On this episode of Second Act Actors, I talk with Compassionate Inquiry coach and end of life doula Claudia about midlife transitions and how to honour your life’s purpose in a healthy, meaningful way.

Claudia tells me her life story and about how her own experience of burnout as a photographer shaped her and gave her an interest in helping others through the same process. She talks about what she does with her clients as an end-of-life doula and how she brings this deepened perspective to her clients facing a midlife crisis.

We move on to discuss the mechanics of a transition period and Claudia gives advice to people who feel as if they’re stuck or dissatisfied with their lives at the moment and the steps that they could take to make a change. Claudia recounts her experiences of studying under her hero Dr Gabor Maté and how his trauma-focused approach has influenced her work.

This is a moving conversation about meaningful topics that come up too rarely in our society. You’ll hear advice from Claudia on how to navigate challenging questions about life, death and being human, which you can come back to along your journey. If this episode of Second Act Actors made you stop and think, please share it with someone you know that needs to hear this important message.

Timestamps

[0:10] Claudia’s path to becoming a death doula

[2:58] How Claudia’s experience of burnout as a photographer gave her the chance to help others through their midlife struggles

[6:40] Is having a midlife crisis a sign of privilege?

[9:50] Claudia walks me through her coaching process

[12:30] Balancing out passion and logic

[15:25] What is an end-of-life doula?

[17:38] My experience of working with death as a doctor

[18:40] How Claudia’s bringing her experience of being a death doula to her midlife coaching services

[22:07] What advice would Claudia give to someone who feels like they’re stuck in a rut?

[25:00] The mini-death that comes with a transition period

[29:25] “It all comes together at the midlife”: Claudia’s work with Dr Maté

[31:50] What advice would Claudia give to people who want to get in touch with their earlier selves?

[34:52] We should talk about this more!!

[37:50] Where to go to find out more about Dr Maté and your life journey

[39:35] Where to go to find out more about Claudia

[40:04] “Trust and truth”: Claudio’s advice to people who are on the edge of a big life change

Links

Permission to Bloom website

Permission to Bloom on Instagram

The Wisdom of Trauma documentary

Second Act Actors website

Second Act Actors on Instagram

Second Act Actors on Facebook

Second Act Actors on YouTube

Janet McMordie website

Janet McMordie on Instagram

Janet McMordie on LinkedIn

Janet McMordie on Twitter

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