Author Archives: Ellary Allis (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

After the Psyche Escapes

A look at burial customs in Ancient Greece

Ancient Greeks believed that at the moment of death, the psyche, or human spirit, left the body with the final exhalation. With this last little breath, the soul separated from the body, but lived on, unencumbered by its mortal form. In Plato’s … Continue reading

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Ikipalin: The Dani Finger Amputation Ritual

The Dani of New Guinea traditionally practiced finger amputation when mourning the loss of loved one

The experience of grief is an intensely physical one; grief is often accompanied by sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, digestive disruptions and cardiac problems.  There are cultural practices around the world that believe intentional physical pain is an important part … Continue reading

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”Death, Society and the Human Experience” by Robert J. Kastenbaum

Robert J Kastenbaum's landmark text on the sociology of death and dying

Robert J Kastenbaum’s Death, Society, and the Human Experience is an almost 500 page text divided into 15 chapters that intends to “contribute to your understanding of your relationship with death, both as an individual and as a member of society.” … Continue reading

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“You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.”

-Anne Lamott
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Memorial Diamonds for a Diamond Burial

Swiss company Algordanza will turn cremation ashes into man-made diamonds

A company in Switzerland has given new meaning to the sentiment that we carry the dead with us. Algordanza makes carrying your dead with you literally a possibility with their “memorial diamonds.” The Swiss company will compress your loved one’s … Continue reading

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Our Weekly Tip: Dealin

g with the Sleeplessness That Accompanies Grief

After a major loss, it can be difficult to get a good night's sleep

Our Tip of the Week: It’s typical to experience disruptions in normal sleep patterns in the first few weeks and months of grief after a major loss. You may have trouble falling asleep, find yourself waking up throughout the night, or … Continue reading

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