At the Threshold: Reflections from a Death Doula Candidate

By Naomi M. | Purple Phoenix Wellness

There is a quiet threshold that most people avoid talking about—a sacred space where life begins to loosen its hold and something greater takes over. It’s here, in this tender in-between, that I have found my calling.

As a death doula candidate, I am learning to walk alongside individuals and families during one of life’s most profound transitions. And what I’ve discovered is that while birth is celebrated with ritual, support, and joy—death is too often met with fear, silence, and overwhelm. This is the gap I am here to fill.

Throughout my work in energy healing, meditation, grief coaching, and caregiving, I have witnessed people aching for comfort—not just physical, but emotional and spiritual—especially at the end of life. Families are often unsure what to say, how to plan, or how to hold space for the sacredness of goodbye. As a doula, I am learning to hold that space: to listen deeply, plan gently, and honor death as a part of life.

 

What draws me most to this work is the mystery. We do not know what happens after death, but I believe the transition can be beautiful, peaceful, and even empowering—when it’s supported with presence, intention, and love. I’m not here to fix or rescue. I’m here to witness. To walk slowly. To remind people that they are not alone.

In our Durham Region and Oshawa community, there are so many who suffer quietly—caregivers burned out, elders facing death in isolation, families unsure how to navigate grief. My role as a death doula is to offer:

• Death planning that reflects one’s values and voice

• Legacy work that celebrates their story and memories

• Vigil presence that offers calm, love, and ritual in the final days

• Grief support that begins before death and continues into healing

We need more safe spaces to talk about death. We need more compassionate witnesses. We need more people saying, “You don’t have to go through this alone.”

 

Each life is a story. As a death doula candidate, I feel deeply honored to be part of these final chapters—not to write the ending, but to walk beside those living it, with reverence and care.

If you or someone you love is navigating death, dying, or grief, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can reclaim the end of life as a sacred, supported experience.

 

Are you or a loved one facing end-of-life, planning ahead, or simply craving a more compassionate way to talk about death… I invite you to explore how death doula support can help.

 

At Purple Phoenix Wellness, I offer personalized, heart-led guidance for individuals and families—bringing presence, ritual, and soul-centered care to life’s final chapter. Learn more about my End-of-Life Doula services here ➡️

Have questions or want to connect? Schedule a call here ➡️