Crossing Over: The Sacred Journey of the Soul

      

By Cathy Yuhas RN, CEOLD

Cathy Yuhas, RN, CEOLD   There is a moment—quiet, mysterious, and profoundly sacred—that signifies the soul’s departure from this life. In my role as a death doula and nurse, I have been fortunate to witness these moments where something greater than words manifests. The crossing over isn’t an ending but a threshold. It’s a return, a continuation, a homecoming. Across different cultures and spiritual traditions, there are stories of loved ones arriving to guide the way, of peaceful transitions illuminated by light, and of dreams that connect two worlds. What if, instead of fearing this passage, we embraced it as a sacred rite—one we are all meant to experience? For those standing by the bedside, the experience can be just as transformative. Often, time seems to slow down. There might be changes in breathing, a translucent quality to the skin, or even moments of lucidity after someone has been sleeping for days that feel like a soul's final message. Some families describe feeling a distinct presence in the room or a sense of peace that wasn't there before. Science may not fully explain these events, but for those who witness them, they are undeniably real. Many spiritual teachings see death not as a failure or loss but as a crucial part of the soul’s journey. From the Tibetan Book of the Dead to the Egyptian Book of Going Forth by Day, there is a deep respect for the soul’s path beyond the body. These traditions understood what we are now beginning to remember: that death is not the opposite of life but an integral part of it. In our Western culture, we often deny or conceal death, pushing it to the margins of conversation and community. However, the spiritual journey of dying calls us back to presence. It invites us to listen, to be still, and to witness. Through that witnessing, we may find healing not only for the person leaving this life but also for ourselves. There is something inherently human about sitting vigil. About singing, holding hands, speaking the names of ancestors, and letting tears fall freely. These are the acts that make the threshold sacred. When we create space for these rituals, the room changes. What was once a place of fear becomes a sanctuary. As a death doula, I accompany families through this transition. I help create space for silence, storytelling, and soulful care. We talk about dreams, spiritual beliefs, and unfinished business. We speak the names of those who came before us. We remind the dying that they are not alone, and we remind the living that love continues. Death asks us to surrender—not in defeat, but in trust that there is more. Trust that our essence is not extinguished but transformed. Whether one believes in heaven, reincarnation, energy fields, or eternal presence, crossing over becomes a moment of sacred release. To live spiritually is to prepare for death not with dread, but with reverence. We can begin by having honest conversations about what matters, by tending to our relationships, and by considering what legacy we want to leave. When we honor death as part of life, we are more present to the sacredness of now. About the Author: Cathy Yuhas, RN, CEOLD, is a nurse of 36 years and a certified death doula. Her new book, Walking Each Other Home: Guiding Caregivers and Community Through the Sacred Passage of Death, will be released on September 17, 2025, and will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. In her work and writing, Cathy blends medical insight with spiritual care to bring meaning, peace, and connection to the end-of-life journey.   http://www.dyingmatters.llc cathy.yuhas@dyingmatters.llc https://www.facebook.com/dyingmatters.ct