Spirited Solace
Accessible conversations about and through the dying process.
What we do.
We companion people through the dying process via text. We crack the spiritual door open, and you decide if you want to go through it and how. Or we talk through logistics and basics if that’s right for the day. Whatever might feel too weird, too scary, too big, or too small to process with their loved ones is open for us to explore together.
About.
Spirited Solace supports people in unique ways through the dying process. Our core service is providing text-based spiritual support for people at the end of life. We create a match between two people–a texter who is skilled in and comfortable with talking about death and a textee in need of companioning around their dying process and this unique time of life. Texters are skilled with a non-anxious presence, deep listening ability, Love, and non-judgmental ways of reflecting and asking questions. The two connect mostly over text, which provides potential for a gentler way into hard or scary conversations and also fits into life at this stage, whatever that might look like–whether that’s texting from the bed or in between children’s activities.
We also offer a message board for members to document whatever is important to them and specially created virtual spaces for extending connections to others participating in or supporting the Spirited Solace community.
“I'm really at peace with everything. Thank you again for all of your help [through] this part of my life.”
— SPIRITED SOLACE CLIENT
Why.
Beautiful moments and growth can and do happen in the context of hospice, chaplaincy, therapy, and personal relationships. For a variety of reasons, sometimes something different is wanted or needed. It can be hard for us to verbalize when discussing loaded topics. We want the time and space to think through exactly how we want to put something. We might even only have time and space when we’re in the bathroom or lying in bed late at night.
Some of our cultures have lost touch with the skills that our ancestors once had in terms of approaching death with care, comfort, and respect. Many people cannot bring themselves to discuss death and dying. So when we know we are dying sooner rather than later, there is not always a big group of people who can hold us in that experience. Sometimes there is no one.
We need each other. We humans need each other in living and in dying. Having someone who can support us, ask us the right questions, give us space when we need it, and/or just hold us with care as we approach the dying process with some level of intentionality can help us decrease fear, increase feelings of love, process our life review, and give us some comfort.
The rates.
Accessibility is incredibly important to our organization, and we believe everyone should have access to this service, whether they can contribute financially to the continuation of this work or not.
“Thank you for showing me that my feelings are true and genuine.”
— SPIRITED SOLACE CLIENT
The Texter
My name is Lia Nagase (she/ella). I have a gift for warm presence. I truly enjoy connecting with people in different ways (including text!), and I am a deep listener. I remain authentically me while meeting you where you are. I am equally comfortable being with people in the depths of sorrow and in the silly spaces of life. I can share tender words of comfort or join you in swearing like a sailor. All of these are parts of me, and they allow me to be with all the parts of you that you want to share.
I am an ordained interfaith minister through The Chaplaincy Institute and completed the Interspiritual Companioning and Counseling program with One Spirit Learning Alliance. I also received my Certificate in Thanatology with The Art of Dying Institute at One Spirit. I pride myself on being an excellent, supportive, loving friend; a parent who never stops trying and who takes accountability for my imperfections and mistakes; and a present and playful partner who advocates for my person’s wellbeing in all aspects of his life. Music is in my soul, and I get the most joy from singing songs I’ve written. Equity, love, and compassion drive me.
I am a mixed-race cis woman of color who is pansexual but who has a hetero lived experience due to being with above partner for about a million years. ;) I am dedicated to showing up in the best ways for all (including but not limited to other people of color, to queer folks, to neurodivergent people). I am from the US (Oakland, CA, to be specific) but have immigrated to Costa Rica with my family. I am the founder and ED of 170 Trees.