End of Life Doula Collaborative- Southern MN

12/19/2025

For Foundations Friday, let's define the doula’s foundational role as a Safe Emotional Shelter. The dying process can feel like a storm for patients and families. We don't try to stop the storm, but we create a contained, judgment-free space where all emotions, fear, anger, sorrow, love, can be safely expressed. This "shelter" allows families to focus on connection rather than chaos.

What is the most important quality needed in a person who offers emotional shelter during a crisis (e.g., patience, silence, objectivity)?

12/18/2025

Curious about conversations around death, dying, and living — in a safe, welcoming space?

Join us for a Death Cafe, a free community gathering with coffee, tea, light snacks, and open conversation. There’s no agenda and no pressure — just space to share what’s on your heart and mind.

🗓 Tuesday, January 6, 2026
⏰ 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Emy Frenz Building, Mankato
🎟 Free event

All are welcome. 💛
Hosted by the End-of-Life Doula Collaborative.

12/17/2025

Wisdom Wednesday focuses on endurance; the inner strength that keeps us warm through life's coldest seasons. Today’s quote, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall," speaks volumes about resilience. In times of illness, grief, or fatigue, simply finding the core strength to rise each morning is a powerful act of glory.

What is one small act of resilience you are proud of accomplishing recently, especially when you felt emotionally 'cold'?

12/16/2025

Happy Mindful Monday! Just like nature, we are meant to "winter." The cold air encourages us to slow our pace and seek shelter. Our mindful practice today is Active Wintering: give yourself permission to conserve energy. This means saying 'no' to non-essential demands and scheduling restorative time, even if it's just 15 minutes with a warm drink and a blanket. Rest is not a luxury; it’s necessary for endurance.

What is one small, cozy way you intentionally shelter and rest when the outside world feels cold or demanding?

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

For Foundations Friday, we look at a concept vital for anyone navigating a prolonged illness: Anticipatory Grief.

Anticipatory grief is the complex emotional shadow felt when a patient is expected to die. It's the mourning of future loss and the changes already happening. Naming this emotion—allowing people to grieve the future they planned, the person's decline, or the changes in their role—is crucial. This is a normal, healthy part of the journey and doesn't make the final loss any easier, but it makes the process more compassionate.

Understanding anticipatory grief often brings clarity. If you've experienced this, what was the most surprising emotion you felt while grieving an expected loss?

12/11/2025

As this year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on the many tender moments we’ve shared with individuals and families in our community. At the End-of-Life Doula Collaborative, we sit beside people navigating illness, aging, and loss—offering comfort, presence, and a steady hand when life feels overwhelming.

Many in our community are facing these seasons without enough support.
Your gift helps change that.

💛 It provides compassion and companionship for those walking through serious illness.
💛 It offers rest and reassurance to exhausted caregivers.
💛 It brings workshops, Caring Circles, and community education to those who need it most.
💛 And it ensures no one has to walk this journey alone.

If your heart feels called, please consider making an end-of-year gift to support this work.
Your generosity becomes comfort.
Your kindness becomes presence.
Your giving becomes dignity for someone in their most vulnerable moments.

Give here: https://www.eoldc.org/registration

Thank you for helping us build a community where compassion always has a place. 💛

12/10/2025

Wisdom Wednesday brings us this beautiful quote today: "There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

This idea is central to compassionate support. Sometimes we need to be the candle—a source of active, steady warmth, lighting the path for others. Other times, we need to be the mirror—simply reflecting the existing inner strength, beauty, and wisdom of the person we are supporting, allowing them to see their own light. Both roles are equally vital.

12/08/2025

Even on the darkest days, we can actively seek tiny pockets of brightness.

Happy Mindful Monday! When the shadows of stress or grief feel heavy, it can be hard to see the sun. This week's mindful practice is "Three Good Things." Before you go to sleep tonight, name three positive things that happened today—no matter how small (a hot cup of tea, a good laugh, a moment of connection). Training your mind to spot the light makes you more resilient.

What is one small, everyday "light" (a comfort, a sound, a routine) that you are grateful for right now?