Donna Belk

Donna is an educator in the field of death and dying.

Donna has done everything from serving as Executive Director for AMBIS to volunteering as a hospice worker who works with individuals and families as a coach or guide for those facing end-of-life issues. She is a leader in the home funeral movement and co-founder of the Crossings Care Circle, a local home funeral information and assistance center. She is a Certified Celebrant (memorial and funeral services). and has studied and practiced yoga since 1975; she’s been a yoga teacher since 1995.
 She offers workshops in which she combines the philosophy of her 30 years of yoga study with her expertise on issues of death and dying. These workshops educate people about what to expect as one dies, how to prepare for a peaceful death, and how to care for your loved one after death. Donna notes: “I have been advised by many people not to come out and say ‘death’ or ‘dying’ because it makes people uncomfortable. But that does not feel authentic to me. Yes, it would be easier and I might be more popular if I couched this information in metaphorical terms. But I appreciate frankness and straightforwardness, and that is how I want to be. The peacock photo is a metaphor for me of not hiding who and what I am, but being honest and lighthearted about it. As Popeye said, ‘I yam what I yam.’

Donna’s teaching style is warm, light-hearted and compassionate. She is available to facilitate workshops, and also offers private consultations (in person or by phone). Donna holds a BA from Southwest Texas State University, but considers her most important educational credential to be her own near-death experience, which occurred in 1985. Donna completed her yoga teaching certification in 1995 through Yoga House in Austin, Texas. She is a Certified and Registered Yoga Teacher, and member of the International Yoga Therapy Association. Donna is a hospice volunteer with Hospice Austin and has the honor to spend time at Christopher House, a 15-bed residential facility for hospice patients. She also helps facilitate bereavement suppprt groups through Hospice Austin. please visit: Yoga of Dying

Article for Quality of Life Care