The Doulas of Death

Death is a subject that most of us try to avoid. But for one moment, set that fear aside and ask yourself: “When I die, what do I want to happen to my remains?” If we haven’t captured your attention yet, you’re probably already dead – inside that is.

Cheserae Scala with her partner Birgitta Kastenbaum, through their company Bridging Transitions, have made a career of answering the above question, and answering it in the most unexpected of ways. If/when you meet with Cheserae and/or Birgitta they will present to you a stunning array of possibilities regarding you or a loved one’s remains that are as rare as they are unique. They are proficient in the ancient arts and rites of the preparation and presentation of remains that bring a profound level of beauty and dignity to a process that is at very least final.

“Many of us are waking up to possibilities that have been forgotten, we are pulled to BE present, to come together, to care for our own after death. In fellowship we are re-learning the art and sacredness involved in this profoundly changing and healing time. Emotions, exhaustion and interpersonal dynamics make this a challenging time to navigate, but it also creates opportunities for people to come together and strengthen the ties that bind us all. Death and dying holds within it some of the most profound and precious parts of life. In the end… there is only love.”

Did you know that the embalming of remains are not an inevitability? The body can be kept completely intact. Skin can be preserved with essential oils and you or yours can be laid out for viewing wherever your heart desires – with flora, fauna and crystals surrounding. An afore chosen playlist can be lilting through the air during viewing ceremonies while only those on a predetermined guest list are allowed in for viewing privileges.

At weekend retreats and workshops, Cheserae and Birgitta teach a wide array of techniques to help the living, the dying, and their loved ones.

“We need a new narrative for dying to support ourselves and our families. The majority of suffering that people experience in times of transition and especially at end of life is not only physical, it is also spiritual and emotional. The body (most often) is kept in reasonable comfort through pain medicine, surgeries, interventions etc., but we often forget to pay attention to the spiritual and emotional care which can heighten the pain and that’s when we become victims of circumstance, alone, overwhelmed, not able to share our big emotions with the people we love. This is not a good way to move through big transitions in life.”

In other words… have a plan! Or have a panic! So much of the confusion associated with death and dying can be avoided. Through the amazing services that Bridging Transitions provide you can be far ahead of a curve that’s coming for all of us.

So… if you cringe at the thought of death, or of next of kin handling those forthcoming death rites, you might want to consider giving Cheserae and Birgitta a call now… before it’s too late.

— Written by Allen Sovory II