Blue Heron Doula Services: A Journey of Healing, Peace, and Presence

Choosing a name for a business can be a deeply personal decision. For me, it was more than just picking something that sounded nice—it was about finding a name that resonated with my heart, soul, and purpose. The name Blue Heron Doula Services came to me through a series of serendipitous moments, each one bringing me closer to a deeper understanding of my path as an end-of-life doula.

Before my parents' accident, I was reading a book by Sarah Bessey, one of my favorite theologians, who spoke about her spiritual connection with the blue heron. At that time, I didn't know how deeply this imagery would come to shape my journey, but I felt a deep resonance in my heart. The grace, beauty, and wisdom embodied by the blue heron seemed to speak to me in a way words couldn't fully capture.

Then, after my father passed away, something extraordinary happened. While cleaning my dad’s church office, I came across a beautiful blue heron quilt that my mom had made. It was a symbol of her love and creativity, and she generously gave it to me. I tucked the quilt away, unsure of its place at that time, until one day, when our cabin’s walls were finally up. There it was, hung above the pontoon couch—a striking reminder of the significance that blue herons held in my life. From that moment on, I began to see blue herons everywhere.

Why the Blue Heron?

Blue herons are known for patience, balance, silence, and wisdom. They are symbols of grace, beauty, and tranquility. But what I find most captivating is the way they stand still in the mud, balanced on those long, skinny legs. To me, this image perfectly represents a fulfilled spiritual life. It's not just about the “next” life—it's about walking with others through their struggles, through their “mud,” in this life.

Blue herons also embody the idea of claiming one’s life—owning all of it, with peace and acceptance. As I reflect on the end-of-life journey, I see the blue heron as a metaphor for the powerful act of embracing a life well-lived, making peace with it, and finding stillness in the face of life’s inevitable transition.

According to World Birds, blue herons often appear to those who are seeking healing, calmness, and stillness in their lives. These qualities are exactly what I aim to provide through my work as an end-of-life doula.

My mom's Blue Heron Quilt from my dad's office