May 4, 2025

MEETING DEATH DOULA, ALUA ARTHUR

The Power of Talking About Death

I had the honor of attending the 24th Annual Houston Hospice Butterfly Luncheon, thanks to the kind invitation from a SOULESTA Living community member from Prosperity Bank, who recognized the value of my Grief and Loss support resources. There I met the inspiring Alua Arthur, a Death Doula, attorney and the author of New York Times Bestselling book, "Briefly Perfectly Human."


Alua reminded us that the fear of death subtly shapes many of our choices, and her perspective on embracing conversations about death and its impact on our lives was incredibly powerful. 


What if talking about death helped us live more fully? 


I also love that she adds a sense of humor to her stories and brings lightness to a heavy topic.

The next day, I joined an Author Talk at Kindred Stories, a bookstore in Houston that celebrates black authors, and had a chance to speak with her personally. 


What struck me most was our conversation about how I am already engaged in "death care work" through my offerings.

Resources for Your Journey

If you or someone you know is navigating a loss or grief, please remember these resources:

  • My free Grief & Gratitude Collection offers practical tools for processing loss including a 13-page guide, workshop replay, meditation audio, and coping strategies
  • The Therapist Directory on my website can connect you with professional support
  • Bo's Place provides specialized grief support programs (linked on my website)
  • Celebration of Life Funerals/Memorial Service Planning with personalized touches that reflect the unique essence of the person remembered.
  • Custom Funeral/Memorial Service Program Design personalized keepsakes that reflect the interests and passions of the person being remembered
  • Alua Arthur's book "Briefly Perfectly Human" offers profound wisdom on embracing mortality

If you or someone you love is navigating loss, know that support is available. You can learn more and access resources on my website here. And if you haven’t read Briefly Perfectly Human yet, I highly recommend it — you’ll find it now listed in my Grief Support Resources.


Going with Grace is Alua's death doula training and end-of-life planning organization where you can also buy her book.


With Gratitude 💛

I'm deeply grateful to Houston Hospice for their vital work in our community (they take volunteers!), to Prosperity Bank for including me in this meaningful event, and to Kindred Stories for hosting spaces for these essential conversations. Let’s continue to support each of them. 


To living calm and well, 


Keeley Shree

Calmness Coach | Certified: Chair Yoga • Meditation • Grief Coaching • Feng Shui

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