Join the space for
Empowered Grievers

Learn the art of “living well and dying better”

It’s so hard to find time to nurture ourselves and honor our emotions. Let me make it easy with this 5 minute reflection. If you are looking to gift yourself a little kindness, this is it.

Karen Karnatz Jokotifa headshot with Mourning Space

Your Space for Mourning

Somehow I am in my mid 40’s, looking back on the last 20 years at how grief has shaped who I am and what I believe - and I want to talk about it.

Dealing with death every day for two decades hasn’t made me melancholy or a downer at parties; it has empowered me to embrace every moment as it comes. I know that now is the most important place we can be, and that nothing else is guaranteed.

I also know that it is important for me to share what I have learned during my career in death care, to empower you to approach the end of life with less fear and more wonder.

Licensed as a death care professional and with certifications as a grief support specialist and death doula, I would love to empower you to live well and die better!

Mourning Space, grief support services in Redding, CA for mourning

My Offerings

At Mourning Space, we honor the many ways grief and transition show up in life. Whether you're navigating loss, letting go, or preparing for change, we offer personalized services to support your unique journey.

Our offerings include:

Looking for something more personal? We’re happy to collaborate on custom offerings tailored to your situation.

What is a Death Doula? Why are you a Mourning Doula?

Definition

A Death Doula offers non-medical, compassionate care and support to a person and their family during the dying process - before, during and after a death.

Here, I am a Mourning Doula - focused on the opportunity and life-affirming power of grief.

What I Do

I am building a community of empowered grievers who intend to save the world by living well and dying better. I seek to educate and uplift those that are grieving a person, place or thing - and offer mentorship to those in a supporting role.

How I Can Help

I am committed to helping YOU live well and die better. If it is support around death and dying that is needed, please see my offerings. If you need inspiration to Own your Life - come hang with me on YouTube! Additional offerings coming soon…

What’s Inside the Griever’s First Aid Kit

Grief doesn’t come with instructions. This kit gives you a place to start—simple, compassionate tools for the hardest days.

When you purchase, you’ll receive:

The Griever’s First Aid Kit (Digital PDF)

  • Bare Minimum Checklist → the essentials for the first days when you can’t think straight.

  • Grounding Practices → quick ways to calm your body and mind in moments of overwhelm.

  • Practical To-Dos → clear guidance on what truly needs your attention now, and what can wait.

  • The “Parking Lot” List → a simple system to set aside non-urgent tasks without guilt.

  • Scripts for Asking for Help → ready-to-use phrases so you don’t have to find the words yourself.

  • Scripts for Saying No → boundaries to protect your energy when people don’t understand.

  • Rituals & Journal Prompts → small practices to help you hold love and memory in the midst of loss.

  • Affirmations → gentle reminders to carry with you in the months and years ahead.

  • Resources & Recommendations → where to find in-person grief support, plus curated book suggestions.

Bonus Companion Pack

  • Guided Meditation (audio) → a short practice to help you rest when your body feels too heavy to carry.

  • Phone Wallpapers (affirmations) → six calming reminders designed as lock screens, so support meets you every time you open your phone.

  • Script Cards (printable + screenshots) → asking-for-help and boundary-setting phrases you can keep on hand or share with friends.

  • Choices Sorter Sheet → a printable “permission slip” to separate what’s urgent from what can wait.

Owning Life with Jokotifa

I’m exctied to share my new podcast about embracing the beginning, the end, and the messy middle of our time on Earth. I’m so grateful you're here! I started this podcast in November of 2024 as an olive branch to my community - Gen X moms doing their best to raise good kids, connect with their ancestors, and break generational trauma...all while working that 9-5! I share what I have learned from indigenous wisdom, working in death care, and by owning my own journey from awkward kid to married mom, just trying to find my place...

The Blog

Client Testimonials

Podcast Interviews

View From a Hearse with Bruce Goddard

Learn more about me, what I believe, and how my workbook can help you lay a bad habit to rest, in my most recent podcast interview with host Bruce Goddard, on View From a Hearse. Bruce has been an inspiration for me as a funeral professional and public speaker. I am happy to be following in his footsteps and to have the opportunity to speak with him on his podcast.

The Death of Her with Kyle McMahon

Learn more about what a death doula is and what they do, what my two decades in death care has taught me and how I see death as beautiful as life as I speak with Kyle McMahon on his show Death, Grief & Other Sh*t We Don’t Discuss.

The Clip Out - The Peloton Fan Club

Learn more about Mourning Space’s founder, Jokotifa Alaye. On Crystal’s show The Clip Out, we discuss nutrition, health, and my work as a death doula guiding others through grief.

redding mortician