1. People sometimes press the pause button when they are dying to wait for an important date such as a birthday, big family event, or important visitor before dying.
2. People often “see” and “talk” to loved ones, friends and sometimes long dead pets before they die.
3. The period after death is sacred. There is often a heightened sense of energy in the room following death. Don’t rush to remove the body.
4. After physical death, there is still a gentle unravelling process going on at a deep energetic level. “Hold space” while this happens with peaceful respect and sanctity.
5. It’s important to continue talking to the newly dead person. Some spiritual traditions state that the newly dead are very sensitive to the thoughts and actions of those they have left behind. Gently explain that they have “died” but that they are loved and remembered.
Felicity Warner is the founder of Soul Midwives’ pioneering movement in Holistic and Spiritual Palliative Care.
She was voted 2017 End of Life Care Champion by The National Council for Palliative Care and the Royal College of Nursing and End of Life Doula of the Year 2017 at the Good Funeral Awards.
She runs the Soul Midwives School in Dorset and teaches people from all around the world her gentle methods of helping the dying.
She’s the author of three books - Gentle Dying, A Safe Journey Home, The Soul Midwives’ Handbook and Sacred Oils.
Her website is www.soulmidwives.co.uk
@soulsmidwife