In this conversation, Dr. Tamara McIntyre shares her journey and insights into death literacy, the importance of curiosity in facing mortality, and her work with hand-woven willow coffins. She discusses the challenges of engaging people in conversations about death, the cultural shifts surrounding end-of-life practices, and the need for community support in navigating these experiences. Dr. McIntyre emphasizes the significance of understanding our mortality and making informed choices about death and dying. We explore the importance of advanced care planning, compassion in healthcare, and the dynamics of end-of-life conversations. We discuss the emotional impact of medical diagnoses, the necessity of self-care for caregivers, and the significance of creating safe spaces for individuals to express their feelings and desires regarding death. The conversation also touches on the fears surrounding medical interventions, the role of mindfulness in life reflection, and the importance of family dynamics in end-of-life planning. Humor and lightness are emphasized as essential elements in discussing death, ultimately leading to a deeper appreciation for open conversations about aging and dying.
Dr. Tamara MacIntyre is an end-of-life doula, retired chiropractor, and doctor of natural medicine with over 20 years of experience in holistic healthcare. Now, as a death educator and funerary artisan, she weaves together her expertise to increase death literacy and inspire upstream conversations about aging, illness, and end-of-life planning.
As the creator of handwoven willow coffins, Tamara blends artistry and sustainability to reimagine after-death practices. Her mission is to empower individuals to approach mortality with clarity, confidence, and compassion—transforming how we live by rethinking how we prepare for death.
https://www.consciousdeath.org/
Instagram @EndofLife_Architect or Facebook @drtamaramacintyre
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and BlueSky. You are also invited to subscribe to support us financially. Anyone who supports us at any level will have access to Premium content, special online meet-ups, and one on one time with Annalouiza or Wakil.
And we would love your feedback and want to hear your stories. You can email us at endoflifeconvo@gmail.com.
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