About Me
From an early age I have been fascinated by people and their stories. Especially those that involve individuals who have found ways to draw on a deep, internal resilience to keep their hearts open to love, life, and the mystery of it all. This has been the highest intent for my own life journey as well as following my heart.
In turn, honouring the miracle of life and the gifts found in all its complexities. My father was the first example of that for me.
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This brings me to a second, constant deep love in my life…nature. Throughout the years I have found ways to engage with the natural world. From hiking in rich forests, celebrating the strength of the mountains, flowing rivers, the wild movement, and power of the open ocean to flying gliders and dancing with the clouds. An ever increasing respect for the “other than human” creatures who inhabit these domains has emerged. The sounds, smells and endless creativity found in nature’s design never ceases to stir joy and inspiration in my heart while being aware that we too are an integral part of the natural world. The sheer blessing of living in British Columbia, Canada adds to this invitation.
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I love to write but it is only in recent years that I have owned that I am a writer despite the fact I have a published book! Ironically in grade one (of my own accord) I created a scrapbook of stories which I also illustrated with simple drawings. My teacher at the time was so encouraging and gave me the award for being “first in my class” at the end of the school year. Her chosen gift was a book of stories which is still in my possession! It has wonderful illustrations, and the author designed it for children to learn about birds and the natural world. Have kept journals for decades pondering life, personal discoveries, discouragements, and celebrations along with an absolute fascination for the profound mystery of my rich nightly dreams and intuitive promptings.
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"In Autumn’s Cocoon" was launched in the fall of 2017. Barbara is the author of the book Honoring the Mystery; Uplifting Insights from the Language, Visions, and Dreams of the Dying and the host of the YouTube series titled "Inspiring, Heartfelt Conversations".
She is presently offering her skills and years of experience in end of life care in the form of talks, workshops and writings.
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The unseen world is just as much a curiosity for me as the seen. My greater exploration has always been how to bring them together in full expression and life-giving ways. The arts in general have also been a curiosity and constant source of discovery and inspiration. I love music, dance, film, along with other art forms.
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​All these interests eventually led me, “called” me to embrace decades of work in the hospice field in three different professional roles with hospice societies in BC after initially serving as a hospice volunteer over thirty years ago. One of those roles was as the Program Director for a hospice society for close to thirteen years.
Truly, an invitation to embrace death and in turn life itself in greater ways.
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All the seasons offer profound gifts when we open to them. For me, befriending the natural life cycles has added to the dimension to which I have experienced my own life journey. A gift indeed.
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Barbara Morningstar