The Awakened
Bo
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Vanessa Cruz ~ Decolonized Death Doula | Earth Medicine Guide | Ceremony and Ritualist | Community Care Builder

Vanessa embodies a profound connection to her indigenous roots, blending ancient traditions with modern holistic modalities. Rooted in the mountains of New Mexico, she learned the profound teachings of earth medicines from her grandmother and great grandmother, sparking a lifelong journey of cultural reconnection. As a marginalized community member, Vanessa is deeply committed to providing compassionate support and guidance rooted in empathy and cultural sensitivity. Her credentials as an Indigenous woman in Mindfulness Based Psychedelic Guiding reflect her dedication to restoring holistic well-being through a decolonized lens.

Vanessa’s approach to death care transcends conventional boundaries, viewing the end-of-life transition as a natural passage deserving of reverence and care. Through sacred rituals and earth medicines, she guides individuals on their spiritual journeys, from fear to awe, pain to beauty, and anger to gratitude. Vanessa facilitates legacy work and ceremonial storytelling, empowering individuals to find peace and acceptance during this profound transition. She advocates for reclaiming the intimate responsibility of death care within communities, offering comprehensive education on home funerals and alternative body disposition methods. Her compassionate approach and dedication to holistic support empower individuals to navigate the complexities of life and death with grace and dignity, leaving a legacy of healing and transformation in their wake. 

Supporting individuals through:
• Terminal illness or a loved one with a terminal illness
• Grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, and feeling stuck
• Chronic pain
• Loss of a pet
• Fear of death and the unknown
• Navigating death with dignity, MAiD (medical aid in dying)
• Healthcare professional Burn-Out 
• The transition from recreational to intentional earth medicine use
• Experiencing earth medicine for the first time
• Microdosing harm reduction and education
• Religious trauma
• Deepening connection to nature
• Difficult life transitions and personal growth
• Decolonizing Death Care