Such a beautiful and touching essay this week. I’d like a green burial but I’ve not the money for it. My momma has purchased a family plot and my ashes will likely be interred there alongside my father’s, who has gone on ahead, and my lil mom and brother when the time comes. I like the idea — and the picture you paint of the scattered ashes, and I’m not sure I want mine to be buried in the earth. Something I’ll need to work out. Thank you for food for thought.
. . . my husband feels as you do, Heather. He wants his ashes scattered in the ocean, not buried. As for me, I'd like to return to the earth. Then again, I think I want our remains mingled together. Like you say, "something to work out." I haven't given my funeral much thought before now, but listening to the speaker in my class, has made me ponder. Sending you love, hugs and goodwill.
I've chosen to go to the Body Farm at the university where I used to work:https://www.txst.edu/anthropology/facts/labs/farf.html I've been writing about murder for decades, and the idea of giving what's left of me to forensic research is truly appealing. Makes for an intriguing last chapter, wouldn't you say?
Definitely an intriguing finale! And really, rather perfect, given your background with murder mystery. And . . . the bones (no pun intended) for a good story. You are one quirky, wonderful, woman and writer, Susan. Biggest of hugs.
I'm taken by this beautiful idea too. I don't know if there is green burial in every state, but I would like to think that this is an idea whose time has come to us again. There's a lot to be learned from this natural cycle of returning to earth and becoming the stuff that feeds flowers, forest and meadows. Sending hugs.
I was very moved to learn about green burial. While I knew it existed, hearing John speak about the ritual of an earth goodbye, inspired me to make a green burial part of my last wishes. "become a part of the energy of the Universe . . ." Yes! Sending love and goodwill.
Thank you for writing about green burials. When we wrapped my mother in a shroud and buried her on a bed of compost she and I co-created, I felt deeply connected to her passing on a physical level - - in fact, it was cellular - - my sweat dropping on the soil as we covered her body wrapped in an old bed cover adding moisture for effective decomposition. I wish we could speak more candidly about the emotional possibilities for those who are left behind...and engage more deeply with the process of nurturing our loved ones from one stage to the next. Thank you.
Lyn, What a beautiful story. Compost and sweat, the connection and honoring of her. We do need to speak more candidly and more frequently about nature and nature's process; to meet death with family participating in the ceremony of the last threshold. There is something so deeply honoring and spiritual about this type of burial. Appreciation.
So great! It’s also how I’m going out. Already communicated to family—which, by the way, is vitally important. Anyone considering or desiring an alternative form of burial needs to either make that known through a Final Wishes document or communicate it clearly, preferably in writing, to all loved ones who will attend to their earthly body after death. Death CAN become something beautiful—and it should never be something that causes fear or disgust.
Wow, Stephanie. This is so beautiful. Your poem and article overall are lovely. This type of burial is a wonderful concept, and I'm glad that some funeral organizations are doing green burials. What a wonderful thing to offer the deceased and their loved ones. You said it so well, "By interacting with the natural world during important times, we recognize that we are not separate. We are in fact, nature itself." It's so true. My daughter -- young at 16 -- already wants this type of burial, and I believe there is a place not far from us in Illinois that promotes this.
Your altar is stunning. It sounds like you are getting so much out of your course! Thank you for a beautiful essay.
Thank you, Beth. Your daughter sounds very aware. I appreciate your comment -- I was a little hesitant about writing about death again, but I think it's a conversation that we could be having in more creative and open ways. I am getting a lot from my course and it's been fun to share here. Biggest of hugs my talented friend!
Yes, my daughter is 16 going on 30, very aware for sure. LOL
I think the discussion about death is an important one, one that is unfortunately often taboo in our culture, so the discussion is very well needed, my friend. You are doing great things in the world. Sending hugs back!
It sounds pretty special to have a daughter who is 16 going on 30 -- in addition to having someone around to help you with your computer, you have someone to inspire you to hope and dream big. Hugs to you both.
Lovely post. I have always felt we Americans are missing ritual in our lives. I wrote death rituals into my first novel, and have written them into my upcoming novel, I believe they are doorways we must pass through in order to transcend. Without them we remain traumatized and in a childlike state of ptsd after the loss of a love. And my family has been doing green burial and cremation for this generation. No boxes locked in eternity with no one visiting, for us.
Mindy, I'm moved that you write about the things you value in your books and stories. We don't talk enough about beautiful deaths with intimate, ritualized endings which feed the earth and our hearts. As you say, I don't want my beloveds or me to be locked in a box in eternity. Sending you goodwill and big hugs.
Hi Stephanie, I love that you are writing about this. I've also heard of organizations that do similar things; "Tree Pod Burial Explained: Becoming a Tree After Death." I'm thinking that this is what I will want for when I die. These are a few places and articles about it:
Camilla, THANK YOU for the links to others who do green burial. The idea of becoming a tree after death speaks to something ancient and beautiful in me. Bless you for your generosity of spirt and for sharing this information. Sending big hugs.
I know that Oak trees have long roots and that reach out to other Oaks and that's how the forest communicates. If we're both trees, we could stay in touch (lol). Big hugs.
Such a beautiful and touching essay this week. I’d like a green burial but I’ve not the money for it. My momma has purchased a family plot and my ashes will likely be interred there alongside my father’s, who has gone on ahead, and my lil mom and brother when the time comes. I like the idea — and the picture you paint of the scattered ashes, and I’m not sure I want mine to be buried in the earth. Something I’ll need to work out. Thank you for food for thought.
. . . my husband feels as you do, Heather. He wants his ashes scattered in the ocean, not buried. As for me, I'd like to return to the earth. Then again, I think I want our remains mingled together. Like you say, "something to work out." I haven't given my funeral much thought before now, but listening to the speaker in my class, has made me ponder. Sending you love, hugs and goodwill.
This is such a beautiful idea. I would rather my remains go back to the Earth, either through ashes or a green burial, such as this.
Thank you for your wonderful articles .💜
You and me both! Always appreciate when you stop by and read. Thank you. Big hugs.
I've chosen to go to the Body Farm at the university where I used to work:https://www.txst.edu/anthropology/facts/labs/farf.html I've been writing about murder for decades, and the idea of giving what's left of me to forensic research is truly appealing. Makes for an intriguing last chapter, wouldn't you say?
Definitely an intriguing finale! And really, rather perfect, given your background with murder mystery. And . . . the bones (no pun intended) for a good story. You are one quirky, wonderful, woman and writer, Susan. Biggest of hugs.
Thanks for this Stephanie. I love this idea of a more natural burial. I checked online and sure enough there is a green burial cemetery (?) near me.
I'm taken by this beautiful idea too. I don't know if there is green burial in every state, but I would like to think that this is an idea whose time has come to us again. There's a lot to be learned from this natural cycle of returning to earth and becoming the stuff that feeds flowers, forest and meadows. Sending hugs.
What a wonderful way to become part of the energy of the Universe. Amen, Stephanie.
I was very moved to learn about green burial. While I knew it existed, hearing John speak about the ritual of an earth goodbye, inspired me to make a green burial part of my last wishes. "become a part of the energy of the Universe . . ." Yes! Sending love and goodwill.
Thank you for writing about green burials. When we wrapped my mother in a shroud and buried her on a bed of compost she and I co-created, I felt deeply connected to her passing on a physical level - - in fact, it was cellular - - my sweat dropping on the soil as we covered her body wrapped in an old bed cover adding moisture for effective decomposition. I wish we could speak more candidly about the emotional possibilities for those who are left behind...and engage more deeply with the process of nurturing our loved ones from one stage to the next. Thank you.
Lyn, What a beautiful story. Compost and sweat, the connection and honoring of her. We do need to speak more candidly and more frequently about nature and nature's process; to meet death with family participating in the ceremony of the last threshold. There is something so deeply honoring and spiritual about this type of burial. Appreciation.
So great! It’s also how I’m going out. Already communicated to family—which, by the way, is vitally important. Anyone considering or desiring an alternative form of burial needs to either make that known through a Final Wishes document or communicate it clearly, preferably in writing, to all loved ones who will attend to their earthly body after death. Death CAN become something beautiful—and it should never be something that causes fear or disgust.
Kert, especially the part about communicating your wishes to your family. Excellent point! Here's to beauty and meaning. Thank you, my friend.
Wow, Stephanie. This is so beautiful. Your poem and article overall are lovely. This type of burial is a wonderful concept, and I'm glad that some funeral organizations are doing green burials. What a wonderful thing to offer the deceased and their loved ones. You said it so well, "By interacting with the natural world during important times, we recognize that we are not separate. We are in fact, nature itself." It's so true. My daughter -- young at 16 -- already wants this type of burial, and I believe there is a place not far from us in Illinois that promotes this.
Your altar is stunning. It sounds like you are getting so much out of your course! Thank you for a beautiful essay.
Thank you, Beth. Your daughter sounds very aware. I appreciate your comment -- I was a little hesitant about writing about death again, but I think it's a conversation that we could be having in more creative and open ways. I am getting a lot from my course and it's been fun to share here. Biggest of hugs my talented friend!
Yes, my daughter is 16 going on 30, very aware for sure. LOL
I think the discussion about death is an important one, one that is unfortunately often taboo in our culture, so the discussion is very well needed, my friend. You are doing great things in the world. Sending hugs back!
It sounds pretty special to have a daughter who is 16 going on 30 -- in addition to having someone around to help you with your computer, you have someone to inspire you to hope and dream big. Hugs to you both.
Lovely post. I have always felt we Americans are missing ritual in our lives. I wrote death rituals into my first novel, and have written them into my upcoming novel, I believe they are doorways we must pass through in order to transcend. Without them we remain traumatized and in a childlike state of ptsd after the loss of a love. And my family has been doing green burial and cremation for this generation. No boxes locked in eternity with no one visiting, for us.
Mindy, I'm moved that you write about the things you value in your books and stories. We don't talk enough about beautiful deaths with intimate, ritualized endings which feed the earth and our hearts. As you say, I don't want my beloveds or me to be locked in a box in eternity. Sending you goodwill and big hugs.
Thank you. I appreciated your writing about it.
Hi Stephanie, I love that you are writing about this. I've also heard of organizations that do similar things; "Tree Pod Burial Explained: Becoming a Tree After Death." I'm thinking that this is what I will want for when I die. These are a few places and articles about it:
https://earthfuneral.com/resources/tree-pod-burial-explained
https://www.betterplaceforests.com/welcome-trees-instead-of-tombstones
https://www.cnn.com/2017/05/03/world/eco-solutions-capsula-mundi/index.html
https://8billiontrees.com/eco-friendly-natural-products/tree-pod-burial/
❤️🙏🕊️
Camilla, THANK YOU for the links to others who do green burial. The idea of becoming a tree after death speaks to something ancient and beautiful in me. Bless you for your generosity of spirt and for sharing this information. Sending big hugs.
"The idea of becoming a tree after death speaks to something ancient and beautiful in me." I love how you put that, and I feel the same.
And blessings right back to you too with your generosity of spirit and sharing the information you shared too❤️🙏🕊️
And thank you. I'm receiving your hugs and blessings, and sending lots of loving kindness back to you too✨🧚♀️🤸♀️🌼🌷🌈🌺🪷💕☀️
I know that Oak trees have long roots and that reach out to other Oaks and that's how the forest communicates. If we're both trees, we could stay in touch (lol). Big hugs.
Aww, that's the sweetest idea. And yes, I love the sacred nature of trees too❤️🙏🕊️