Newsletter | May 2025

Breath, Presence & the Threshold of Life

As a somatic practitioner and student of trauma-informed bodywork, I've been exploring how breath and body awareness can support individuals and families during end-of-life transitions. While I'm not an end-of-life doula myself, I hold deep respect for this calling and have been inspired to consider how somatic tools might serve those in this space.

Somatic Respiratory Integration (SRI) and the 12 Stages of Healing by Donny Epstein have deeply impacted my own journey. These practices help cultivate presence, nervous system regulation, and a sense of grounded openness—qualities that are essential when walking alongside grief, fear, or uncertainty.

In this month's blog, I share how doulas, caregivers, and loved ones can use these simple somatic practices to reconnect with breath, body, and the present moment. Whether supporting others or tending to your own energy, these tools offer gentle pathways to presence and healing—even at the edge of life.

With Love,

Jae VanOrsdale

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"The most calm and regulated person in the room holds the most power."

- Unknown

Jae VanOrsdale, Executive Assistant at The Conscious Dying Collective, supports end-of-life care education. As a certified Somatic Breathwork Facilitator and aspiring massage therapist, she focuses on trauma release and resilience. Jae is committed to fostering self-awareness and adaptability, creating safe spaces for healing.

Let's Learn!

Early Bird Registration

opens soon for Befriending Death and the End-of-Life Doula Training Fall cohorts.

Keep an eye out for that announcement or join the interest list!

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The Dementia Journey

Course Dates: May 26 - June 30, 2025

Dementia touches the many circles of our communities. This course will assist you in building your end-of-life education and dementia knowledge through Dementia Care Principles, and empower you with foundational skills.

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Grace & Grief Vigils

Second Monday of Every Month

6 - 7pm MT

Join us for these complimentary monthly gatherings where we will tend the hard parts of our personal and collective grief through the soft expression of intentional space, guiding invocations, imaginal activities and tender closings.

Next Vigil - May 12th

LEARN MORE & RSVP

Community Spotlight

Musical Reflections on the Mystery of Death:

Jon Wirtz's Beautiful Illusion

Recently, we made a connection with Jon Wirtz, a professional musician whose creative work is deeply informed by his contemplations on death and our place in the universe. With past experience volunteering in hospice and the Living/Dying Project, Jon brings a compassionate awareness to everything he does—including his art.

His latest album, Beautiful Illusion, was composed as a gentle offering for those who are open to exploring the often-unspoken reality of death. With sensitivity and spaciousness, Jon invites listeners to breathe, reflect, and perhaps feel a little less fearful of what lies beyond.

Whether you are deep in the journey of befriending death or simply seeking calming, intentional music, this album may be a balm for the soul.

👉 Listen to Beautiful Illusion

The inspiration for Beautiful Illusion began in 2014 after the sudden loss of a close friend at age 32. In the wake of his grief, Jon struggled to play piano or sleep, but found himself occasionally waking in the middle of the night with fragments of melodies. These moments gradually evolved into songs like Lullaby for Sleepless Nights and Beautiful Illusion, and over the next decade, a quiet, healing narrative emerged. Influenced by Ram Dass' teachings and Vedanta philosophy, Jon and co-producer Kyle Jones approached the album with patience and openness, allowing its story to unfold organically. The result is a deeply personal, contemplative record designed to offer listeners a sense of peace, presence, and perspective.