ABOUT ME
Michelle Carrera
My Journey: Walking with Spirits, Embracing Liberation
From an early age, I was drawn to the mysteries of life, death, and the spaces in between. I’ve always felt a deep connection to those who have passed, those who are grieving, and the animals who share our world. This connection has guided me on a path that honors life in all its forms, embraces the transformative power of grief, and seeks liberation for every being.
From an early age, I’ve also felt the weight of injustice deeply in my bones, and I have always been driven by a fierce commitment to liberation and justice for all beings. This passion flows through every facet of my work, as I strive to create a world where we are all free—free to live with dignity, to support one another, to thrive, and to navigate the harshness of an unjust world with resilience, hope, and an unwavering dedication to caring for each other.
As a Spirit Farer, I walk beside those who are at the end of their earthly journey, helping them find peace and closure as they transition. My role is to be a compassionate companion, offering a calm presence in what can be a deeply emotional time. I believe that every spirit deserves to be seen, heard, and honored, and it’s my calling to ensure that no one walks this path alone.
In my work as a death doula and grief facilitator, I support individuals and families as they navigate the often overwhelming terrain of loss. Grief is a powerful teacher, and while it can be painful, it also has the potential to transform us. I am here to hold space for that transformation, to help you find meaning in the midst of sorrow, and to guide you toward healing and liberation.
As an animal chaplain, my heart is also with the non-human beings who share our world. Animals experience loss, grief, and love in ways that are both profound and deeply connected to our own. I honor their lives and offer support to those who care for them, recognizing that our bonds with animals are sacred and deserve the same respect and care we extend to each other.
At the core of my journey is a belief in the interconnectedness of all life. I see my work as part of a larger movement toward liberation—liberation from fear, from grief, from oppression, from the constraints that keep us from living fully. Whether you are facing the end of life, mourning a loss, or simply seeking a deeper connection to the world around you, I am here to walk with you.
This journey is not just my own; it is one we share. Together, we can explore the paths of grief, healing, and liberation, and find the light that leads us all home.
I've received my death doula training from Doorway Into Light, taught by Boddhi Be and Ram Dass in Maui. Additionally, I'm an active member of the Institute for the Study of Birth, Breath, and Death, where I pursue ongoing education. This includes certification to lead an Institute workshop on Loving, Dying, and Letting Go. I'm also a certified Grief Educator under David Kessler's tutelage, and I was ordained by Compassion Consortium as an Interfaith Animal Chaplain.
I am also a grief facilitator for Imagine, a Center for Grief and Loss, where I support Spanish-speaking adults experiencing mixed loss and 9-12-year-old children grieving the loss of a parent or sibling. I also facilitate at Rainbow Cafe Sussex, offering a safe space for rural LGBTQ teens. I also collaborate in a working group for the Good Grief Network. The Good Grief Network is focused on helping individuals process collective distress related to climate trauma and systemic injustice. In addition, I contract with nonprofits to establish peer support groups for various marginalized communities.
I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my practice. Whether it's supporting you through disenfranchised grief, accompanying you through your end-of-life or exploring alternative end-of-life practices like green burials and home funerals, I'm here to offer companionship, and unwavering support.
Using a combination of plant allies, breathwork, and ancestral relationship practices, I tend to my own grief as I walk alongside you on your journey. Together, let's navigate these sacred spaces with curiosity, compassion, and profound tenderness. Welcome to a space where you're seen, heard, and held.
For more on my other previous and current projects, visit www.michellecarrera.com
PATH OF PURPOSE
This website is dedicated to creating a sanctuary for those navigating the intertwined journeys of death, grief, and liberation. Our mission is to offer solace, wisdom, and inspiration to all who visit, honoring the lives of those who have passed, celebrating the victories of liberation, and providing tools to help you heal and thrive in an often challenging world.
Through heartfelt stories, resources, and guidance, we seek to empower individuals to confront loss with courage, to embrace the transformative power of grief, and to continue striving for a just, compassionate world where all beings can live in freedom and dignity. We are here to support you on your path, to remind you that even in the darkest moments, there is light, and to foster a community where we take care of each other, always.
VISION OF LIBERATION
At the heart of this space is a vision of liberation that transcends the boundaries between the spiritual, the political, and the ecological, the personal, and the collective. I believe in a world where every being—human and non-human—can live freely, with dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive. This vision is rooted in the deep understanding that our liberation is interconnected; we cannot be truly free until all of us are free.
Spiritually, liberation means guiding souls—whether human, animal, or the very earth itself—toward flow. It is about healing the wounds that bind us, releasing the fears that hold us back, and embracing the light that leads us to our true purpose. This spiritual liberation is a journey of courage, compassion, and connection, where we learn to live in harmony with ourselves, each other, and the natural world. It also involves unlearning the patterns of harm we’ve inherited and remembering the wisdom of our ancestors, so that we may live in balance with the earth and each other.
Politically, liberation means standing against oppression in all its forms and advocating for systems that prioritize justice, equality, and the well-being of all beings. It involves challenging the structures that perpetuate inequality, exploitation, and harm, and working toward a society where power is shared, voices are heard, and everyone has the opportunity to live freely and fully. This political liberation is about collective action, solidarity with the oppressed, and a commitment to creating a world where compassion and cooperation guide our decisions and policies. I believe deeply in mutual aid, collective care, decolonization, and re-indigenization as essential pillars of this work.
Ecologically, liberation means honoring the earth and all its inhabitants, recognizing the sacredness of life in all its forms. It is about advocating for justice, protecting the vulnerable, and challenging the systems that perpetuate harm and exploitation. This ecological liberation is a call to action, urging us to reclaim our role as stewards of the planet, to support sustainable practices, and to fight for a world where all species can flourish.
Together, these visions form a tapestry of liberation that guides everything I do. Whether through supporting those in grief, honoring the lives of extinct species, or celebrating moments of freedom, I am committed to building a world where we all can live with purpose, justice, and hope. This is a vision of resilience, collective care, and unwavering dedication to the liberation of all beings.