Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Ann Aerts
Hi Sara Ann, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2015, at an event called Possibilities in Paradise, I had my first conscious death experience—though I didn’t have those words for it at the time. It was the wake up call I needed to begin shedding the thick layers I had accumulated over the years; layers of expectations, identities, and resistance. That initial “death” led to a profound unraveling, and in 2016, I made the life-altering decision to leave behind my 14-year career as an FBI agent. I walked away from a whole life I had built, stepping boldly onto a spiritual journey I couldn’t fully define but knew I had to follow. I haven’t looked back.
The path has been anything but linear. It has been winding, messy, and deeply transformative. I’ve been through countless cycles of death and rebirth as I’ve let go of what no longer served me and embraced what awaited on the other side. In 2019, when my mother died, the grief hit like a tidal wave—not just for her loss, but for the life I had left behind, for all the identities I had shed, and for all the parts of me I didn’t yet understand. A grief recovery program helped me navigate not only her passing but the accumulation of grief I had carried since I decided to rewrite my life.
Not long after, I was introduced to a woman with stage-four ovarian cancer who hired me to be her private yoga teacher. But we couldn’t focus on yoga. What we did instead changed my life. I was invited into her most sacred and vulnerable moments, and each session left me in tears of gratitude. In our time together, I realized she wasn’t just inviting me to witness her journey—she was showing me my gifts. I gave her a space where she could be messy, raw, and real. She didn’t have to uphold a role, manage others’ emotions, or hold anything together. She showed up in her pain, her joy, her triumphs, and her darkest hours—and I was simply there, human to human, soul to soul, holding it all with love and compassion.
We were together for three years before her body could take no more. She taught me what is most critical for people on the journey to end of life: the need for a safe space where they can drop the roles, the expectations, and the weight of the world and simply be. The need for a space to process all of the ugly feelings, emotions, truths, someone wouldn’t dare share unless they knew it was completely safe. That sacred journey with her prepared me for what was to come with my brother when he became terminal. My calling to this work became solidified.
Since then, I’ve deepened my practice through life experiences, spiritual exploration, and shamanic training, which began in 2021 and continues to this day. Every person I’ve accompanied has taught me more about death, life, and what it means to truly be present. This work is a continual unfolding—a shared evolution as life and death teach us more about ourselves.
I have a deep passion for this work because I know how special and beautiful it can be. I’ve witnessed it transform lives, heal families, and bring profound meaning to moments that might otherwise feel unbearable. Death, when we allow it, is one of life’s greatest teachers. It is an honor to do this work, and I am humbled every day by what it reveals.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road of spiritual discovery, self-growth, and entrepreneurship is anything but smooth—but I wouldn’t have it any other way. When I walked away from my 14-year FBI career, I had no idea what lay ahead. What I did know was that the life I was living no longer aligned with who I was becoming, and I was willing to take the risk to find something greater. The journey since then has been full of challenges, but those challenges have been my greatest teachers. I’ve grown and expanded in ways I could never have imagined back on the day I made that leap.
Through this path, I’ve learned three life lessons that stand out as the most transformative:
1. Fear will arise, but don’t let it stop you. Fear comes in all shapes and sizes: fear of failure, fear of success, fear of the unknown, fear of being seen. It’s a natural part of stepping outside your comfort zone, but it’s important not to let fear paralyze you or dictate your choices. Instead, I encourage you to make friends with your fear and go for your dreams regardless. Recently, I noticed a fear of being exposed as I began writing a book and sharing poetry that is raw, real, and deeply personal. Reading those words aloud in small, safe spaces felt terrifying, like I was baring my soul. And, I realized that what I have to say matters, and it won’t make an impact if I keep it hidden. So, I’ve committed to putting it out in the world in a big way. Fear may walk beside me, but I don’t let it hold the reins.
2. Communication must constantly evolve, and it starts with speaking your truth. For so long, I shied away from hard conversations in an effort to be kind, nice, or avoid hurting someone’s feelings. But in doing so, I abandoned myself—my vision, my values, and my desires—in the name of pleasing someone else, whether it was a person, a collaborator, or even my business. It was the fastest way to lose my way. Evolving my communication has meant learning to speak up, even when it’s uncomfortable, and especially when it’s hard. It’s about being honest, clear, and unwaveringly committed to myself and my vision, no matter what. Life is beautiful, but the path to creating a truly extraordinary life demands hard conversations. The more I’ve embraced this truth and committed to honest, evolving communication, the more aligned, authentic, and fulfilling my journey has become.
3. Trust yourself above all else. At the heart of it all is you: your vision, your dreams, and your unique ability to bring them to life. While it’s important to work with mentors, coaches, and guides who can offer perspective and support, no one knows your soul like you do. No one knows your vision better than you, and no one else has the exact combination of skills, gifts, and desires that make you capable of creating it. Trusting yourself is about listening to the quiet voice inside, even when it contradicts what others say or what feels comfortable. It’s about believing that you already have everything you need to create something beautiful and uniquely yours. When you learn to trust yourself fully, the path forward becomes clearer, and your confidence grows with every step you take.
This road has been far from easy, but every bump, twist, and turn has been worth it. The challenges have forced me to grow, shed what no longer serves me, and embrace the unknown with faith. I wouldn’t trade the lessons I’ve learned for anything, and they continue to shape the way I show up in my work and my life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Death is inevitable—but how you face it can be transformational. My work offers a comprehensive, one-stop service for individuals and families navigating the final chapter of life after an unexpected terminal diagnosis. From creating a death plan that captures your values and legacy to providing rituals and ceremonies that make the journey sacred, I’m here to walk alongside you. For the areas I can’t personally assist with, I’ve built a trusted network of compassionate experts—from estate planners to doctors to counselors —ensuring every need is met with care and precision. This isn’t just guidance; it’s a holistic partnership to make your transition as intentional and meaningful as your life.
I bring ritual and reverence to the process. As a sacred death shaman, I work to infuse healing, meaning, and ceremony into the experience—not just for the person transitioning but for their loved ones as well. Together, we create rituals that honor your life, offer healing conversations, and design sacred spaces that reflect your unique wishes. This could mean a vigil filled with music and quiet reflection, or a ceremony that celebrates your life surrounded by the people who matter most. The goal is to transform what could feel chaotic or overwhelming into a sacred, deeply personal farewell.
My work doesn’t stop there. For those who are not actively facing their physical death, I offer conscious death healing, a profound journey for the living. This transformative process is about choosing to die to the things that no longer serve you—pain, fear, resentment, and self-doubt—so that you can step into the fullest, most unapologetic version of yourself. It’s not for everyone, but for those who are ready, it’s life-changing. It’s about unlearning the false narratives that have held you back and embracing a rebirth into a more aligned, authentic life. If you feel stuck, disconnected, or ready to shed your skin, this work is your invitation to awaken.
What sets my work apart? It’s the depth of what I offer. I don’t just address the practical side of death with education and planning. I bring healing, intention, and transformation to the process—whether you’re facing death imminently or ready to embrace a new chapter of life. I meet people exactly where they are, offering a holistic approach that is as unique as the individuals I serve.
Death isn’t just an end—it’s an opportunity for profound transformation. Whether you’re seeking a sacred way to navigate a terminal diagnosis or looking to embark on your own death and rebirth journey, my work is here to support you. Together, we can create a sacred, intentional experience for you and your loved ones.
What am I most proud of brand wise? If you think you might die someday (spoiler: you will), then my blog is for you. Packed with bold, sassy, and deeply insightful content, it’s your go-to resource for all things death education. From practical tips on end-of-life planning to exploring the spiritual and emotional sides of death, my blog is here to inform, inspire, and maybe even make you laugh along the way. Join my email list to get each post delivered straight to your inbox—because the best time to learn about death is now. Let’s make this conversation fun, fearless, and transformational.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Here’s what I want you to take away: death isn’t just an event—it’s a mirror. It reflects the life you’ve lived, the connections you’ve nurtured, and the impact you’ve had. Confronting death doesn’t diminish life; it enhances it. It reminds us to live with intention, to love without hesitation, and to create a legacy that matters. Whether you’re actively planning for the end, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about what it means to face death with open eyes and a full heart, there’s a path here for you.
This work is about more than logistics or rituals—it’s about reclaiming death as a sacred, transformative experience. It’s about healing, connection, and creating meaning, even in the hardest moments. And it’s about realizing that when we prepare for death, we begin to live more fully.
So, I leave you with this question: If death is the one certainty we all share, what will you do today to prepare for it, embrace it, and allow it to shape the life you’re living right now? Let’s start the conversation that could transform your life—and your death.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thedeathshaman.com
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thedeathshaman
Image Credits
Professional headshot: Abby Wilkes.
