I haven’t written for many months. Over the last year and a half the narrative of the world has changed beyond recognition, and on a personal level, everyone has had to find where they feel they sit in that narrative.

But whatever we get up to, Nature seems to find a way to carry on her cycles. It’s part of my life now to celebrate the solstices, equinoxes and cross quarter days of the year – six-weekly little rituals to acknowledge the season and the cycle of life. Since last writing we’ve seen Spring Equinox, Beltane, Summer Solstice and Lammas (or Lughnasa). Each time I’ve joined a meditation practice, lit a candle or sat round a firepit, perhaps looked at some cards or thought about something to nurture or something to leave behind that’s no longer serving. It helps me remember that I’m part of the cycle too, part of the whole, not just an individual who’s struggling to make sense of the narrative. These ancient rituals celebrated the bounties of Mother Nature, when people still knew they were dependent on her for life itself. My practice reconnects me.

And because of that, it brings me the hope and energy to continue on my journey, following my purpose. It seems to me that death is a wonderfully levelling topic – not one of us will escape it, no matter how hard we may try. Death is the one certainty of life. And yet how much fear and sadness can be tied up with that one fact. Ever since I trained as a Soul Midwife (holistic end of life practitioner) I’ve found that the access back to traditional and ancient wisdom has helped to free me of some of the fears I have surrounding death. Along with my meditation practice and the belief that I am more than just a physical body, these skills have really shown me that if we can be brave and have conversations about what’s important to us, express our fears, let people know what we find comforting and reassuring, all really is well.

I love sharing the simple, ancient wisdom of Tender, Loving Care and although it takes courage at times, I truly believe that the workshops and webinars I facilitate offer people the chance to view death with less fear. That will never be to diminish any experience of loss and grief, but in understanding the process and how to support someone who is dying, there is a remarkable potential of healing. We all have this knowledge innately, but it’s easy to forget when we often live our lives so far away from Nature. Sometimes we just need reminding. Modern medicine can at times be magical, but because of that, do we rush to put ourselves in the hands of the “other” to help us, perhaps believing that we have no power within ourselves? The ancient wisdom explored within TLC can empower you through understanding more about death and dying.  This may help you discover more about what’s really important to you, and also give you confidence to help someone else die peacefully. Everyone deserves a “good death,” whatever that may mean to them, and if you can be present, supporting that experience, it may well also help you as you eventually adjust to life without that person. As Felicity Warner says, “A good death helps everyone.” Sometimes a simple conversation about what’s important can make all the difference – have you had that conversation with your loved ones? I invite you to do so soon…♥