THE CANOE
Canoe - /kəˈnuː/ - the canoe, or the boat more generally, holds a profound significance across diverse cultures, symbolizing the journey into the realm of death and beyond. Frequently associated with the vessel escorting the soul to reunite with ancestral spirits, the canoe provides a serene passage over tranquil waters towards the tranquility of the afterlife.
Dying
Differently
In our modern era, our connection with the essence of death has subtly slipped away, leaving us feeling uncertain and fearful about the natural cycle of life, which is dependent upon the dying and death of everything that is alive. It has become so overwhelming that even thinking about death can bring on a sense of despair. And yet, it was not always this way, and so, we wonder, is there a better way to meet and navigate dying and death?
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What We Do
At The Canoe we support the dying and their families in reclaiming their relationship with death, offering guidance, addressing fears, and creating a more enriching transition, while also helping find peace, embracing love, and supporting the bereaved as they grieve, learning from death how we might live more fully.
A Journey of Wisdom and Reflection
We believe that by constantly avoiding and distancing ourselves from death, we miss out on valuable opportunities to learn from one of life's most profound teachers. Death shouldn't be feared or kept at arm's length; instead, it should be embraced as a transformative gift. Each death offers lessons that can shape our own lives and help us understand the significance of our existence.
We see death as an invitation to reflect deeply: What can the death of a loved one teach us about how we want to live? How does our relationship with death affect us physically and emotionally? And how can we prepare ourselves to accept death as a natural part of life?
Our goal is to approach death with reverence and curiosity, together creating meaningful experiences that nourish individuals and families. We strive to honor the wisdom of embracing death gracefully, echoing the sentiments of esteemed author and former "Grief Walker," Stephen Jenkinson.
Our Services & Approach
At The Canoe, we're here to support you through your journey with Grief, Dying and Death. Our compassionate team offers a range of services tailored to your needs, providing a safe space to explore and navigate the complexities of grief. Whether it's individual counseling, group sessions, or specialized workshops, we're dedicated to helping you find comfort and peace as you navigate this challenging time.
Services for the dying and their loved ones
Comprehensive Grief, Death, and Dying Support: We work closely with both the dying individual and their family to provide meaningful support during this challenging time. Our services include creating a conducive physical environment for the dying process, exploring options for final moments and funeral arrangements, and facilitating the full expression of grief through embodied practices.
Soul-Centered Practices: We offer soul-centered practices that encourage the dissociation of the soul from the ego and physical body. Through movement, breathwork, meditation, and visualization techniques, individuals can explore and process their emotions in a safe and supportive space.
Anticipatory and Lived Grief Exploration: Our team helps individuals navigate both anticipatory grief and the grieving process after loss. We provide guidance on how to be present with dying and death, including involving younger family members in the experience.
Memorialization and Legacy Exploration: We assist families in creating meaningful ways to memorialize the dying process and explore the legacy of the deceased. This includes planning transition ceremonies and rituals to honor and celebrate the life of their loved one.
Customized Ceremonial Gatherings: Working closely with families, we design personalized ceremonial gatherings that honor the life of the deceased. These gatherings may include movement, yoga, meditation, sound baths, and vocalizing mantras—a beautiful tribute to their life and legacy.
Services for the Community and Groups
Death Circles: Join us in our Death Circles, held regularly or as needed, where participants are invited to explore their own relationship with death and dying. These sacred spaces provide a supportive environment for individuals to reflect on their experiences and feelings surrounding mortality, both for themselves and their loved ones.
Death Talks: Our team offers insightful and thought-provoking Death Talks for communities, organizations, and group gatherings. With a deep understanding of the cycles of energy and life, Alexce provides unique perspectives on our relationship with death and dying, drawing inspiration from her connection to the environment. As a certified Death Doula, Paul brings his extensive knowledge and experience to the table, offering valuable insights and reflections on the journey of death and dying. Invite us to speak to your community and explore the profound wisdom we have gathered through our work.
Honoring Individual Journeys & Tailored Access
At our core, we believe in honoring each individual's unique journey through this time, whether they navigate it alone or with the support of their family or community. That's why we prioritize understanding the specific needs and desires of those we'll be collaborating with. We recognize that there's no universal solution that fits everyone's circumstances, and we're committed to tailoring our approach accordingly. Our goal is to make this work accessible to all who need it.
Meet Your Guides
Meet our compassionate team guiding The Canoe grief counseling. Together, they specialize in supporting individuals through holistic well-being and personal transformation journeys.
Paul Simard
With over 30 years of experience across corporate and non-profit sectors, Paul Simard is a seasoned leader and co-founder of The Canoe. Certified as a group facilitator and end-of-life doula, Paul leverages his expertise to craft personalized solutions for individuals and organizations, guiding them through their unique journeys with compassion and insight.
Alexce Frénoy
Certified Yoga Instructor and Somatic and Energy Guide, and the co-founder of The Canoe, Alexce Frénoy guides individuals through exploring their body's wisdom and energy flow. With a focus on personalized guidance and compassionate support, Alexce empowers individuals to deepen their connection with themselves and navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace.
Upcoming Events
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Let's Connect
Feel free to reach out to us at The Canoe with any questions, inquiries, or to schedule a consultation. We're here to support you on your journey through grief and are committed to providing compassionate guidance every step of the way.