Dynamic Journey, End of Life Practitioner

05/26/2026

🦋 Talking about death and dying can feel like a difficult subject, but it can also be approached with tenderness, curiosity, and connection over a comforting cup of tea.

☕️ Join me on Tuesday, May 5th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Vancouver Island Regional Library, Comox Branch, for a gentle and welcoming afternoon of tea and conversation. Together, we’ll create a cozy space to reflect, share stories, ask all the questions, and explore some of life’s most meaningful topics.

🦋 These conversations can remind us of what matters most and help us live with greater presence, compassion, and intention. Whether you come to listen, share, or simply enjoy being in community, you are warmly welcome.

☕️ Tea with a Death Doula takes place every 1st Tuesday of the month at a NEW TIME from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM in Comox.

This is a free community gathering, and everyone is invited. Please feel free to share with friends and family.

05/25/2026

On May 15, 2026, the Wind Phone was officially opened at Courtenay Civic Cemetery, creating a meaningful place within our community for reflection, remembrance, and quiet connection with loved ones who have passed.

It was a true honour for me to donate the Wind Phone to the City of Courtenay, with the hope that it will provide comfort, peace, and a sense of connection to community members and visitors for years to come.

I extend my sincere appreciation to Council and cemetery members for their support and presence at this important occasion. I am deeply proud to see this special space become part of the City of Courtenay’s ongoing commitment to compassion, remembrance, and the well-being of our community.

05/19/2026

📧 Upper Vancouver Island Deathcare is honoured to now offer an email contact for community members seeking heart-centred support. This new way of connecting creates a gentle and accessible space for those reaching out with questions, in times of grief, or while navigating death, dying, and care at end of life.

🤍 We recognize that these conversations can be tender and deeply personal, and we are committed to responding with compassion, respect, and presence. Community members are warmly invited to connect by email to seek support, learn more about available services, or simply reach out when care is needed.

📧
uvideathcare@outlook.com

Share with your family and friends!
Comox Valley and north of Vancouver Island

vancouverisland

05/14/2026

Over the past weekend, eight wonderful members of the Comox Valley Community Deathcare gathered in a heartfelt and meaningful circle of sharing, reflection, and mutual support. United by a deep commitment to compassionate end-of-life care, each person brought forward their own unique modalities, lived experiences, and thoughtful insights, offering a rich tapestry of wisdom rooted in service to others.

Throughout the gathering, there was a profound sense of respect, openness, and shared purpose. Members spoke from the heart about their work, their callings, and the many ways they accompany individuals and families through death, dying, and grief. Their diverse approaches and perspectives reflected the depth and strength of this community, while also affirming the common values that guide their care: dignity, compassion, presence, and reverence for the human experience.

Madeline from Daisy Deathcare and Daisy Hollow created space not only for the exchange of ideas, but also for deeper listening and collective visioning. Together, the group explored how their individual and shared gifts might continue to support the betterment of the Comox Valley community. Discussions centered on building stronger networks of care, expanding awareness of community-based deathcare, and nurturing more honest, inclusive, and compassionate conversations around death and loss.

It was a gathering marked by sincerity, wisdom, and hope. In coming together, these eight members affirmed the importance of community, collaboration, and shared intention in shaping a more caring and resilient future. Their dedication stands as a powerful reminder that when people bring their hearts, knowledge, and experience together in service, meaningful change becomes possible.

04/29/2026

🫖 📚Talking about death and dying can feel a bit heavy, but how about we make it a gentle experience over some warm tea? ☕️

☕️ Join me for an engaging and thought-provoking gathering on Tuesday, May 5th at 10:00 AM at the Vancouver Regional Comox Library

We’ll create a cozy vibe where we can sip tea, share great conversations, and dive into some of life’s biggest questions together.

☕️🫖
We’re all traveling on this journey called life, so let’s share some insights and thoughts! Talking about death can actually lead us to live more fully.

🗓️ Don’t forget, Tea with a Death Doula happens every 1st Tuesday of the month at 10am in Comox.

Everyone is welcome to join in on this fun and free event! Share with your friends and family!

04/28/2026

🤍 Grief

… be present with the love that remains.

🤍

04/20/2026

🤍 Every year on April 20, we observe National Death Doula Day, a time to engage communities and raise awareness about the important role of Death Doulas in supporting individuals and their families during the end-of-life process.

A Death Doula is a specially trained individual who provides holistic support to those nearing the end of their lives, addressing their mind, body, and spirit to ensure comfort and love during this significant time. They offer care that focuses on emotional and spiritual needs, rather than medical interventions, assisting both the dying person and their family before, during, and after the passing. Death Doulas guide families through the natural processes of dying, providing compassion and support during this challenging period.

If you have questions or need assistance related to grief or death, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Death Doula. We are here to support you through this journey.

Thank you to all Deathcare individuals for showing up!

04/16/2026

04/02/2026

✈️ Key Requirements & Tips🌍
Sharing my personal experience with brining my Dads cremains from Canada 🇨🇦 back to the UK 🇬🇧

* Security (CATSA): Urns are permitted in carry-on baggage but will undergo screening. If an x-ray cannot clearly identify the contents, the urn cannot be opened; it must be in a container that passes inspection.
* Carry-on Only: Always transport cremains in your carry-on luggage to prevent loss, as checked baggage restrictions can apply.
* 350 mls of cremains allowed.
* Container Material: Use a container that X-ray operators can see through (plastic, wood, cloth, or cardboard). If the urn is metal and cannot be scanned, it may not be allowed through security.
* Documentation: Carry the Certificate of Cremation and/or a copy of the death certificate from a funeral director.
* Airline Policies: Check with your airline (e.g., Air Canada Cargo) specifically, as policies can vary. Some airlines, like KLM, allow them in both hand and checked baggage.
* Some airlines do not allow cremated remains in checked baggage, so please check with your airline first to learn about possible restrictions.
* Security Check: Security staff will not open the container. However, they may ask you to open the container. If it fails screening, it may be denied.
* Have a backup plan - someone who could take the remains just incase security denies the cremains.
* Arrive Early: Allow extra time for security screening

Thankfully I did a lot of research with each airline and prepared for any questions that may arise by customs agents or anyone else who may have questions.

Another tip: Remember, you are a human traveling with your loved one, that is in a different form. Emotions will come up during the process! It can be frustrating! The process may feel like robotic as you watch your bag/container manhandled. Be proud of the journey you are taking to fulfill the wishes of your loved one.

Be Good to You
🤍

03/16/2026

This Week's Episode of Spotlight Now is Here!

This week’s episode of Spotlight Now features Janet O’Dell of Dynamic Journey. Tune in to learn about how Janet assists families prepare, reflect, and move through death with intention and care.

About Our Guest:
Janet O’Dell is a distinguished leader and compassionate End of Life Practitioner, renowned for founding Dynamic Journey, an organization devoted to offering support and guidance to individuals and families during the critical phases of life and death. She is also a co-creator of Comox Valley Community Deathcare, a forward-thinking initiative dedicated to advancing local, sustainable practices in death care. With deep insights into the emotional, spiritual, and pragmatic dimensions of the end-of-life experience, Janet has established herself as a trusted advocate for those traversing this profound journey.

Learn More:
dynamicjourneydoula.ca

Watch the Episode Here:
https://youtu.be/n9R1EfgAHsE

03/14/2026

DYING IN BC

In British Columbia, when a death is expected, it is legal for family and /or community to provide after-death care at home.

In every way, our dead belong to us. Tending to our own beloved dead is a sacred and honoured tradition as old as time.

With some necessary pre-planning, we can care for our dead at home for a few hours or a few days. We can tend to them, wash them, dress them, sit with them, sing to them, and we can transport them to our chosen funeral provider for cremation, conventional burial, or directly to a Natural Burial Ground.

Most Funeral Service providers will work with families who prefer to provide in-home after death care for their deceased person. Having the support of a caring Funeral Professional can be a wonderful thing. A Death Doula/Home Funeral Guide (who could be a family or community member) will be invaluable for in-home support.

‘Way To Go, Quadra Island’ has a wealth of information and step by step guides to assist folks with the process.
https://communityleddeathcare.ca/

Check out Cindea as well. They have an excellent training on providing death care in the home.