after-death options – End of Life University

Learn about the benefits of natural burial for loved ones and for the environment and how to get more information to plan your own natural burial.

About the guest:

My guest Dr. Basil Eldadah is the founder and executive director of Reflection Park Natural Burial Ground in Silver Spring, Maryland. Basil’s professional training is in internal medicine, clinical pharmacology, and neuroscience and he recently retired from a career in biomedical research. He shares his inspiration for starting a natural burial ground and why such alternatives are growing in popularity. Learn more at the website:

reflection park.org

Watch on YouTube

Listen here:

In this episode:

Why Dr. Eldadah started Reflection Park
The process of getting approval for a natural burial ground
Why some people resisted the creation of a natural burial ground over fears of impacting water quality
Research necessary before starting such a burial ground
How a natural burial differs from conventional burial
How participating in hands-on burial rituals helps with grief and connection to the loved one
Pre-planning for a natural burial is not necessary but helpful
Why they decided to allow burial of cremated remains
How Reflection Park helps make funerals and burials more affordable for those who cannot afford them
Natural burial is trending now as part of an interest in reclaiming death and burial as part of life
Green Burial Council website as a resource for people searching for natural burial sites and funeral homes
The Funeral Professionals Guide and other resources offered on the Reflection Park website

Links for this episode:

Resources

Frequently asked questions about natural burial
Green Burial Council website

Related episodes

Transcript

Basil Eldadah Interview Download

Learn how planning ahead for after-death care can help loved ones with grief and loss.

My guest Jokotifa Alaye is a licensed funeral professional and NEDA certified end-of-life doula with a focus on grief. She created Mourning Space to fill the gaps in education and support that society requires for healthy grieving. She discusses the importance of funeral planning as a gift for loved ones, finding a funeral director or celebrant who can help carry out your wishes, and how to foster empowered grieving. Learn more at her website:

mourningspace.com

YouTube Channel

Listen here:

This episode includes:

Jokotifa’s path to becoming a funeral director and death doula
Why she focuses on empowered grieving through Mourning Space
Why deathcare providers need better training about grief
Why rituals at the end of life are important
What to do if a loved one refuses a funeral
How and why to plan your own funeral in advance
Each state and country has unique laws about funerals and disposition
What hospice providers should know about the removal process to support the family after death
How to have conversations with loved ones about funeral preferences

Links mentioned in this episode:

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