Author Archives: Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

“Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” by Elton John

British rocker blends instrumental piece with dynamic contemplation on death
Posted on March 2, 2021 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Those searching for an emphatic way to commemorate their loved ones need look no further than “Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” by Elton John. The two songs, written separately but recorded together, open John’s iconic 1973 album … Continue reading →

Posted in Expressive Music | Leave a comment

“The Body Walks Through Grief Towards God” by Nome Emeka Patrick

Nigerian poet explores the ongoing impact of grief in touching poem
Posted on February 22, 2021 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

In a dark room/ where the skirl of an angel’s hosanna/ heaved inside the walls like the shadows of a myth/ I pulled out my heart/ & searched for the knoll of grief/ the paralytic mound of an ache/ that … Continue reading →

Posted in The Next Chapter | Leave a comment

Lack of Bereavement Leave and Other Policies Fail Bereaved Families

Joyal Mulheron of Evermore describes lack of bereavement care in the U.S. as a public health crisis
Posted on February 17, 2021 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Joyal Mulheron has a long history in public policy. She’s advised the Obama White House and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, and has worked with Republicans and Democrats, corporations and advocates. In recent years, she’s brought this diverse experience to … Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Advice | 2 Comments

“The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” by Margareta Magnusson

A Swedish grandmother invites readers to reduce belongings at the end of life
Posted on February 12, 2021 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Having passed the age of 80, Margareta Magnusson decided to engage in döstädning, a Swedish word that translates as “death cleaning” — and to write about it in “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.” In Sweden, death cleaning involves … Continue reading →

Posted in Lending Insight | Leave a comment

Vietnam’s Peaceful Huong An Vien Visiting Center

Architects use bamboo to create a calm, light-filled setting for cemetery visitors
Posted on February 7, 2021 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Many cemeteries have a heavy, oppressive atmosphere — and the architects of Huong An Vien Visiting Center wanted to build something different. To design a more tranquil space, they created structures of bamboo and other natural materials, set against the … Continue reading →

Posted in Soulful Expressions | Leave a comment

Our Monthly Tip: Create a Grief Shrine or Memorial Altar

Setting up a shrine or altar to memorialize a loved one can allow for grief and healing
Posted on January 30, 2021 by Rachel Jones (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

Our Tip of the Month For centuries, various cultures have embraced the concept of creating altars or shrines to honor loved ones who’ve died. Perhaps the most well-known are the Mexican ofrendas to celebrate Día de los Muertos. But most … Continue reading →

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