When Words Are No Longer Enough
Sound, Presence & End-of-Life Care
A Conversation with Gabrielle “Gabby” Jimenez
Hosted by Julie Kalua
• Limited to 25 participants
Cost: $25
Live event at East West Bookshop · This event fills quickly — register early
Live event here at East West Bookshop
For ages 15 and older.
What happens when sound healing enters a space where a life is coming to an end?
Sound is often associated with meditation, relaxation, and wellness. But it is also being used in hospice and palliative care — supporting individuals who are nearing death, while also creating moments of comfort and presence for families, caregivers, and those holding vigil beside them.
This is what first drew me to the work of Gabrielle “Gabby” Jimenez.
Gabby is a hospice and palliative care nurse, end-of-life doula, death, dying, and grief educator, published author, and certified sound healer. She has brought sound into her work with adults nearing the end of life, children in pediatric palliative care, parents and families, caregivers, and staff.
I wanted to understand what she has witnessed.
What happens when sound enters a room where someone is actively dying? How might it support the person who is passing — and the people surrounding them? How does Gabby decide when sound is appropriate, what instruments to use, or when simply being present is enough?
This evening will be a guided conversation rather than a traditional lecture. Together, we will explore Gabby’s experiences at the bedside, the role of sound in end-of-life and palliative care, grief, caregiving, and what it means to be present with someone during one of life’s most profound transitions.
You may leave with a different understanding of sound healing and where it can be used, greater insight into compassionate end-of-life care, and perhaps a little more openness around conversations about death and dying.
Gabby will also share from her writing and speak about The Hospice Heart, the community she founded to create a safe and compassionate space for honest conversations about death, dying, and grief.
Ticket & Cancellation Policy
All ticket sales are non-refundable. Because seating is limited, your registration represents a commitment to attend and reserves a space specifically for you.
If you are unable to attend, please contact Julie before the event. Your registration may be transferred to another person or, when applicable, the ticket value may be applied as a credit toward a future event. All transfers and credits must be arranged in advance by email.
If the event is canceled by the organizer, ticket holders will receive a full refund. Send requests to julie.eastwestbooks@gmail.com
Gabrielle Jimenez
Gabrielle “Gabby” Jimenez is a hospice and palliative care nurse, end-of-life doula, death, dying, and grief educator, published author, and certified sound healer. Her work is rooted in a deep commitment to improving the way people are cared for at the end of life and through the tender seasons of grief that follow.
In 2019, Gabby founded The Hospice Heart, a community created to offer a safe and compassionate space for honest conversations about death, dying, and grief. What began as an intention to normalize these conversations has grown into a community of nearly 182,000 people, where Gabby shares practical guidance, tools, and insights for those navigating terminal illness, caregivers, end-of-life professionals, and those experiencing grief.
Gabby currently works as a pediatric palliative care nurse and walks alongside individuals and families through illness, decline, dying, and grief. At the heart of her work is a belief that these profound transitions deserve to be met with kindness, honesty, compassion, and presence.
Learn More
Visit The Hospice Heart to learn more about Gabby’s work, classes, writing, podcasts, interviews, and other offerings:
https://www.thehospiceheart.net
Read Gabby’s “What Still Remains”, a beautiful reflection on using sound healing with a patient at the end of her life:
About Julie Kalua
Julie Kalua is a sound practitioner, educator, and buyer for East West Bookshop’s singing bowl department. With years of experience selecting and working with bowls, she brings a finely attuned ear for tone, resonance, and subtle shifts in the nervous system developed through direct practice and community offerings.
Through workshops, private sessions, and one-on-one mentorship, Julie guides participants in building a more grounded relationship with their bodies using sound, breath, and simple embodied practices. Her work centers on steadiness, internal alignment, and giving people practical tools they can carry into daily life.
Sound remains her primary medium — not as performance, but as a resource for presence, clarity, and self-trust.
-
“An absolutely amazing evening. I love your passion in guiding others, and honoring everyone’s unique spiritual journey. Such great information!”
—Eric Evangelista
“Thank you so much for all you share. This morning my meditation with my bowl was enhanced immeasurably. I am especially grateful for how beautifully the universe put me right where I needed to be.”
—Kate
“A special thank you for the beautiful sound bath experience. Your energy was absolutely fantastic. I appreciate your messages about the moments of presence, gratitude, and love.”
—J.C.