'Unexpected Teachers'
the lessons my dad's passing taught me about Reiki and End of Life care
Below is a copy of the article I shared in the winter edition of the 'Touch' magazine I've been working for. I wrote a piece about my experiences of caring for my dad in the final stages of his life. I am, sadly, no stranger to grief and loss but being able to provide my dad something that could ease his pain and bring us closer together, without words, was truly a surprising gift for both of us - and one I wish I'd had earlier in life to share with my loved ones when it was needed.
My experiences with end of life care, past and present, have also led me to train as a Soul Midwife - an alternative source of comfort in the final stages of a person's life and for those they leave behind - to use Reiki along with other palliative skills they provide you with on the course and reading material: listening skills; gentle touch massage; how to use essential oils; learning to recognise the stages of approaching the end of life so you can respond accordingly; sound healing; preparing living wills and learning to use visualisation and relaxation techniques...among other gentle techniques.
I wanted to share our story with others to honour my dad's passing and the lessons he taught me about the role Reiki can play at such a deeply fragile and poignant time in our lives. I also want to raise awareness of the Soul Midwives so there are links below if you would like to find out more or get involved.
Debbie x
The front cover of Touch. This edition was all about Helping Hands. Touch is a quarterly international magazine with over 1000 subscribers. https://www.touchmagazine.net/home.php
Artwork commissioned for the article: Lizmaycox.com. Liz took elements from the story and other info I shared with her to create this beautiful image.
http://www.soulmidwives.co.uk/ a holistic End of Life school and service based in Dorset and founded by the wonderful Felicity Warner.