Affirming Dignity

I’m currently reading the stunning “This Here Flesh” by Cole Arthur Riley for tomorrow night’s book club and have been stewing on this quote since it first crossed my path.

As a death midwife, I often use language around dignity to explain the value of my community care offering. Things like “bringing dignity to spaces of dying” and “ensuring death unfolds with dignity”. I know I’m not alone in this sentiment - it is explicitly taught in many death doula trainings.

But I love how John Perkins turns that thought and blesses it with nuance and specificity. What if we’re not bestowing or guarding or giving dignity at all but simply witnessing and affirming its inherent truth in each person we serve?

Thankful to learn about this incredible community care leader and his striking words. May the work of death doulas and death midwives affirm the dignity of each person we touch.