Do you find yourself at odds with family and old friends in your attitudes to death? Or maybe the thought terrifies you and you are ready to understand why and shift that feeling. Maybe you are currently grieving and confused by the process.
If you are interested in joining me for the next planned Sacred Death course (April 2025) then do please get in touch (freespiritdying@gmail.com) or complete the registration form.
This course is designed for anyone who has a personal or professional interest in understanding death and how we live with it. Maybe you have a diagnosis yourself, or know someone who has. Or you are dealing with the death of a loved one.
Here are some comments from previous participants on this training:
“Catherine creates a space where we can explore and discover on an individual and group level. It’s wonderful to opportunity to have conversations and share perspectives around topics that are often not spoken about. Catherine is a magnificent guide, sharing from her experiences and leading the group with her calm and charismatic presence. I recommend this experience to anybody who is resonating with it at a given time in their lives. ” Karin
“I recommend everyone to learn how to deal with death. Interestingly enough, in every session the course taught me a lot about life.” Sanne
“This course make me at peace with death” Cuaca
“I loved every minute” Katherine
During our time together we will discuss aspects of death and how we can support ourselves and others experiencing this important event.
What you can expect to gain from the course
- Greater connection with the topic of death and dying
- A safe space to share your feelings about past and future deaths
- Tools to help you support others who are dying
- An appreciation of the gifts of death – yes, they exist
- A broader perspective – awareness of the many different ways death is treated around the world
- Greater peace and less fear of death and dying
This courses take place in person with a small group in Ubud, Bali or Sydney, Australia. It is strongly recommended that you commit to attend all six sessions as this is a learning journey that we will take together.
SACRED DEATH COURSE
What we will cover
- Introduction – our own views and experiences, of death and grief. Selfcare and the art of Compassionate Presence.
- Our own death – coming to terms with it, designing a meaningful death that meets our needs, creating an Advanced Plan
- Death and Society – different cultural approaches and taboos around death and grief. Comparison of Western approach with Balinese views. Controversial deaths.
- Death and family dynamics – death stories, a person-centred approach, holding space. Secrets, lies, scandals and heartache
- Working with death – physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of death and caring for the dying
- Preparing for dying, being with dying, after the death
- Psychopomp and other shamanic practices around death
- Integration and Application
COURSE FORMAT
Sessions are each of three hours in a small group using a combination of talking circles, pair work, practical exercises and sharing information. There will be a reading list provided during the course with around 30 mins of research or reflection work to complete between classes. We also draw on my book Sacred Death (see below)
It is important to commit to attending the whole course as it is designed as a journey.
2025 dates:
Catherine Shovlin will be delivering the in-person 6 session course in the following times and places in 2025
Bali: Apr 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10.
London: Jul 22, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31
Sydney: Nov 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13
Register here to reserve your spot or contact Catherine at freespiritdying@gmail.com if you have further questions.
Note that I am in the process of developing an online video recorded version of this course. It will be a different experience as you will not have the richness of shared experience with fellow travelers, but it does give everyone the flexibility to do the course whenever works for them. When that is available I will post info here.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SACRED DEATH TRAINING?
There is no specialist experience needed. Much more important is your attitude to the topic, your own relationship with death and your ability to work well within the group and follow the shared agreement we will draw up together around safe space, confidentiality etc. I reserve the right to suggest further personal development is needed before joining the course.
THE COST
For scheduled courses, the cost per participant is
| Early bird (60+ days before) | Regular | Balinese or KITAS | |
| Bali (April 2025) | IDR4,000,000 | IDR6,000,000 | IDR3,000,000 |
| London (Jul 2025) | £399 | £599 | n/a |
| Sydney (Nov 2025) | A$799 | A$1199 | n/a |
If you would like to create a bespoke course for your group then that can also be arranged. Contact me on windsofdiscovery@gmail.com to discuss
Two scholarship places are available on each Balinese course to local individuals showing special aptitude and interest but without the means to pay. Please email me at freespiritdying@gmail.com if you wish to be considered.
If you can’t make the training, but are keen to understand some of the principles I work with, then reading my book is another option. Available on amazon, kindle and other online bookstores. https://books2read.com/ShovlinDeath
Free Spirit 