33: Interview with a Soul Midwife with Dawn Young

Today’s show is an eye-opening interview with a Soul Midwife. We are talking about death, dying, and how to make things more peaceful and comforting for those who are dying. This topic is an important one, especially in light of the current pandemic and the large number of people who are dealing with loved ones who are dying. Join us to learn more!Dawn Young is a Soul Midwife. She has done hospice volunteer work since 2012, and she also co-facilitates a community grief group in Astoria, Oregon. She is a member of NODA, No One Dies Alone, and she volunteers at the local hospital in Astoria. Dawn trained to become a Soul Midwife beginning in 2015 with Felicity Warner, the founder of The Soul Midwife Movement in the UK. Our conversation goes deep into what we need to know as the living to become ready for death and how we can take care of those who are dying by noticing the process they undergo. We also talk about how people have passed away alone during this pandemic and how that has changed Dawn’s work. Along with other Soul Midwives, Dawn conducts free Zoom presentations every few weeks called Dying to Chat. See our resources section for more information. Show Highlights:What it means to be a Soul Midwife, a holistic spiritual companion to the dying and their familiesHow working in a pediatric hospital many years ago brought Dawn into her work with the dying Why being in service to those who are dying and their families has become Dawn’s life purposeHow the physical death process includes changes in appetite, blood pressure, breathing, and other functions as the body prepares to shut downThe four stages of death recognized by a Soul Midwife:Earth–The patient becomes fatigued.Water–The patient becomes incontinent and may cry a lot.Fire–Restlessness and terminal agitation set in as the patient realizes that death is coming.Air–The patient becomes peaceful and quiet.How death is like birth–and the midwife’s role is similar in both casesWhy death is more difficult when people have a lot to resolve to make peace with themselves and othersThe mystery of what dying people see in their final moments that we don’t see or understandDawn’s advice to the living: “Keep your relationships current and healthy.”How Dawn’s work has changed because of the COVID-19 pandemicWhy death should be a time when people are loved, safe, and not aloneHow we can set intentions to reach a loved one through our energyWhat Dawn wishes we all knew about death and how we should “do death differently”How to approach a dying person with calm, slow intention, peaceful touch, and soft wordsDawn’s advice for dealing with the difficult conversations about death with our loved onesWhat it means to Dawn to live in her purposeHow to better listen to your intuitionHow our culture doesn’t really value the elderly like other cultures doHow essential oils can be beneficial in soothing someone through the transition to deathHear Dawn’s answers to rapid-fire questions about great advice, grounding habits, favorite hot beverage, last meal on earth, morning routine, an inspiring person, something that people might not know, what she’s reading, and what’s bringing her joy right now. Parting advice from Dawn: “Be gentle with yourself and others. What you do to another will affect you. Take each person’s heart into consideration. Keep your relationships current and be loving and kind.”Connect with me:Weave Your Bliss WebsiteWeave Your Bliss on...