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The Heart of Dying Doula, 128 Bridge St., Carleton Place, ON (2025)

08/19/2025

Honoring Grief by Pixie Lighthorse

Thank you for this blessed day: this blessing of life on us, heavy with awareness of what has been surrendered.
Inspire us to grieve enough. Remind us not to strive for completing the process for the sake of being done. Help us with our tendency to avoid. Establish in us a belief that we get to wear the face of our pain, not a brave mask that puts others at ease. Help us to speak and honor our pain with the understanding that we do not suffer our losses alone. Ease our minds when those who cannot relate to our suffering don’t know what to say or do for us. Hold our rage and abandonment while we come to discover what is at the bottom of our deep sorrow. Empathize to us that someone, somewhere understands, despite our contrary thoughts.
It is a comfort for our hearts to be able to access the spirit of what is no longer. Unlock the passageways so we may commune with those we remember. Allow the souls who have been reclaimed to visit in our dreams and visions. Help us preserve the love we came to count on.

Continued in comments

08/18/2025

E M O T I O N A L W E L L B E I N G

Here are five practical tips to support the emotional wellbeing of senior pets:

1) Keep a comforting, predictable routine
Consistency helps reduce anxiety and stress. Schedule regular feeding, walks (or gentle play), potty breaks, and bedtime.
Quick action: write a simple daily routine and stick to it; announce each activity with a calm cue word so your pet knows what to expect.

2) Create a safe, cozy environment
Ensure their living space is quiet, warm, and easily accessible (soft bed, low ramps, non-slip flooring).
Quick action: place a favorite blanket or item in their resting spot, set up a small quiet retreat away from heavy foot traffic.

3) Mental stimulation tailored to aging
Enrich through gentle, short activities that engage the mind without overstimulating or tiring them. Puzzles with easy levels, scent games, or slow, interactive grooming.
Quick action: 5–10 minutes of brain games daily (e.g., treat scavenger under a cup, simple scent trail) plus gentle brushing.

4) Comfort-first approach to pain and mood changes
Chronic pain or cognitive changes can cause irritability or withdrawal. Regular vet checks for pain management and behavior changes are important.
Quick action: note any changes in appetite, litter/house training, sleep, or social interest; share these with your vet. If you notice obvious discomfort, seek a veterinary evaluation.

5) Stay connected with gentle social interaction
Senior pets still benefit from affectionate, low-stress human or other pet contact. Read their cues and offer calm, positive interactions.
Quick action: short cuddle sessions, soft talking, or a slow walk with a pace they can handle; avoid forced interactions or loud environments.

As we Shepard our furry loved ones to their end of days it’s so important to adjust to their needs and pace as they start to slow down.

Xo Kim

06/08/2025

P A R A D E 🌈

What a wonderful celebration yesterday! ✨

As a death doula volunteering with hospice, I’m reminded how vital it is that no one faces life’s final chapter alone. Every person, regardless of age, gender, or orientation, deserves compassion, dignity, and support during such a sacred time.

Seeing our community come together at the Pride parade reaffirms my belief in love, acceptance, and the importance of holding space for all. I feel so grateful to be part of a town that values inclusion — with organizations like and .hospice.hub, we’re ensuring that everyone’s journey is honored and supported.

Here’s to celebrating love in all its beautiful forms — and to creating a community where no one has to face life’s end without care and connection. 💖🌈

Xo Kim

06/05/2025

P R I D E 🌈 PA R A D E

This Saturday I’ll be walking in Support of the .hospice.hub in the Perth Pride Parade

Please come celebrate such an uplifting and joyful event with my favourite community of people all together

Parade starts at 3:30 p.m

Route: Leaving Sunset Blvd., right onto Wilson St. traveling south, left onto Foster St. traveling east, right onto Gore St. traveling south, left onto Brock St. and ending at Last Duel Park.

It’s a time to celebrate and recognize the contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community, raise awareness about issues that are faced, and advocate for positive change.

It’s a time for diversity, inclusion, and celebrating the right to live authentically without fear of discrimination

Also know that we celebrate and support our Q***r community in end of life care .hospice.hub and as a Death Doula. All humans deserve dignity, love and support at all stages of life and death.

See you there
Xo Kim 🌈

05/09/2025

M O V I N G with G R I E F

Join me in a supportive community as we honor your grief journey and the memory of your loved one.

Together, we will connect with our grief in the body, create a sacred altar, and move through our experiences as one.

THE FLOW
Opening circle
Alter making as a group
Snack and tea
Journaling/Story telling
Guided Meditation
Somatic Movement
Closing circle

WHO?
This workshop is for you if you have experienced the loss of someone, a pet, a house, a friendship, no matter how long ago. Grief can weigh heavily on the heart, and it’s important to acknowledge that. This space invites you to lean into your feelings of loss while also discovering moments of connection. You don’t have to grieve alone.

LOCATION

Perth, On
Sunday June 29th
2025
1-4pm

HOST
———
Kimberley Murphy
I’m a Registered Massage Therapist, Wellness Counsellor, Somatic Movement Practitioner, Death Doula and Hospice Volunteer.

SAVE YOUR SPOT
Message me here
Or email
hellobridgestreet@yahoo.com
E-transfer full amount

$50 +hst

Limited space
To keep the group
Small and cozy

Xo Kim

05/07/2025

P E T L O S S 🐾

The reality is that our beloved pets will likely leave us before we leave this world. When that day arrives, the pain can be profound, often beyond what words can capture.

The loss of a cherished companion is a deeply personal experience that is frequently overlooked by others. It’s essential to give yourself the space and time to honor their memory. Your pet deserves to be treated with love and tenderness in their final days.

Remember, the bond you shared doesn’t end with their passing.

Your pet deserves a peaceful and dignified farewell, and you have every right to grieve that loss.

As a death doula, it is my privilege to support you during this challenging time. Together, we can explore meaningful ways to celebrate your relationship and reflect on the love you shared with your furry friend. Your journey of remembrance is unique, and I’m here to help you navigate it with compassion and care.

📸

03/25/2025

A U T I S T I C G R I E F

Grief can manifest in various ways for autistic individuals, just as it does for anyone, but there may be unique aspects related to their sensory processing, communication styles, and emotional experiences. Here are some ways grief might present itself:

Emotional Expression: Autistic people may express grief differently. Some might show intense emotions, while others may appear more subdued or detached. This can lead to misunderstandings about the depth of their feelings.

Sensory Sensitivities: Grief can heighten sensory sensitivities. For example, a crowded or noisy environment might become overwhelming during a time of loss, making it difficult to cope.

Routine Disruption: Changes in routine caused by grief can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals. They may struggle with the disruption of familiar patterns, leading to increased anxiety or distress.

Communication Styles: Some autistic people may find it hard to articulate their feelings of grief. They might prefer to express themselves through art, writing, or other non-verbal means rather than through conversation.

Interests and Focus: In some cases, an autistic person may become fixated on specific interests as a coping mechanism, which can serve as a distraction from their grief.

Social Interactions: Social support is important during grief, but autistic individuals might find social interactions challenging. They may withdraw or struggle to engage with others, even when they need support.

Physical Reactions: Grief can also manifest physically, leading to changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, or other somatic responses.

Coping Mechanisms: Autistic individuals might develop unique coping strategies, such as engaging in special interests or routines, which can provide comfort during times of loss.

Understanding and supporting autistic individuals through grief often requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to adapt to their communication and emotional needs.

Xo Kim

01/15/2025

U N D E R S T A N D I N G
Bereavement

In early December, I had the privilege of participating in the Understanding Bereavement program led by Dr. Bill Webster.

I am truly grateful for this opportunity, which was made possible through the Hospice Hub Perth.

The training was both informative and supportive, providing valuable insights into the complexities of bereavement. While also helping me hone my skills at holding space for folks going through loss of a loved one.

During the fall I had the opportunity to help co-facilitate two 6x week programs for people needing support in their grief and bereavement journeys with the Bereavement team through the Hospice Hub.

It’s such a beautiful and humble experiencing holding space for other humans moving through loss.

There are up coming programs coming you can always check

https://www.thehospicehub.ca/bereavement

You are not alone

Xo Kim

12/16/2024

F I R S T M O R N I N G

By Joy Harjo

This is the first morning we are without you on earth.

The sun greeted us after a week of rain
In your eastern green and mountain homelands.

Plants are fed, the river restored, and you have been woven into a path of embracing stars of all colors

Now free of the suffering that shapes us here.

We all learn to let go, like learning to walk
When we first arrive here.

All those you thought you lost now circle you
And you are free of pain and heartbreak.

Don’t look back, keep going.

We will carry your memory here, until we join you
In just a little while, in one blink of star time.

12/08/2024

M O V I N G with G R I E F

Join me in a supportive community as we honor your grief journey and the memory of your loved one.

Together, we will connect with our grief in the body, create a sacred altar, and move through our experiences as one.

THE FLOW
Opening circle
Alter making as a group
Snack and tea
Journaling/Story telling
Guided Meditation
Somatic Movement
Closing circle

WHO?
This workshop is for you if you have experienced the loss of someone, no matter how long ago. Grief can weigh heavily on the heart, and it’s important to acknowledge that. This space invites you to lean into your feelings of loss while also discovering moments of connection. You don’t have to grieve alone.

LOCATION

Perth, On
Sunday Feb 2nd
2025
1-4pm

HOST
———
Kimberley Murphy
I’m a Registered Massage Therapist, Wellness Counsellor, Somatic Movement Practitioner, Death Doula and Hospice Volunteer.

SAVE YOUR SPOT
Message me here
Or email
hellobridgestreet@yahoo.com
E-transfer full amount

$50 +hst

Limited space
To keep the group
Small and cozy

Xo Kim

12/05/2024

💛💛💛

12/01/2024

A L E T T E R 💌

Here’s an inspirational journal prompt to help navigate feelings of grief:

Journal Prompt:

A Letter to My Loved One

Take a moment to write a letter to the person you are grieving. In this letter, express your feelings, share memories, and tell them what you wish you could say. Consider including:

Memories: What are your favorite moments together?
Feelings: How do you feel in their absence?
Lessons: What have you learned from them that you carry with you?
Wishes: What would you want to tell them if you could?

Allow yourself to be open and honest. This exercise can help you process your emotions and feel a connection with your loved one, even in their absence.

Xo Kim

The Heart of Dying Doula

08/19/2025

08/18/2025

06/08/2025

06/05/2025

05/09/2025

05/07/2025

03/25/2025

01/15/2025

12/16/2024

12/08/2024

12/05/2024

12/01/2024

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