It’s not just in your head—when life quiets down and the familiar rhythms of family or partnership shift, a hush can settle over the days that sometimes feels heavier than it should. For many women who find themselves living alone later in life, that hush can grow into loneliness, anxiety, or even fear. But there’s a gentle antidote that’s been right beside us all along: animals.

Grief arrives like an unexpected storm, dark and unrelenting, and when you lose your only child, it feels as though the sun may never shine again. There is no roadmap for this kind of loss, no step-by-step guide that makes the pain more bearable. The world continues to spin, people move forward, and yet, you are left standing still, clutching memories that feel both precious and painful.

The term “end-of-life doula” may not be widely known, but their role is as significant as it is ancient. Known as death doulas, death walkers, transition guides or soul companions, these compassionate individuals offer emotional, practical, and spiritual support to those nearing the end of life and their families.

You’ve likely encountered spaces that just feel right; the serene balance of a Japanese tea house, the vibrant energy of an Indian courtyard, or the quiet harmony of a Scandinavian retreat. These experiences can linger in your memory, inspiring you to recreate that same sense of flow and purpose in your own living spaces. Whether you’re at home or decorating a private retreat, the practices of Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui offer a way to harmonize energy and bring peace to your surroundings.