May 2024 | Newsletter

To Our Beautiful Community...

Many people wonder "should children be welcomed into spaces where death is near?" and "How do we have conversations about death with children?"

In these beautiful photos so generously shared by Elizabeth, our founder, we have a pure and lovely example of what this sacred space can look like with children present. Elizabeth's grandson was often present at the bedside of her mother, Ann, just days before she transitioned. He wasn't afraid to be near Ann, hold her hand or just sit with her. In fact, his presence lifted the energy of the whole room and helped other family members be present and feel more comfortable with someone who wasn't responsive. A real-life example of the benefits of having children present.

Further delving into the subject will show that death should not be ignored in a child's presence. They pick up on much more than we know. Children can grieve too and they should not be left alone in that grief, but included and 

allowed to be part of authentic discussion about death and expressions of grief. Although a child's understanding of death will evolve depending on their developmental stage, it is important to use clear and concrete language and to not shy away from the word "death" - a common tendency in our culture. Ultimately, our own comfort level with death will transfer to the children in our lives. 

With an Open Heart,

Elizabeth Padilla & Rachel Cao

♥

"May we hold loving space for such conversations, for it is our love that matters most in the end."

AMY WRIGHT GLENN

Conscious Dying Coach

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

This course is a foundation of the personal exploration of death, and training in the "Best Three Months" model of coaching and care. 

Sacred Passage End-of-Life Doula

CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Support and accompany individuals and their families through one of life's most profound transitions.

The Dementia Journey

Working with what people have left... Not what they've lost. This course will assist you in building your end-of-life education and dementia knowledge through Dementia Care Principles, and empowering you with foundational skills.

Grace & Grief Vigils

Join us for these complementary 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. 

May's Theme: Grief Around Mothering

Voluntarily Stopping Eating & Drink

ENRICHMENT COURSE

Enhance your skills and doula practice in learning how to navigate the complexities of this topic. In this course, we cover the legalities, ethics, why people choose this method, and practical tips for working with VSED clients as a doula.

Want to know more? Please email info@consciousdyingcollective.com

Darthula Young is a certified End-of-Life Coach and Doula by the Conscious Dying Institute, and the founder and CEO of Rooted in Dignity Inc. (RID), a nonprofit organization established to bring compassion, support, and understanding to the profound journey of end-of-life. RID's acknowledgement and recognition of cultural perspectives on death is demonstrated by their decision to provide services to underserved, overlooked, marginalized, and BIPOC communities. These perspectives can vary and may require specific attention and sensitivity. For example, there are several issues specific to the African American Community that resulted in a reluctance to use hospice care or plan and prepare for end-of-life. This reluctance is attributed to the mistrust of the medical profession, and is based on the historical mistreatment of African Americans, which began during slavery and continues today. In addition, there is a lack of knowledge about the offerings of hospice services, and a misconception that spirituality and faith are not relevant during hospice care. These are the primary reasons and rationale for establishing Rooted in Dignity to educate and improve the quality of individuals' end-of-life journey.

Darthula was drawn to this work because of the loss of her friends and family members, mother-in-law, uncles, aunts, mother, and brother. These experiences shaped her perspective on how important it is to have support to help others navigate their end-of-life journey. Additionally, the African American community has strong spiritual beliefs. Their end-of-life decisions are based on the belief that God is the only one that can determine when a person dies, and Darthula's end-of-life work aligns with these beliefs. 

Her success as an end-of-life doula is attributed to her desire to support and accompany individuals and their families through one of life's most profound transitions, by offering comfort, dignity, and compassion.

Darthula's compassionate work in underserved, overlooked, marginalized, and BIPOC communities is elevated by her membership of the Illinois Hospice and Palliative Organization's Physician Order for Life Sustaining Care Committee (POLST), as they actively work with members of the Illinois General Assembly to create a statewide registry for POLST orders to be housed by the Illinois Secretary of State. In addition, she is a part of the 2024 cohort of the National Benevolent Association and a presenter at the Hospice and Palliative Research and Education Foundation's Spring Conference, discussing the reasons why " African Americans are reluctant to use hospice care". RID participates in town hall meetings sponsored by 7th Congressional Congressman Danny K. Davis in the 7th congressional district to provide information on end-of-life planning and preparation. And they have a partner relationship with Habilitative Systems Inc. (HSI), a human service agency in Chicago to provide end-of-life seminars for their senior residents, clients and staff. RID is also involved with the Illinois Compassion and Choices organization to promote the passage of legislation for Medical Aid in Dying.

We are honored to uplift the incredible work of Darthula Young and Rooted in Dignity. To learn more and support their work, visit www.rootedindignity.com.

Providing rich content and valuable ideas TO our community FROM our community: personal stories, guidance and contemplations to uplift end-of-life care and education.

info@consciousdyingcollective.com    |   303-440-8018