Good Life Project A Guide to Living Fully After Loss | Spotlight Convo
Nov 27, 2025
In this insightful conversation, Alua Arthur, a death doula turned author, shares her journey from law to end-of-life support. Claire Bidwell-Smith, a renowned grief therapist, explores the nuances of grief, emphasizing its transformative potential. Cyndie Spiegel, a bestselling author, introduces the concept of 'microjoys'—finding joy alongside grief. Together, they discuss creating healing rituals, the importance of honest conversations about death, and ways to navigate the tricky path of loss while embracing life.
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Becoming A Death Doula Through Loss
- Alua Arthur served informally as a death doula for her brother-in-law during his final two months, doing errands, researching, and holding space for the family.
- That intensive caregiving showed her the gaps in end-of-life support and inspired her practice and training work.
Use Rituals To Release Caregiver Burden
- Do develop rituals to separate work and caregiving emotional load, like washing or touching the doorframe to mark thresholds.
- Do create small grounding actions (baths, sensory comforts) to 'lay down' what doesn't belong to you.
Reframe 'Good Death' As Contextual
- Alua argues 'good death' is a value judgment and we should instead ask for the most ideal death under the circumstances.
- This reframing reduces guilt and focuses on achievable agency within limits.
