There is the concept of “natural birth”, so why not “natural death”? This was the idea that inspired three psychotherapists to set up The Natural Death Centre in 1991.
The main mission of the Natural Death Centre, a charity, is “to support families who are looking after somebody dying at home, or trying to retain family control over the funeral arrangements”, and “in particular to increase awareness of funeral choices outside of the mainstream.” It founded and operates the Association of Natural Burial Grounds, but its remit is far broader than that.
They publish The Natural Death Handbook (fifth edition, boxed set of three volumes, £24) which covers a whole range of subject areas connected to both death and dying, with advice and listings: green funerals, natural burial grounds, biodegradable coffins, living wills, caring for the dying at home, and so on.
Its website is full of excellent, practical advice. For instance, there is a downloadable page called “Questions to ask a Funeral Director”. There are other pages answering questions such as “What is a good funeral?”, with suggestions under such headings as “What type of funeral ceremony can I have?” and “In what ways can I make the funeral special?”
If you ever have the feeling that you are being straightjacketed by the medical or funeral profession over matters to do with death and dying, and want a broader view, and ideas about how to do something more personal and individual, then The Natural Death Centre website is certainly a good place to start.
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