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?
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.
“Through the sessions and support provided by the team at The Canoe, my family and I have a better understanding of our grief following the death of our eldest son, and we also feel the support of shared experiences within community.”
— The Truchon Family
Supporting Community
Comprehensive Grief, Dying, and Death 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.
“I am grateful for the courageous conversations about death and mourning (...) and the inspiring ways that they are revealed and felt during these circles. The honest emotions, curiosity and respect as we share our experiences makes me feel a part of something bigger and shared.”
— Robert N.,
DEATH OVER COFFEE
These community gatherings are invitations for those who are grieving, of course, but mostly for those who are seeking to share and learn more about our collective experience of dying and death, and to wonder what might be possible if we were to deepen our relationship with them.
Current Monthly Offerings:
Victor Rose Espresso Bar - Pointe-Claire, Quebec, 7pm
Cafe La Ruche - Huntingdon, Quebec, 7pm
Pulp Books and Cafe - Verdun, Quebec, 7pm
(text 514.503.2116 for dates)