By Kyona, Self-Care & End-of-Life Doula

Regardless of its inevitability, there are those who avoid discussing death and dying and view it as an uncomfortable topic or even taboo. And some may even believe that merely thinking about their own death is a morbid and unhealthy practice.

I help people contemplate their ideal death because I believe it is an ultimate act of self-care that also benefits your loved ones. Below, I am sharing selected insights and resources that I've gleaned from my End-of-Life (EOL) studies to begin the process or update your plans.

• Explore your attitude towards and relationship with death and dying.

• Death Attitude Profile

• The 9 Contemplations of Atisha

• Complete/revisit your advance healthcare directive and designate your health care proxy/agent.

• Key Considerations in EOL Planning Workbook: Going with Grace Course.

• Consider the things that comfort you, and clarify how you would like to be comforted at the end of life (as if it could happen tomorrow).

• Sensory preferences: temperature, touch, textures, quiet moments, guided meditations, music, favorite shows or movies, aromatherapy, visual art

• Company of loved ones, or exclusion of certain people

• Pain relief: Cannabis therapeutics, minimal or aggressive sedation

• Decide how you want your body handled after death.

• Would you like your loved ones to have time alone with your body to mourn?

• Do you want a traditional or green burial or cremation?

• Create/update your care plan to clearly outline your final wishes.

• Endnotes EOL Planning Guidebook: Peaceful Presence

• Gather your EOL documents in a safe place and inform your loved ones/care team of their location.

• Next of Kin EOL Planning and Organization System: NOKBOX

• Normalize conversations about death and dying.

• Virtual Death Cafés

• Elevate with the Collective Café Mortel

• Seek support from Death Doulas for additional guidance.

• National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) Directory

• International End-of-Life Doula Association (INELDA) Directory

For easy access to all the resources mentioned, download the full PDF guide. Click Here

About Kyona:

Kyona is a Board Certified Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, Auriculotherapy Practitioner, Entheogenic Support Guide, Cannabis Educator, and Death Doula. With a passion to share over two decades of immersive study in holistic self-care and preventative health management, Kyona educates and empowers women in their middle-essence to take an active role in their health by elevating awareness and restoring balance through appropriate foods, herbs, lifestyle routines, and contemplation of mortality. Kyona is the founder of kyveda and a professional member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, National Ayurvedic Medical Association, California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, and California Massage Therapy Council.

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