End of Life CARE

to hold space for death and dying

Welcome, I’m shonali

I am here to walk with you to death’s threshold. Let’s turn towards death together.

I breathe with you,
sing with you, hold space for the truth of your experience.

 

In our death-phobic culture, acknowledging death can be deeply unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and even repulsive. We are taught to turn away from death. We are deemed heroic if we defy death. We believe death is a battle to be fought. Indeed, for some, this will be the only way.

For you, I am here to walk on broader pathways to death’s threshold. These pathways are paved with truth from which a wellspring of love flows. We all die. This is one of life’s clearest truths. And so, I’m softly tapping at that knowing part of you reminding you that there’s another way through. Invite me in and I will breathe with you, sing with you, hold space for the truth of your experience, even the truths you may not wish to speak out loud. 

During the pandemic, I felt called to learn from Narinder Bazen, a death midwife based in Atlanta, GA. My original calling: to sing to the dying. I worked my way through Narinder’s comprehensive Nine Key’s Program certifying as a Death Doula in 2021. I wish to help folks walking on the precipice between living & dying that dying can be deeply supported & brimming over with soul connection, even in the most agitated of circumstances.

Let’s see if we’re a good fit. 

  • I guide gentle movement, breath awareness, meditation and visualization for ease, release and spaciousness. Practices are extensively adaptive to accommodate the widest range of limitations and conditions. Every session is wholly unique and customized to benefit the individual. Step into what is possible, nourishing and beneficial. No pushing or forcing. Each session concludes with a sacred soothing songbath.

  • I sing for you, your loved ones, and caregivers. Close your eyes and let your soul be soothed by song. Breath returns as long held tensions melt away. The melodies soften hardened edges, opening the heart of listeners to experience ease, comfort, expansion and truth. A shift towards more natural innate rhythms, trust and peace arise in those listening. Song sessions are customized and may include repetitive mantras which link the listener to a particular healing energy or concept. Song sessions are 20 - 45 minutes. Single sessions or packages of 4 sessions are available. Inquire for further details.

  • I’d love to guide you into an intentional exploration of an important sacred aspect of your life experience. I’ve been creating rituals since 1998 and I revels in the unique process of creating meaningful memorable heartfelt ceremonies. Choosing to celebrate, honor, and remember aspects of our lives, even seemingly mundane aspects, creates a conscious shift within ourselves so we may release our grip on that aspect and let go. Releasing our family, our homes, our friends, our bodies, our attachments to our gardens, our work, our meaningful lived experience. These types of ceremonies may help us, when we are dying, to travel with more grace to the other side.

    Ceremonies are customized so your spiritual and religious affiliations, if any, are honored. I incorporate references to nature, music, song, guided meditation and embodiment practices which open up the pathways for release, growth and completion. Inquire to learn more and determine if we’re a good fit.

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Ceremonies offered:

Voices of LOVE/ the Threshold Choir

Close your eyes and let your soul be soothed by song. Songs for Peace. 
Voices of Love, the Atlanta Chapter of The Threshold Choir

The Threshold Choir sings at the bedside of the dying. “The Threshold Choir sings with and for all people. We know that music has the potential to be a healing power and can be an instrument for peace and justice. We are committed to creating a harmonious culture of inclusivity, respect and love. We affirm the beauty, dignity, and wholeness of all people and believe that everyone deserves to be treated with kindness from their first to their last breath.”

If you would like the Voices of Love Threshold Choir to sing for your loved one, there is no charge for these services. Please inquire HERE

FAQs

  • Answer coming soon.

  • I am a burgeoning death doula. I completed an extensive 9 month death midwifery program with Narinder Bazen in 2021. I sang at the bedside of my husband’s dying grandmother, I have sung in Hospice with the Threshold Choir and, over the years, I have supported many of my yoga students as their loved ones have passed over death’s threshold. I feel deeply called to be with folks during this precious time.

  • I do not work directly with hospice, but I am an ally. A death doula’s presence fills the empty spaces left by hospice workers who often have too many patients & are limited in the amount of time they can actually spend bedside with families.

  • Most folks within Atlanta proper (ITP inside the perimeter) & Decatur are within my travel zone.

    If I have to travel much more than 30 minutes, there will be additional fees.

  • You can always send me a message. If I am available and can make it happen, I will.

  • A 30-minute discovery consultation is completely free and will determine if we’re a good fit.

    My hourly rate is $125/hour.