Dear One,

Does anyone else feel like this year isn't getting any easier? Between politics, collective grief, and so much death, I often find myself tired. Worn out, actually. And yet, life keeps surprising me with moments of such intense joy - looking upon my daughter's innocent face, vibrant wonders in nature, people coming together in aide of their fellow human beings. I don’t always know what to do with that mix of emotions: sorrow and joy sitting so close together.

The autumn equinox (9/22) seems to hold this truth too. A quiet turning of the earth, a balance of dark and light. Not one replacing the other, but both existing at once. Maybe this season invites us to trust that life is made of these juxtapositions, and that grief doesn’t cancel joy, and joy doesn’t erase grief. They live side by side, and so do we.

So if you’re feeling worn down, yet still able to notice beauty, you’re not alone. This, too, is the season we’re in.

Inhale: my grief has space

Exhale: my joy has wings

Pause

Inhale: I can hold both

Exhale: and be held

With love,

Rachel Cao

Upcoming Events!

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Monthly Offerings

September 2025

The Art of What's Possible: Exploring Home Funerals

9/10/25 - 10/8/25

Registration closes 9/3/25!

October 2025

Facing Your Mortality: A Contemplative Approach to Death

10/2/25 - 10/30/25

End-of-Life Doula Training

Early Bird Registration is Open!

10/7/25 - 4/7/26

Storytime Yoga: A Lifeboat and A Compass

10/18/25 (1-Day Event)

Community Spotlight

We first became aware of the Global Doula Project through one of our students, and we can't wait to introduce you to the amazing work they are doing. 

Global Doula Project is committed to transforming the way we experience birth and death (and the things in-between such as postpartum and bereavement) by making doula

support accessible to people around the world. They do this by offering grants, scholarships, research and education, and even a podcast. Their compassionate work can be an inspiration and a model for many of us, so we hope you will explore their website, learn more about their story, and you may even find ways to get more involved!

Official Sponsor of Doulapalooza 2025

This flagship conference of the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) will be held in-person for the first time! Check out their website for a list of them key speakers and more information about this one-of-a-kind gathering.

Let's Connect!

info@consciousdyingcollective.com    |   303-440-8018