A Natural Goodbye: An Alternative to the Traditional Funeral
I offer my clients a unique opportunity to say a Natural Goodbye following the death of a loved one as an alternative to a traditional funeral or formal wake or visitation. They are invited to an intimate two hour, informal gathering in a private, safe space in the community for cherished time with their person.
The space is a naturally light filled room specially prepared for this purpose. As the family enters the space, they smell an aroma emanating from a misting diffuser. They are invited to bring in photos, music and stories representative of their beloved.
They see the body of their loved one respectfully laying on a massage table covered in simple linen fabric. Their upper body is propped up slightly and the massage table is covered with colorful fabrics.
As the family looks around the room, they see living plants and hear a water fountain gently flowing. There is an empty alternative cardboard casket placed on a table. This cardboard container becomes a natural art project for those who prefer to busy their hands in this way. We offer the family a set of colorful markers to use to draw artwork and to write their own personal send off messages.
In another corner is a table set up with hot water and an assortment of cups. Those who are interested can sip coffee or tea and sit and reflect on the sanctity of these final moments in silence. This is where they can place the photos they have brought to honor their loved one as we play the music they’ve selected.
There are three large bowls filled with warm water. After everyone has arrived, everyone is invited to wash their hands in one of the bowls filled with the warm scented water while another holds a towel to gently dry their hands. This marks the opening of the sacred space.
The family is invited to either decorate the container, to sit and reflect with a cup of tea or to be gently guided through a simple body washing and experience of remembering.
Those who desire to participate in the ceremonial body washing are offered the second bowl of warm water. They dip their cloths in the water and are guided to reflect on experiences they had w/their beloved as they gently wash the feet, the hands, and the face. The Doula guides them through inviting participants to share stories and memories of the places the feet have taken them, the work of their hands, the things they’ve seen, heard, tasted and smelled.
After the washing, the family is guided through wrapping the body in a simple shroud. They can decide if they would like to move their beloved’s body into the decorated container. They can place the lid of the container and move the precious contents into the awaiting vehicle for final disposition.
As they leave, they are invited to wash their hands in the third bowl of warm water signifying the end of the Natural Goodbye experience.
I offer my clients a unique opportunity to say a Natural Goodbye following the death of a loved one as an alternative to a traditional funeral or formal wake or visitation. They are invited to an intimate two hour, informal gathering in a private, safe space in the community for cherished time with their person.
The space is a naturally light filled room specially prepared for this purpose. As the family enters the space, they smell an aroma emanating from a misting diffuser. They are invited to bring in photos, music and stories representative of their beloved.
They see the body of their loved one respectfully laying on a massage table covered in simple linen fabric. Their upper body is propped up slightly and the massage table is covered with colorful fabrics.
As the family looks around the room, they see living plants and hear a water fountain gently flowing. There is an empty alternative cardboard casket placed on a table. This cardboard container becomes a natural art project for those who prefer to busy their hands in this way. We offer the family a set of colorful markers to use to draw artwork and to write their own personal send off messages.
In another corner is a table set up with hot water and an assortment of cups. Those who are interested can sip coffee or tea and sit and reflect on the sanctity of these final moments in silence. This is where they can place the photos they have brought to honor their loved one as we play the music they’ve selected.
There are three large bowls filled with warm water. After everyone has arrived, everyone is invited to wash their hands in one of the bowls filled with the warm scented water while another holds a towel to gently dry their hands. This marks the opening of the sacred space.
The family is invited to either decorate the container, to sit and reflect with a cup of tea or to be gently guided through a simple body washing and experience of remembering.
Those who desire to participate in the ceremonial body washing are offered the second bowl of warm water. They dip their cloths in the water and are guided to reflect on experiences they had w/their beloved as they gently wash the feet, the hands, and the face. The Doula guides them through inviting participants to share stories and memories of the places the feet have taken them, the work of their hands, the things they’ve seen, heard, tasted and smelled.
After the washing, the family is guided through wrapping the body in a simple shroud. They can decide if they would like to move their beloved’s body into the decorated container. They can place the lid of the container and move the precious contents into the awaiting vehicle for final disposition.
As they leave, they are invited to wash their hands in the third bowl of warm water signifying the end of the Natural Goodbye experience.