Halva for the Heart
by Misha of Hafez Death Care
death doula & grief tender
devoted to culture, community, and collective liberation
A discussion about death, dying, and grief while living in diaspora.
For the collective at large
and the diaspora community in particular
Here we explore topics of grief tending and death care as a way to build the liberated future we envision for our world, as well as what is means to be dying and grieving while living in diaspora, especially for those of us who have roots in the SWANA region.
explore topics
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Honoring Khordad: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Grief
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Today marks the ancient Zoroastrian holiday of Khordadgan, a sacred day set aside to honor Khordad, one of the Amesha Spentas—divine beings in Zoroastrian cosmology who each embody a particular aspect of creation and divine order. Khordad (known in Avestan as Haurvatat) is the Amesha Spenta of wholeness, health, purity, and water. She is closely…
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Community Grief Rituals
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What If We Were Allowed to Grieve—Together? I often wonder what the world might look like if we were allowed to grieve together. Not just in hushed corners or behind closed doors. But openly. Communally. Tenderly. What if we were taught how to grieve? What if we were offered spaces…
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Grief & Solidarity in the Park
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After last month’s Grief Walk, I was trying to figure out what sort of event I could host outdoors this month before the heat of summer sets in. That’s when I saw this post by Holly Truhlar on Instagram encouraging people to gather for Grief & Solidarity Day, a day to share our sorrows…
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The Origins of my Deathwork
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When I think of my mother, Noushin, I think of her warm smile, the ridiculous way she laughed, and the strength she carried in her bones. She was the kind of Iranian mother who instantly made things more regal—not just with objects and design, but with her presence. She taught…
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Walking with Grief to Build a Liberated Future
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Today I want to share about my first event I’m hosting as a death doula: a community grief walk in Seoul, in honor of Annual Grief-in-Public Day. This event is close to my heart. Not just because it marks the beginning of my work in this field, but because I believe so…