Plan & Prepare
Although we do not know when we will transition, it serves us to make preparations for when the time comes. This includes what to do with our body, belongings, memorial, and any other legacy projects.
A Death Plan needs to be created and communicated if you want your transition wishes fulfilled. The plan is first developed, then communicated amongst loved ones, continually updated with new understandings over time, and finally, legally put into place for the outcome you desire to be ensured.
Making a full plan right away is not the aim.
The aim is to create an initial, then ongoing draft, to return to, and slowly build on as a foundation overtime.
The aim is for this practice to be supportive, and available, each time you are ready to address the topic, and move towards the goal of a joyful, dignified, and peaceful transition for you and your loved ones.
Death Plan Guidance
(1) Make an initial Death Plan
You can start as small and simple as a "note" or Google Doc. A template is provided below.
(2) Communicate it with others
Once you have a draft Death Plan, communicate it with two or more people you trust. Ask for their consent to support your plan.
(3) Return to it, and build over time
Once you have a starting point, a starting plan, return to it regularly as you connect with the aim of a joyful death.
What goes into a good Death Plan?
A Death Plan can be as simple as starting a "note" in your phone, or laptop, or a Google Doc in order to begin capturing your wishes around what to with your body, belongings, and at your memorial(s), as well as any wishes on legacy projects, after you leave this human body and transition into the Great Unknown.
A component of your Death Plan may include requests for services from the Joyful Death Institute, specifically to receive a "Transition Psychic Reading + Healing " within 5 days of the heart no longer beating, which is the ideal window of time to complete the session, but can still be done past that timeline if that timeline is not available.
Here is a template starting point you could use.
After you have created a draft of your Death Plan, that you are ready to share and ensure is fulfilled, reach out to two or more confidants. It is recommended to use time that feels spacious, for example, after a meal or a long walk, to bring up the topic of your Death Plan, and request for your loved one to be a caretaker of the plan, ensuring it would be fulfilled if you transition before they do.
You can share a link to the document after they have consented to supporting your plan and wishes. It is important that consent is given, as some people have a difficult time with the topic of death, so ensuring they have the capacity to fulfill on the plan is important. If they say "no," it is a gift to find someone else who would happily support your plan.
Communicate the initial development of your plan; note it does not have to be "complete." Some portions may take more time to develop and your choices for how you want something handled may also change over time. It is best to approach thinking of it as a 'living document' until you are no longer living, but available for changing and updating as we grow and change as humans.
The final stretch of the plan includes completing legal paperwork to ensure the plans and the care of your body and belongings will be upheld in the court of law (specifically: Power of Attorney and Advanced Care Directive).
Services Available
We can help you develop your Death Plan, work through questions you have about your Death Plan, and/or help you discuss it with your family, loved ones, and friends.
We can support group or family conversations about one's Death Plan. We offer spiritual counsel for the process, and Memorial planning service support. Public and private Workshops also available.
1 hour Consultation
over Zoom
Death Plan Support
$125-$550
Sliding Scale
Package of 3:
1 hour consultations
over Zoom
Death Plan Support
$375-$1650
Sliding Scale
Fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.
The calendar invitation generated for the session, and sent to the email provided, will include details on where to send payment.
"Going through this Death Planning process has been liberating and healing for me and my family."
-A. Young
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