Reviews
"This book feels as comforting to me as experiencing a sunset with my whole body. The idea of Pleasure-centric Grief Care is a healing modality that we need individually and as a collective. Life, Death, Grief and the Possibility of Pleasure flips grief on its head in a way that is profound; we all need to see things from a different perspective when we are feeling a loss. The perspective that Oceana offers in this gem of a book is one that will enhance our living as much as our dying—a concept that many believe is not possible. Yet, it feels within our embrace when reading the profound gift of Oceana's writing—indeed, the expression of her being. To deprive yourself of this inspiration would be like never bothering to take notice of how a bird soars through sky."
Anne-Marie Keppel, Community deathcare educator and author of Death Nesting: Ancient & Modern Death Doula Techniques, Mindfulness Practices and Herbal Care
“A deeply personal and furious dance to reclaiming the fullest of our humanity, Life, Death, Grief, and the Possibility of Pleasure offers a path towards sensual decadence into the journey's darkest spaces.”
Dr. Claudelle R. Glasgow, PsyD PLLC, Licensed Psychologist
“Life, Death, and the Possibility of Pleasure reads like a guide to grace. Though grief is not typically associated with ease, Oceana weaves a warm and intimate space, filled with humor and wisdom, that lets the reader relax into it. There's a sense of recognition I experienced reading these personal journeys and insights from diverse practitioners. It's as if Oceana is speaking directly to something that lives deep in our human intuition and is worthy of remembering. This book gives permission to find pleasure in what makes us most human—our mortality—and in doing so, offers the possibility of making such a challenging part of living into a profound gift.”
Lisbeth White, Writer/Healer/Ritualist, Author of the forthcoming book American Sycamore
“Oceana proposes that we reject constant striving and struggle as the highest life goal, measuring success in external achievement. She calls upon us to attend to our needs, to nurture what is authentic and to actively seek what feels good. Her inclusion of pleasure at the end of life seems radical but is a reminder that we are fully alive till the moment we die. Including pleasure while grieving will help us move through our losses with more grace. This little gem of a book invites us to be fully embodied in every living moment with pleasure and joy.”
Claudia Coenen, CGC, FT, MTP, Author, The Karuna Cards, Shattered by Grief: Picking up the pieces to become WHOLE again, The Creative Toolkit for Working with Grief and Bereavement: A Practitioners Guide