my step and a smile on my face, I began to envision it all.
It might seem strange to be excited about this topic but deep down, I am craving to know what is held in the cellular memory of people around death. What is waiting to be heard from inside their bones? What are they too afraid to say? What have they never been asked?
My journey with death began with questions. When the incessant question arose around my grandmother’s death, I began to become incredibly curious about the quality in which people die and the state of their souls as they transition. She died young and I never heard how or if she was alone or not. Did she die surrounded by love?
This question sparked a vision that came to me as I gazed out over Lake Huron on a starry November night. As I was pulled into the black void, I saw images, maybe even memories, of sitting bedside as someone passed. It felt so innate, primal, & natural.
Again, a seed was planted.
The very next day I came across the term “death doula” for the first time and there was no turning back. I spent the next year learning about the field, watering the seed, exploring this curiosity. Until almost exactly one year later, I completed a training to become an End-of-Life Doula through The Dying Year. This training began on my birthday, November 2nd, in the portal of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), All Souls Day/All Saints Day, Samhain, Halloween time, etc.
Right on time.
In the midst of my own painful deaths on many levels, I felt a sense of peace and trust. Knowing I was exactly where I needed to be.
Upon completion of the training, I was left with more questions than answers. Humbled by this realm, I realized that asking others about their experiences and perspectives is sure to be the best way to learn.
And so, Dancing with Death is born. A journey of stories, transitions, humanness…life.
I will be connecting with people, hearing their stories, and sharing them here. I hope it helps you feel connected to the humanity we all share.
My intention is that the stories and wisdom gathered can allow us all to soften into the natural part of the life cycle that is death. That when we speak aloud the memories, the anxieties, the grief, the suppressed truth, we can be liberated from our fear.
Can we surrender to the common thread we all share? Can we dance in the midst of grief and pain? Can we trust that when we open our hearts to the mystery we will be met with love?
Do you have a story on life, loss, and transition to share?
Email me at belovedgateway@gmail.com to schedule a no-cost story session. I am here to witness you in your process and in your power.
My gift to you. <3
Indeed, can we surrender to our common thread, that of being mortal. I believe if we do, we will live more fully. What a journey! I eagerly anticipate your stories and learning what others have to teach us all about dancing with death! Thank you.