As the course begins, Dr. Deerheart will guide you in exploring the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices surrounding death and the afterlife across various cultures and historical periods.

You’ll delve into how different societies have understood and ritualized the end of life.

Through discussions, multimedia presentations, and reflective exercises, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the diverse ways humans have approached mortality.

Dr. Deerheart will help you uncover the profound wisdom embedded in our collective human experience of life’s final journey.

In this opening module, you’ll:

• Explore the role that death systems play in managing the social, emotional, and ritual aspects of death
• Examine both historical and modern challenges within death systems, such as societal attitudes toward mortality, the impact of technological advances, and shifting cultural norms
• Learn how optimal solutions can be integrated into contemporary practices surrounding death and dying — to enhance empathy, respect, and understanding
• Reflect on your personal views of death and dying, informed by a broader historical and cultural context
• Foster empathy and respect for the diverse beliefs and practices of others, gaining insight into the universal human experience of mortality

Delve into the deep-seated fears, beliefs, and cultural conditioning that shape your perceptions of death.

Through guided discussions and reflective exercises, Dr. Deerheart will help you explore how denial and myths surrounding death contribute to your anxieties and influence your relationship with life.

By identifying and challenging these cultural narratives, you’ll gain insights into how confronting the unknown can inspire a more meaningful and authentic life.

Dr. Deerheart will empower you to reframe your understanding of death, fostering a sense of peace and acceptance that enhances your overall wellbeing.

In this module, you’ll:

• Gain a deeper understanding of your own fears, beliefs, and conditioning about death, and how they impact your daily life and decision making
• Identify and challenge the cultural myths and narratives that contribute to fear and denial around death, helping to dismantle misconceptions
• Explore how different cultures shape our attitudes toward death, providing a broader perspective on the universal human experience of mortality
• Engage in reflective exercises that allow you to confront and reframe your relationship with death, leading to greater self-awareness and inner peace
• Discover how facing the reality of death can serve as a powerful motivator to live a more meaningful, authentic, and fulfilled life
• Learn practical tools and strategies to approach death with acceptance, reduce fear, and inspire a deeper appreciation for life

Dr. Deerheart will guide you into the complex emotions that arise when confronting death, including fear, grief, and anxiety. You’ll explore how these emotions are shaped by both your personal experiences and societal influences.

You’ll also gain valuable insights into the familial beliefs and traditions that have shaped your views on death, with a special focus on intergenerational perspectives and ancestral influences.

Dr. Deerheart will provide a space for spiritual exploration, examining how diverse cultural and religious perspectives inform your understanding of death and the afterlife.

You’ll engage deeply with your emotions, leading to a more integrated and holistic understanding of how emotional, familial, and spiritual factors converge in their relationship with death.

In this module, you’ll:

• Gain a deeper understanding of the emotions that arise when you think about death — including fear, grief, and anxiety — and learn how these emotions are influenced by personal and societal factors
• Explore how your family’s beliefs, traditions, and intergenerational perspectives shape your views on death
• Examine how your spiritual beliefs and practices, along with diverse cultural and religious perspectives, impact your relationship with death and the afterlife
• Discover hidden emotions and their influences through a guided visualization, “Navigating the Depths: Exploring the Emotional, Familial & Spiritual Ties to Death and Beyond”
• Explore how emotional, familial, and spiritual factors interconnect, empowering you to approach death with a more integrated and balanced perspective

Dr. Deerheart will help you connect with your mortality in a deeply personal and profound way.

You’ll experience how acknowledging the reality of mortality can inspire a richer, more purposeful approach to life.

You’ll cultivate a deeper appreciation for the present moment and how embracing the inevitability of death can unlock a more meaningful, vibrant, and authentic way of living.

In this module, you’ll:

• Gain a heightened awareness of your own mortality which can inspire a renewed sense of purpose in life
• Work with tools within a safe space to help you confront your fears, anxieties, and beliefs about death
• Participate in a guided immersive simulation exercise to process your feelings about death
• Transform the contemplation of mortality into a powerful source of life inspiration
• Cultivate present-moment awareness to help you reflect on mortality and develop a stronger appreciation for living fully in the here and now

Dr. Deerheart will introduce you to the transformative practice of yoga nidra, a powerful technique that promotes deep relaxation and heightened awareness.

You’ll learn the foundational principles of yoga nidra, exploring how this practice supports physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.

Experience firsthand how yoga nidra can help you transcend fears and grief, cultivate peace, and inspire love and compassion as you connect with your inner self on a deeper level.

In this module, you’ll:

• Learn how yoga nidra promotes relaxation, reduces stress, addresses emotional blocks, reduces anxiety, and aids in physical recovery
• Explore how the practice supports spiritual development and inner peace, fostering a sense of compassion and love
• Experience new depths of relaxation during a guided yoga nidra immersive practice
• Share your personal experiences and insights (if you’re feeling called) during a group sharing and integration session

Dr. Deerheart will guide you to master the art of holding sacred space, a vital skill as you seek to foster healing and transformation.

You’ll be guided through the essential principles and practices to create and sustain environments that nurture deep emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing.

Learn how to harness the power of intention, direct energy with purpose, and maintain a presence that supports and enhances the healing process. Dr. Deerheart will equip you to foster a sense of safety, connection, and peace for yourself and those around you.

In this module, you’ll:

• Gain a deep understanding of what constitutes a sacred space and why it’s essential for emotional, spiritual, and physical healing
• Learn practical tools and techniques to create and maintain sacred spaces, both for personal use and for facilitating healing in others
• Discover how to use intention and energy to shape the atmosphere of a space, fostering environments that support deep connections and transformative experiences
• Develop the ability to maintain a grounded, centered presence, which is key to holding space effectively for yourself and others
• Explore ways to integrate sacred space practices into your daily life and healing work, enhancing your personal growth and the wellbeing of those you support
• Learn how to craft environments that promote safety, peace, and holistic wellbeing, making them conducive to healing and spiritual growth

In this final class session, you’ll explore the profound practices of creating sacred rituals and altars that honor the delicate balance between life and death.

Engage in a collective practice, gaining firsthand experience in the art of ritual-making as a tool for healing and connection. You’ll learn how to craft a personal altar that reflects your unique spiritual journey, serving as a focal point for your rituals.

Additionally, Dr. Deerheart will provide tools and guidance for cultivating a harmonious relationship with the cycles of life and death, empowering you to carry this sacred understanding forward.

This session will conclude with a 30-minute Q&A, offering space for reflection and personalized support as you integrate these practices into your life.

In this closing module, you’ll:

• Gain practical experience in creating and conducting rituals that honor the cycle of life and death, fostering a deeper spiritual connection
• Learn how to design and build a personal altar that reflects your spiritual beliefs and serves as a sacred space for ongoing rituals and reflection
• Review the tools and insights for nurturing a balanced and sacred relationship with the concepts of life and death, enhancing your spiritual growth
• Discover ways to integrate ritual-making and altar-building into your daily life, creating ongoing opportunities for spiritual reflection and connection
• Participate in a 30-minute Q&A session, where you can receive personalized guidance and clarification on the teachings, ensuring you feel confident in applying these practices
• Cultivate the knowledge and skills to use rituals and altars as powerful tools for healing, connection, and spiritual harmony in your life

This handout provides an in-depth analysis of the environmental impact of various burial practices. It examines traditional methods, such as conventional burial and cremation, and compares them with more sustainable alternatives, like green burials and alkaline hydrolysis (also known as water cremation). You’ll discover the ecological footprint of each practice, considering factors of land use, energy consumption, and pollution. This information is designed to help you make informed decisions about environmentally conscious end-of-life options.

Join Dr. Andrea Deerheart and Felicity Warner, end-of-life doula, educator, author, and founder of Soul Midwives, for this 41-minute heartfelt conversation. They share their favorite tools and touching stories for supporting those nearing the end of life and their caregivers. With practical ideas and unique insights drawn from their work, this discussion offers valuable guidance for providing compassionate care during this sacred time. Ideal for caregivers, professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of end-of-life support.