Author Archives: Jenna Brownson

Even though the seasons are changing, and we enter into this time of rest, it is also a time of seasonal death. And yet, there exists a timelessness within this circle of life. The berries on this wintergreen are the promise of future life; they are the legacy of the plant itself. In working withContinue reading “Shaking Loose Memories”

While Death Doulas do all of their client work in the months/weeks/days leading up to the client’s death, oftentimes the work continues with the loved ones, many of whom feel a little lost on how to best grieve the loss. In the immediate wake of someone’s passing, there is a lot for the loved onesContinue reading “Even Months Later”

Most people do not spend time considering what we want our lives to look like right up to our last breath. Moreover, it is unlikely we know how our loved ones would respond to the same question. As an End-of-Life Doula, I am comfortable discussing death and dying. I recognize that all of us willContinue reading “Needed Discussions”

Nature gives us lots of opportunities to observe multitudes. Whether sand divots on a beach, leaves on a branch, or the mirrored coloration on the wings of a bird or a butterfly, nature reminds us of the wonder of the natural world, while ironically, reminding us of the commonality of life itself. My work asContinue reading “Repeating Patterns”

Spring can be a very difficult time to die. When the world returns to new life, teeming with hope and promise, facing death can feel particularly cruel with this juxtaposition. But in that conflicting space, there can be an opportunity for reflection. My clients, when they take their life inventories, often speak of their childhood,Continue reading “Death near the Vernal Equinox”

Analysis of death is not for the sake of becoming fearful but to appreciate this precious lifetime. ~ Dalia Lama As an End-of-Life Doula, this quote encapsulates a lot of the work that I do with my clients, the dying. So many people fear the inevitable event of death even when great thinkers and teachersContinue reading “Advocating for a Clear-Eyed Analysis”

In my work as a Death Doula, I’ve noticed that when someone is actively dying, there might be a reluctance to touch that person as if there is an underlying fear that this contact might be harmful to the dying person or that the person touching the dying person might “catch” death from contact alone.Continue reading “The Healing Power of Touch”

Many people find that at the end of their lives that they wish to spend time in nature. This is a common occurrence that reflects our very human desire to be part of something large and important. And many find that looking up to the skies helps to put their lives into perspective. When IContinue reading “Looking Up”

“Do not be afraid” is easier said than done, especially when the fear is of one’s own death. In fact, most people are terrified into emotional paralysis at the thought of dying. I’ve found that when most are asked to explore what specifically they fear, most say they fear “not knowing what will happen toContinue reading “Do Not Be Afraid”

Many people find that at the ends of their lives they are prone to look back and question the merits of their actions. Often, this inventorying comes with regret. One of the services a Death Doula provides is unburdening: it’s an invitation to the dying person to catalog and explore past actions, and their subsequentContinue reading “Heavy Burdens”