Instagram story viewer> @leialandis_> Posts

Leia Landis

@leialandis_

952

followers

3027

following

Let’s talk about death and grief.
Writer of wild animal eulogies.

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Here we go... with an introduction!

I’m Leia and something you should know about me is the thought of planning for the end of life gets me really pumped up! Perhaps you already know this about me, but if not, I’d like to share a bit more about this part of me. It’s a big part of me and a part that is being tended to in powerful ways.

My journey in this life has led me onto a path of going deep within, a big rediscovery of self, and an exploration with death that will never end. I aim to help with end of life planning so that others can feel better informed, deserving, and empowered to have their own unique end of life plan in place.

I want to sit with you, talk with you, walk with you, drink a warm drink with you, dance with you, whatever it is that you like to do, while we have a conversation about the end of your life.

You will feel seen, heard, held, and witnessed as we traverse this sensitive subject. My hopes are that I can be a loving presence to those who receive my support. You will not feel alone. You will feel well informed and confident that your wishes will be honored when the time comes. You might even have fun during this process! I sure hope so, as I like to have fun, laugh loudly, and I especially love making super silly faces. I also strongly believe that discussing and planning for the end of life is sacred. It requires complete respect, presence, clear communication, introspection, and compassion.

Discovering that I’m meant to walk with death during life has been the most impactful pivot for me as of yet. This journey is slow, intentional, full of beauty, deeply challenging, and has already made life more vibrant, joyful, and worth living to the fullest extent.

I’ve been tending to my caldron of death work for a few years now. Chopping, slicing, pouring, mixing, discarding, tasting, testing. The pot is simmering. The steamy swirl of creation wafting upwards smells delicious!

If you’re curious to learn more of what I’ve got brewing, stay tuned. My medicine is almost ready to be served. by @leialandis_

39

13

a month ago

Entering the grove on foot elicits an immediate calming of heart, spirit, mind, and body. Taking off my shoes and walking barefoot on the earth further intensifies the feeling of calm. My intention was clear. To listen to the trees and to allow the trees to witness my voice.

Balanced breath arrived, stride became less like a stomping clydesdale and more like the graceful gait of a mountain lion, eyesight sharpened, physical tension left my body, sounds amplified.

During these initial moments of soulful connection and grounding, I spoke to the trees. I expressed my deep reverence and love. I thanked the trees for all they do for the ecosystem where they reside, the living and dead who visit them, and for humanity as a whole. They offer much more than most humans are aware.

I started humming. It started as a low, vibrational sound from within. After feeling into it, I knew that it wasn’t enough. My sound needed to reach the tops of the trees.

Continuing on the path, I started to sing the same notes that I had been humming. Allowing myself to fully relax into the nearly foreign sensations of releasing my singing voice. At first daunting, but also feeling exactly right at that moment.

Tuning into the connection between my voice and the trees around me, I felt a strength rising within. My voice grew louder, slightly more confident than before. I had the feeling that the trees were singing with me.

As I sang, I continued to listen. The swaying trees, the wind, the ferns and bay laurels, the rolling fog, the earth under my feet. Everything had a message to share.

Slowly moving my limbs, sharing my voice, and feeling into the swirling energy around me. I was home.

If you have read this far, thank you. The coastal redwoods have helped me bring more of my truth to the surface and out of the inner depths within. They want me to share something with you. A big part of me.

I dance with death.

Soon, I will invite you to dance with me.

#trees #life #death #hearmyvoice by @leialandis_

19

5

2 months ago

It was recently brought to my attention that my Instagram account is following over 5000 accounts. I thought this was a bit excessive.

After looking through the accounts, I realized that some are accounts I’ve definitely not ever followed. (How is that even possible?!) A lot of the other accounts were followed in my postpartum days. Natural linen baby clothing brands, toy brands, anything baby related. I went crazy with following accounts during that time period. (Which pains me now, knowing how much time I wasted. That energy should have been directed elsewhere).

I’ve been slowly unfollowing accounts, but dang, it takes so long.

The purpose of this post is to make something clear. I am on a path of no longer being a “follower”. I am pursuing the path of a leader, as this is the role where I am intended to reside.

The world needs more of us to acknowledge the leader within.

Take a moment to consider how you lead and how you follow. Learn something from it.

I still have much to learn. by @leialandis_

29

6

2 months ago

My ever-growing collection of death related books.
(Oops, except the top 3 on the right are of a different topic and there’s a few others about dementia, forgiveness, and rituals). I hope to have many shelves of this type of book someday. One of the reasons is so I can use it as a lending library for people I work with or meet.

Full disclosure: I haven’t read any of these yet. (I read a lot and right now I’m reading 3 other death and grief related books, not shown here). I look forward to reading all of these. Have you read any? If you have feedback to share, I’d love it if you’d send it my way. Which should I read first and why? I’m a bit overwhelmed with my “books I want to read” list right now. There are so many other death related books that I plan on adding to my shelves.

What are your absolute favorite death or grief related books? There are so many of them that I’m drawn to. Bring on the books, books, books! by @leialandis_

12

1

6 months ago

April 15th.

The marvelous, magical, magnificent being who birthed me named Marian was born.
She’s the ultimate Super Woman.

The greatest gift of my birthday this year was getting to adventure with my Mama to one of my favorite places on earth.

I experienced emotions of joy, wonderment, laughter, awe, surprise, reverence, and slight terror. (My Mama can be quite bold and courageous. She got too close to the side of the cliffs more than once).

Sea birds, hawks, whales, hundreds of seals, dolphins, and a curious crow were spotted. The crow made an appearance in one of these photos, see if you can find it.

I’ll forever be the most grateful for you, sweet Mama.

Party on and keep dancing!🤘🏼 by @leialandis_

14

0

6 months ago

Barn owl eulogy by Leia Landis. by @leialandis_

15

6

7 months ago

I knew I was meant to connect with you.

I could hear the whisper of your soul illuminating the space around me.

When I first saw you, heartache.

In the days after the initial sighting, a sense of responsibility spread throughout my being.

But how to rescue your mangled body?

I decided, then committed. Challenge accepted.

“I will save you” looped on repeat in my mind.

Alone, you lay on the side of the freeway, but not for long.

I knew it was my duty to honor your life.

And so, the adventure of your rescue began.

I planned and searched that stretch of road for 5 days.

The time had come.

If was 7am in rush hour traffic.

As I drove along the busy road, I knew I had to complete my mission.

Spirits were watching over me. In the moments before I needed to pull off the road, no one was behind me in the carpool lane. A rare occurrence at that time of the day.

As I pulled over I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Flinging my car door open, I grabbed the blanket next to me.

Cars zoomed by on both sides of me at 65-80 mph as I ran along the narrow center divide.

Heart racing with energy coursing through me. My eyes landed on your body.

I wrapped the blanket around you, lifted you up, and sprinted back to my car.

We merged in physical form at that moment for the first time. Yet I knew we had been connected for all time.

The following day a celebration of life was held. There ended up being two separate events just for you.

Your body was surrounded with flowers, leaves, twigs, and stones.

Blessings were spoken. Out loud and silently within.

I sat with your body. Your vessel was ready to find its final resting place.

With pen and paper in hand, a eulogy was written. by @leialandis_

40

18

7 months ago

When something special unexpectedly finds you. ✨

#bookshop #poetry #mendocino #fate #lifeanddeath taken in Mendocino, California by @leialandis_

9

4

7 months ago

Sitting down with a pad of paper, pen, and cup of magical tulsi rose tea with a glimmer of candlelight has never been more exciting.

The art of creative expression through writing has always been a to-do in the far reaches of my mind. (There are a frighteningly large number of to-do’s floating around in there).

I’ve started this exploration and let me tell you, it’s already changing my life for the better. ANYTHING can happen on this particular journey.

Cheers to the things in life that fill our whole being with joy! by @leialandis_

14

2

8 months ago

Just here to show deep gratitude and appreciation for @sara_rian_books .

Her poetry and prose is a gift to humanity. I’m on page 1 and already tearing up. I know this is a book I’ll never give away, though I will surely gift copies to others.

As I explore living fully in the presence of death, I seek books to join me on this journey. I’ve discovered many, but always look for others. Have you read any books with a theme of death that you recommend? Please share with me.

And enjoy page 1 of “then death came”, by @sara_rian_books :

I used to love pressing
a fresh flower between
the pages of a book.
I once thought that
a moth behind glass
was a beautiful thing.
Then death came
for something I loved.
And now I find myself
grieving for the garden
that misses the flower.
And weeping for the light
that sits and wonders
where the moth went. taken in Brew by @leialandis_

16

0

a year ago

Mountain lions have always had a special place within my heart.

Recently, I had the opportunity to learn more about these apex predators that live in and around my neighborhood. Then I stumbled upon this artwork on a wall in Point Reyes Station.

The training was facilitated by Quinton Martins of @truewild & @lwl_trailcameraproject and Liz Martins of @allhandsecology . The Bouverie Preserve, where the training was held, is also a special place. Take a look at the photos for a small glimpse of the property and class. (Second photo was taken by @allhandsecology ).

I look forward to sharing information about conservation efforts being made and other fun facts. Let’s learn to live in harmony, as much as possible, with these majestic creatures. by @leialandis_

9

0

a year ago

On a recent trip up through Northern California, I was able to commune with the majestic trees.

These trees are wise beyond belief. Older than we’ll ever be. The knowledge they carry is priceless.

I live near and amongst giants such as these. They aren’t anything new to me. Yet there will never be a moment when standing in a forest such as this will be any less spectacular, miraculous, and awe inspiring.

Many questions arise here. What have the trees seen? What have they been through? What else will they experience when I’m long gone from this body? If they could speak my language, what would they share with me? How do the plants and trees surrounding them communicate with each other? How does death affect them?

Today and every day, I give thanks for the trees. by @leialandis_

39

4

a year ago