Making death the most conscious experience of your life.

Welcome to the Academy of Living and Dying, where you receive artful guidance for preparing for the end of life, moving through grief, and creating a legacy that truly matters.

book a free consultation

The Institute is designed to help
those who want to prepare for the inevitable moment of death and know its better early than later, those who are facing mortality and want support now, and those who want to become death doulas themselves.

Did you know?

The global average life expectancy in 2024 is about 73.4 years. (Compare this to 1950) In 1950, global life expectancy was about 46 years, meaning humans now live nearly 30 years longer on average, largely due to sanitation, antibiotics, and reduced infant mortality.
Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) are rapidly aging, with the oldest turning 80 in 2026. (Why are there so many Baby Boomers?) They were born during a massive post–World War II birth surge caused by returning soldiers, economic expansion, housing booms, and renewed optimism about the future.
There are so many Baby Boomers because of a massive post–World War II birth surge.
Research from hospice caregivers and palliative care shows the 5 main regrets at the end of life are: People consistently regret not living authentically, working too much, withholding emotions, losing touch with loved ones, and not allowing themselves joy—highlighting that connection and truth matter more than achievement.
In Tibetan Buddhism, some advanced practitioners are believed to remain in a meditative state after death called tukdam before decomposition begins Tukdam is understood as a state where consciousness remains subtly present after clinical death, during which physical decay appears delayed.
The Tibetan Book of the Dead teaches that consciousness continues after the last breath. Death is described as a process with stages, not a single moment.
According to the Tibetan Book of the Dead, awareness is highly sensitive after death. Guidance, sound, and intention are believed to influence the transition.
Many cultures practice natural burial. The body returns to the soil instead of being preserved.
60 million people die worldwide every year This equals roughly 150,000 deaths per day, making death one of the most constant and universal human experiences.
The world is experiencing the largest mass death transition in human history as Boomers age Never before has such a large generation entered old age simultaneously, creating unprecedented strain on healthcare, caregiving, and death systems.
By 2050 deaths worldwide will outnumber births in many countries (10 countries): Japan, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, South Korea, China, Poland, and Hungary are all projected to experience more deaths than births due to aging populations and low fertility rates.
People live the longest in countries like Japan and Switzerland due to healthcare access, diet, and strong social systems.
The average human lifespan has doubled in the last 200 years. This increase is primarily due to clean water, vaccines, antibiotics, improved nutrition, and reductions in childhood mortality—not because human biology changed.
More people die alone than at any other point in history Urbanization, smaller families, institutionalized dying, and geographic separation have eroded communal death support.
In 1900 most deaths happened at home. Now, over 60% of deaths happen in institutions. Death has shifted from a family- and community-held event to a medicalized process managed largely by hospitals and care facilities.
Cultures with visible death rituals report lower death anxiety. Regular exposure to rituals normalizes death, reduces fear of the unknown, and reinforces meaning and continuity.
Only 1 in 3 adults has a will. Most people avoid planning for death due to discomfort, denial, or the belief that it can be postponed.
In the U.S., 5,000 Baby Boomers die every day. That’s one every 14 seconds.
The Boomer cohort is the largest aging generation ever. They were born during an unprecedented population surge and benefited from medical advances that allowed more of them to reach old age.
Caregiver burnout is at crisis levels. Longer lifespans, chronic illness, underfunded care systems, and unpaid family caregiving have overwhelmed emotional and physical capacity.
Green burials are rising fastest among Boomers. Many Boomers reject industrialized death and seek environmentally aligned, meaningful alternatives that reflect their values.
Grief is now a public health issue. Unprocessed grief contributes to depression, chronic illness, substance use, and lost productivity at a population level.
Hearing is often the last sense to go. The auditory system remains active late into the dying process, which is why speaking gently to the dying is meaningful.
The body releases natural psychedelics at death, including endorphins and DMT-like compounds.
Dying is often less painful than feared when proper support and care are present.
The dying body conserves energy inward, reducing appetite, movement, and speech.
The dying often withdraw socially days before death; this withdrawal is biologically programmed. Neurochemical shifts reduce external engagement, allowing attention to turn inward for emotional and physiological completion.
At the end of life, relationships matter most.
Traditional burial slows decomposition by decades. Sealed coffins and embalming chemicals inhibit microbial and fungal breakdown.
Coffins prevent nutrient cycling. They isolate the body from soil organisms that would otherwise transform it into nutrients.
Embalming fluid is carcinogenic.
Natural burial returns nutrients in ~1–2 years. Without chemical barriers, the body decomposes efficiently and reintegrates into the ecosystem.
Human composting reduces carbon footprint by ~75%. It avoids cremation emissions and concrete burial materials while producing usable soil instead of waste.
Mushroom burial suits exist. They are garments infused with mycelium that accelerate decomposition and neutralize toxins in the body.
Mycelium breaks down toxins; fungi convert human tissue into soil nutrients. Fungi metabolize heavy metals and organic compounds, transforming the body into fertile soil components.
One body can nourish dozens of trees. The nutrients released during natural decomposition support extensive plant growth over time.
Green burial grounds function as conservation land. They protect undeveloped ecosystems while serving as burial spaces, preventing urban or industrial expansion.
Natural burial is legal in many countries:United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa.
Countries like Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, Italy, and Spain have the highest life expectancy due to strong healthcare systems, social cohesion, nutritious diets, and active aging cultures.
Baby Boomers are dying at a rate of 5,000 per day in the U.S. Every 14 seconds, a Boomer dies This reflects the sheer size of the generation reaching advanced age simultaneously.
The body releases endogenous psychedelics at death. The brain releases compounds such as DMT and endorphins, which may contribute to vivid inner experiences and reduced fear.
Dying is often less painful than feared when supported. With proper palliative care, pain is usually manageable, and emotional suffering often decreases as the body naturally lets go.
The dying body conserves energy inward. Circulation and metabolism gradually redirect away from digestion and movement toward vital organs and internal processes.
Relationships dominate end-of-life reflections. As survival priorities fall away, humans naturally orient toward love, reconciliation, and meaningful bonds.
Soil from human compost is fertile and safe. Rigorous testing shows it is pathogen-free and nutrient-rich, suitable for land restoration and conservation use.

Where are you on the death journey?

Black and white illustration of a branch with small flowers and buds

PREPARING

Someone I love is aging or sick and I want to support them in this transition or I want to plan ahead for myself and my loved ones.

The Art Of Dying COURSE

A whale sculpture with a fountain that creates water spray, designed to resemble a whale spouting water.

APPROACHING DEATH

I am / a loved one is transitioning soon and I want support during the actual passing.
Book a death doula now to be by your side.

15-mins consultation

A black and white watercolor painting of a group of nine birthday candles with flames, reflected on a surface.

INTEGRATING

A loved one recently passed and I want support in moving through the grief.

THE 12 GATES OF GRIEF COURSE

A black and white artistic depiction of a compass rose, with a circular background and ink splatter effects.

Free Toolkits to help you navigate grief and mortality:

Grief Toolkit

A compassionate toolkit designed to help people to navigate grief with grace and

Black and white watercolor-style silhouette of a rose with leaves

Pre-death Toolkit

A practical guide to prepare emotionally, spiritually, and practically for death.

Personalized Support Sessions
Grief Integration & End-of-Life Preparation.

When grief feels overwhelming or death feels near, you do not have to walk through it alone.

These are sacred and vulnerable moments. Having experienced, professional support can bring steadiness, clarity, and deep care during these times of transition.

Investing in this work may be one of the most meaningful commitments you make to your emotional and spiritual well-being.

You may also choose to offer these sessions as a gift to someone you love who is navigating grief of any kind.

1-on-1 Session (1h)

CA$150.00

Black and white watercolor landscape of a Japanese mountain scene with a pagoda on the right and pine trees, with artistic brushstrokes for clouds and foliage.

“Only when we truly understand death can we truly understand life.”

-Gabrielle Bonneville

Upcoming Death Doula Training 2027

Want to become a Death Doula?

We are creating an incredible 7-month professional training beginning January 1, 2027, which will equip students with the skills, ethics, and presence required to support end-of-life transitions.

Registration is now open for those ready to work at the edge of life with clarity and integrity.

Making death the most conscious experience of your life.

The Institute is designed to helpthose who want to prepare for the inevitable moment of death and know its better early than later, those who are facing mortality and want support now, and those who want to become death doulas themselves.

The global average life expectancy in 2024 is about 73.4 years. (Compare this to 1950) In 1950, global life expectancy was about 46 years, meaning humans now live nearly 30 years longer on average, largely due to sanitation, antibiotics, and reduced infant mortality.

Baby Boomers (born 1946–1964) are rapidly aging, with the oldest turning 80 in 2026. (Why are there so many Baby Boomers?) They were born during a massive post–World War II birth surge caused by returning soldiers, economic expansion, housing booms, and renewed optimism about the future.

There are so many Baby Boomers because of a massive post–World War II birth surge.

In Tibetan Buddhism, some advanced practitioners are believed to remain in a meditative state after death called tukdam before decomposition begins Tukdam is understood as a state where consciousness remains subtly present after clinical death, during which physical decay appears delayed.

The Tibetan Book of the Dead teaches that consciousness continues after the last breath. Death is described as a process with stages, not a single moment.

According to the Tibetan Book of the Dead, awareness is highly sensitive after death. Guidance, sound, and intention are believed to influence the transition.

Many cultures practice natural burial. The body returns to the soil instead of being preserved.

60 million people die worldwide every year This equals roughly 150,000 deaths per day, making death one of the most constant and universal human experiences.

The world is experiencing the largest mass death transition in human history as Boomers age Never before has such a large generation entered old age simultaneously, creating unprecedented strain on healthcare, caregiving, and death systems.

By 2050 deaths worldwide will outnumber births in many countries (10 countries): Japan, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Greece, South Korea, China, Poland, and Hungary are all projected to experience more deaths than births due to aging populations and low fertility rates.

People live the longest in countries like Japan and Switzerland due to healthcare access, diet, and strong social systems.

The average human lifespan has doubled in the last 200 years. This increase is primarily due to clean water, vaccines, antibiotics, improved nutrition, and reductions in childhood mortality—not because human biology changed.

More people die alone than at any other point in history Urbanization, smaller families, institutionalized dying, and geographic separation have eroded communal death support.

In 1900 most deaths happened at home. Now, over 60% of deaths happen in institutions. Death has shifted from a family- and community-held event to a medicalized process managed largely by hospitals and care facilities.

Cultures with visible death rituals report lower death anxiety. Regular exposure to rituals normalizes death, reduces fear of the unknown, and reinforces meaning and continuity.

Only 1 in 3 adults has a will. Most people avoid planning for death due to discomfort, denial, or the belief that it can be postponed.

In the U.S., 5,000 Baby Boomers die every day. That’s one every 14 seconds.

The Boomer cohort is the largest aging generation ever. They were born during an unprecedented population surge and benefited from medical advances that allowed more of them to reach old age.

Caregiver burnout is at crisis levels. Longer lifespans, chronic illness, underfunded care systems, and unpaid family caregiving have overwhelmed emotional and physical capacity.

Green burials are rising fastest among Boomers. Many Boomers reject industrialized death and seek environmentally aligned, meaningful alternatives that reflect their values.

Grief is now a public health issue. Unprocessed grief contributes to depression, chronic illness, substance use, and lost productivity at a population level.

Hearing is often the last sense to go. The auditory system remains active late into the dying process, which is why speaking gently to the dying is meaningful.

The body releases natural psychedelics at death, including endorphins and DMT-like compounds.

Dying is often less painful than feared when proper support and care are present.

The dying body conserves energy inward, reducing appetite, movement, and speech.

The dying often withdraw socially days before death; this withdrawal is biologically programmed. Neurochemical shifts reduce external engagement, allowing attention to turn inward for emotional and physiological completion.

At the end of life, relationships matter most.

Traditional burial slows decomposition by decades. Sealed coffins and embalming chemicals inhibit microbial and fungal breakdown.

Coffins prevent nutrient cycling. They isolate the body from soil organisms that would otherwise transform it into nutrients.

Embalming fluid is carcinogenic.

Natural burial returns nutrients in ~1–2 years. Without chemical barriers, the body decomposes efficiently and reintegrates into the ecosystem.

Human composting reduces carbon footprint by ~75%. It avoids cremation emissions and concrete burial materials while producing usable soil instead of waste.

Mushroom burial suits exist. They are garments infused with mycelium that accelerate decomposition and neutralize toxins in the body.

Mycelium breaks down toxins; fungi convert human tissue into soil nutrients. Fungi metabolize heavy metals and organic compounds, transforming the body into fertile soil components.

One body can nourish dozens of trees. The nutrients released during natural decomposition support extensive plant growth over time.

Green burial grounds function as conservation land. They protect undeveloped ecosystems while serving as burial spaces, preventing urban or industrial expansion.

Natural burial is legal in many countries:United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa.

Countries like Japan, Switzerland, Singapore, Italy, and Spain have the highest life expectancy due to strong healthcare systems, social cohesion, nutritious diets, and active aging cultures.

Baby Boomers are dying at a rate of 5,000 per day in the U.S. Every 14 seconds, a Boomer dies This reflects the sheer size of the generation reaching advanced age simultaneously.

The body releases endogenous psychedelics at death. The brain releases compounds such as DMT and endorphins, which may contribute to vivid inner experiences and reduced fear.

Dying is often less painful than feared when supported. With proper palliative care, pain is usually manageable, and emotional suffering often decreases as the body naturally lets go.

The dying body conserves energy inward. Circulation and metabolism gradually redirect away from digestion and movement toward vital organs and internal processes.

Relationships dominate end-of-life reflections. As survival priorities fall away, humans naturally orient toward love, reconciliation, and meaningful bonds.

Soil from human compost is fertile and safe. Rigorous testing shows it is pathogen-free and nutrient-rich, suitable for land restoration and conservation use.