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What is a Celebrant? (Interview)
A professional “celebrant” names the key ingredients for a successful memorialCelebrants are nondenominational professionals who help meet the ceremonial and spiritual needs of families, most commonly called upon for weddings and memorials. As a highly respected celebrant, Irene Kane creates personalized and memorable ceremonies throughout California. Below, Irene shares her memorial expertise with SevenPonds… Aurora: On your website, you say that you began marking “important…
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Will AI “Deadbots” Change How We Grieve?
Reaching out beyond the grave using AIThe rise of conversational AI tools has led to a “digital-afterlife industry” already valued in the billions, promising to replace the dead and the way they are remembered. The philosophical debates surrounding the explosion of artificial intelligence programs have mainly focused on big-picture elements: how AI might inadvertently amplify human biases, how AI programs lack…
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“Take this Body Home”
How one song captures the complexities of grief, love, and the meaning of “home” at life’s endWhen Rose Betts’s mother asked her to write a funeral song for her grandfather, she wasn’t sure how she was going to do it. Her family was estranged from him, and her feelings toward him were complicated. In a “tea and song” session on her social media, Betts explained her struggles writing “Take This Body…
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Our Monthly Tip: Easter-Inspired Theme for Child’s Memorial
For some, allusions to spring and rebirth might be comforting after the death of a childOur Tip of the Month An Easter–inspired memorial can provide a gentle, hopeful framework for honoring the life of a child while acknowledging profound grief. Because Easter centers themes of renewal, resurrection and enduring love, its symbolism can help families and communities focus not only on loss but also on remembrance and the love for…
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Death Doula Featured on “The Pitt”
The new, highly acclaimed medical drama “The Pitt” tackles death head-on and brings the death doula role to the forefront of popular cultureThe Pitt is not afraid to tackle difficult topics, such as death and end-of-life decisions. This is made quite clear when, in Season 2, Episode 5, Lena — who typically serves as a night charge nurse — surprises the Pitt staff by showing up in her street clothes during the day. When she’s asked what…
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Who Cares for the Caregivers?
Millions of family caregivers across the United States feel abandoned and alone“There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” — Rosalynn Carter In case you missed it: We’re sharing this previously published article again for our readers. The number of people in the…
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Honing in on Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Psychedelics have been used in cultural, spiritual, and medicinal practices for a very long time. However, it is in the last decade or so that Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy (PAT) has enjoyed a renaissance and has gone more mainstreamWhile there have been general discussions around the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy for addressing treatment-resistant anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance use disorders and more, there have been fewer discussions on its use in hospice and in palliative care. Now, that landscape is changing with promising studies, most focused on cancer patients with advanced…
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Barista Opens Coffee Shop to Help Patrons Grieve
Reinne’s Place was opened in honor of owner Tommy Le’s late partner, who died in a car accidentGrief affects everyone, yet it’s often a private affair in many cultures. But social connections and community support can help many with symptoms of grief and loss. Barista and business owner Tommy Le is looking to bring grief into the spotlight through his coffee shop, Reinne’s Place, in Long Beach, California. The Origin of Reinne’s…
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