Passing on the legacy
Introduced to the ethical will in the mid–1990s, Rachael Freed was inspired to transform the ancient tradition to empower contemporaries to preserve their voices and values for future generations.
She developed a teaching model to guide adult learners. Now in her mid 80s, she has passed this work on to the next generation of stewards.
Picking up the torch
We are honored to carry on Rachael’s powerful work.
Judith
Judith’s legacy writing offerings are rooted in the belief that your life holds wisdom—not because it was perfect, but because it was yours.
Michael
Michael added Legacy Letters to his work of preparing legal wills, bringing more meaning and connection to end-of-life planning.
Sue
Sue has been guiding folks to write their stories and the stories of the Earth for over two decades.
Judith
I’m a Life Legacy Letter Writing facilitator and trainer, a Sage-ing leader, a trained end-of-life doula, and a hospice volunteer. But at the center of it all — I’m a mother, a new grandmother, and a tender-hearted witness to the beauty and complexity of a life fully lived.
My legacy writing offerings are rooted in the sacred belief that your life holds wisdom—not because it was perfect, but because it was yours. I create space for people to reflect on their lived experiences with reverence, gather the truths they’ve earned, and offer them forward in love.
Legacy letters are not formal documents or fancy essays. They are simple, soulful, heart-led transmissions — written for children, grandchildren, and future generations. They are blessings. Bridges. Vessels for healing and remembrance.
Whether we’re exploring forgiveness, ancestral patterns, life lessons, or quiet moments that shaped us, this practice helps us slow down and listen for what wants to be shared. If you are interested in other workshops I offer you can check out my website at: journeytotheheart.net.
Michael
In the late twenty-teens when I first learned of Rachael Freed’s work with Legacy Letters, it seemed like a natural fit with what I was already doing in my professional career helping people with their end-of-life planning – their legal wills.
The important distinction, which I liked very much, is that Legacy Letters are about your values and experiences and are recommended to be shared with your loved ones now, whereas your legal will deals primarily with your valuables and is normally shared with your loved ones only at the end of your life.
Sharing my experiences and my values with my girls has not only deepened my relationship with them more than I could ever have imagined, but it has also given me a different, deeper picture of myself.
In addition to facilitating legacy workshops, I continue to make pottery – which I learned over 50 years ago—ladyhawke-pottery.com—promote Empty Bowls’ events to help feed people, and make trouble!
Sue
I am an inspired and dedicated teacher of the ancient art of legacy writing with ten years of experience. For more than two decades I’ve taught memoir and nature writing classes. I’m the co-founder of EarthWhispers Abbey Retreats & Programs, which is designed to connect humans to the natural world.
When I’m not teaching, writing, or hanging out with my other-than-human friends, you’ll find me sipping a cup of tea crafted from my herb garden. I am excited to introduce you to the fascinating and meaningful world of legacy work. You can contact me at sueschuerman9@gmail.com.