DEATH & BREATH BLOG
Psychedelic Integration & The Acceptance of Death
Psychedelic experiences can crack us open to the reality of death in profound ways. But what happens when the trip ends? Without integration, these insights can fade or feel overwhelming.
Planning for the "You" of Tomorrow: Advance Care Planning for Dementia
For a condition like dementia, a medical checklist isn't enough. Learn how to write a "Values Directive" that tells your future caregivers how to care for your spirit, not just your biology.
The Waiting Room: Supporting a Loved One Through Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD)
When a loved one chooses Voluntary Assisted Dying, you enter a unique "waiting room" where the clock ticks differently. Here is how to navigate the complex emotional landscape of knowing exactly when the end will come.
Breaking the Taboo: 5 Conversation Starters for Talking About Death
The hardest part of talking about death is the first sentence. Whether you are at a dinner party or sitting with aging parents, these scripts will help you break the ice with love.
Image credit: Corpse Decompression by Landis Blair is used for inspirational purposes only.
Why You Can’t "Think" Your Way Out of Fear of Death
You cannot "logic" your way out of mortality. If you are stuck in a loop of anxiety about death, discover why talk therapy might be failing you and how Somatic Inquiry offers a different path to peace.
Confronting Existential Dread in the Age of AI
We are living through a moment of unprecedented change. If the rise of AI is triggering a deep sense of groundlessness or dread, you are not alone. Here is how to anchor yourself.
Image from Bjork’s “All is Full of Love” music video is used for inspirational purposes only.
10 Journal Prompts for the Death-Curious
You don't need a terminal diagnosis to start thinking about your legacy. Grab a pen and a quiet hour—these 10 questions will change the way you live today.
A Story of Endings: A Documentary About Death Doulas in Victoria
Here’s a glimpse of me in A Story of Endings, a documentary directed by Lucy Pijnenburg that follows four death doulas across Victoria. In my clip, I share about my connection with my ancestors and the deeper meaning of end-of-life care.
Death Conversation Cards: A Gentle Way to Talk About Death and Dying
Talking about death doesn’t have to be heavy or morbid. The Let’s Talk About Endings conversation cards, created by filmmaker Lucy Pijnenburg and inspired by her documentary A Story of Endings, offer a gentle way to spark meaningful dialogue about life, death, and everything in between.
Finding the Right Support: A Guide to Death Doulas, Death Coachs, & End-of-Life Practitioners in Melbourne (and How We Differ)
The world of end-of-life care is growing, and every Doula offers something different. Here is a guide to help you find the right support, whether that is hands-on care or deep emotional enquiry.
The Rehearsal: Why Meditation is Practice for Dying
We often treat meditation as a way to reduce stress. But in the ancient traditions, meditation was something deeper: it was the daily practice of dying to the self.
The "She'll Be Right" Trap: Why Australians Struggle to Talk About Death
"She'll be right, mate." It is the unofficial Australian motto. But when it comes to dying, this cultural stoicism often leaves us isolated and unprepared.
You Are Not Broken: Why We Need to Stop Pathologising Grief
In a culture obsessed with fixing, we often treat grief like a flu we need to recover from. But what if your sorrow isn't a symptom of illness, but a sign of deep health?
Returning to the Earth: A Guide to Natural Burials in Victoria
For those who love the earth, the idea of a polished coffin and a concrete vault feels wrong. Discover the gentle, sustainable alternatives available right here in Victoria.
Meaningful Farewells on a Budget: Navigating Death in the Cost of Living Crisis
In a cost-of-living crisis, the price of dying can feel overwhelming. Discover how to separate the "industry costs" from the meaningful rituals, and learn why a budget-friendly farewell often holds the most heart.
Why I Have Moved Towards Existential Integration (And How It Differs from Therapy)
My practice has changed. I have moved away from the "doing" of end-of-life care to the "being." Here is why I focus on Existential Integration and how it supports the parts of you that talk therapy can't reach.
Grief FAQs
Read my responses to some of the most frequently asked questions I receive about grief and loss.
The Vital Role of a Death Doula
Although it is a growing industry, many people are unaware of what a death doula is. Discover what a death doula’s role is in the death process and what some of the benefits of having one are.
Advance Care Planning Essentials
Learn why Advance Care Planning is crucial, grasp the ACP fundamentals and find out why I strongly advise starting your ACP today.
“Not success. Not growth. Not happiness. The cradle of your love of life…is death.”
— STEPHEN JENKINSON