Dreaming Beyond Death: A Guide to Pre-Death Dreams and Visions

This month, I’m starting a new series of blog posts aimed at other End of Life Doulas, hospice workers, care workers, and nurses. Each month, I’ll feature a book I’m reading (or have read) that offers insights and practical guidance for working with the dying. These posts are designed to inspire and support those of us who are dedicated to walking this journey with others.

For the families and individuals navigating the end-of-life process, I’ve created a Resources section on this blog. This area includes books, videos, and podcasts that I’ve found valuable. It’s a space where the dying and their loved ones can find tools and information to help them through this tender time.

To kick off this series, I’m excited to share Dreaming Beyond Death: A Guide to Pre-Death Dreams and Visions by Kelly Bulkeley and Patricia Bulkley.This book sheds light on the profound and often mysterious dreams and visions experienced by those nearing the end of life. Drawing on real-life case studies, the authors highlight recurring themes such as reunions with loved ones, symbolic journeys, and moments of healing or forgiveness. These dreams often provide emotional resolution and peace, not only for the dying but also for their families.

As professionals, understanding the significance of these dreams can deepen our work. They remind us that the dying process is not only physical but also emotional and spiritual. By recognizing and respecting these dreams, we can create space for the dying to find meaning and closure.

My Personal Connection to Dream Interpretation

Dreams have always played a powerful role in my life, shaping my understanding of connection and transition. When I was a child, I had a dream that one of my grandmothers would die. In the dream, it was my other grandmother, but two days later, the unexpected happened, and my nana passed. That night she visited me and told me everything would be OK.  She was right.  I remember vividly feeling her presence after her death—a deeply comforting experience that has repeated itself with other family members over the years who passed and with my nana to this day.

This personal profound connection led me to explore dream interpretation more deeply. I have developed ways of analyzing and documenting my dreams.  Many of my paintings come from dreams or visions.  In 2023- 2024 I belonged to a weekly dream group in Santa Fe, learning how to uncover the layers of meaning within dreams. We were a small but powerful group of women and one male, the group was rewarding and insightful.  Over time, I’ve supported others in interpreting their dreams, helping them find clarity and comfort. As a End Of LIfe Doula, I offer this as a service to help the dying understand their pre-death dreams and the messages they might hold.

Why Dreaming Beyond Death Matters
The stories in this book highlight the transformative power of dreams at the end of life. For example, the authors share a case about an elderly woman who dreamed of a vibrant garden where she reunited with her mother and sister. This dream gave her a profound sense of peace and readiness to transition. Another story involves a man who dreamed of boarding a ship to join friends from his youth, which helped him articulate his acceptance of death to his family.

Practical Applications
For end-of-life workers like Doulas, hospice staff, and nurses, Dreaming Beyond Death serves as a resource to:

• Recognize the transformative power of pre-death dreams.
• Foster deeper connections with patients by inviting them to share these experiences.
• Offer reassurance to families by explaining the healing potential of these visions.

These dreams are more than just visions—they are pathways to emotional and spiritual resolution. As professionals, we can honor these experiences by encouraging those in our care to share their dreams and by helping families understand their significance.

Final Thoughts
Dreaming Beyond Death is an invaluable resource for those of us working in end-of-life care. It reminds us that dreams are not just personal—they can be communal and deeply healing. By bringing attention to these dreams, we can help the dying and their loved ones find meaning, connection, and peace.

If you’re a end of life doula, hospice worker, or caregiver, I highly recommend this book. And if you or someone you’re caring for is experiencing vivid dreams near the end of life, I’d be honored to help explore their meaning. 

Warmly, Sundara Heart