Podcasts about coping with grief

Drs. Hope Rugo, Sheri Brenner, and Mikolaj Slawkowski-Rode discuss the struggle that health care professionals experience when terminally ill patients are suffering and approaches to help clinicians understand and respond to suffering in a more patient-centered and therapeutic way. TRANSCRIPT Dr. Hope Rugo: Hello, and welcome to By the Book, a monthly podcast series from ASCO that features engaging conversations between editors and authors of the ASCO Educational Book.  I'm your host, Dr. Hope Rugo. I'm director of the Women's Cancers Program and division chief of breast medical oncology at the City of Hope Cancer Center, and I'm also the editor-in-chief of the Educational Book. On today's episode, we'll be exploring the complexities of grief and oncology and the struggle we experience as healthcare professionals when terminally ill patients are suffering. Our guests will discuss approaches to help clinicians understand and respond to suffering in a more patient-centered and therapeutic way, as outlined in their recently published article titled, “Oncology and Suffering: Strategies on Coping With Grief for Healthcare Professionals.” I'm delighted today to welcome Dr. Keri Brenner, a clinical associate professor of medicine, palliative care attending, and psychiatrist at Stanford University, and Dr. Mikołaj Sławkowski-Rode, a senior research fellow in philosophy in the Humanities Research Institute at the University of Buckingham, where he also serves as director of graduate research in p hilosophy. He is also a research fellow in philosophy at Blackfriars Hall at the University of Oxford and associate professor at the University of Warsaw.  Our full disclosures are available in the transcript of this episode. Dr. Brenner and Dr. Sławkowski-Rode, thanks for being on the podcast today. Dr. Keri Brenner: Great to be here, Dr. Rugo. Thank you so much for that kind introduction. Dr. Mikołaj Sławkowski-Rode: Thank you very much, Dr. Rugo. It's a pleasure and an honor. Dr. Hope Rugo: So I'm going to start with some questions for both of you. I'll start with Dr. Brenner. You've spoken and written about the concept of suffering when there is no cure. For oncologists, what does it mean to attune to suffering, not just disease? And how might this impact the way they show up in difficult conversations with patients? Dr. Keri Brenner: Suffering is something that's so omnipresent in the work of clinical oncology, and I like to begin by just thinking about what is suffering, because it's a word that we use so commonly, and yet, it's important to know what we're talking about. I think about the definition of Eric Cassell, who was a beloved mentor of mine for decades, and he defined suffering as the state of severe distress that's associated with events that threaten the intactness of a person. And my colleague here at Stanford, Tyler Tate, has been working on a definition of suffering that encompasses the experience of a gap between how things are versus how things ought to be. Both of these definitions really touch upon suffering in a person-centered way that's relational about one's identity, meaning, autonomy, and connectedness with others. So these definitions alone remind us that suffering calls for a person-centered response, not the patient as a pathology, but the panoramic view of who the patient is as a person and their lived reality of illness. And in this light, the therapeutic alliance becomes one of our most active ingredients in care. The therapeutic alliance is that collaborative, trusting bond as persons that we have between clinician and patient, and it's actually one of the most powerful predictors of meaningful outcomes in our care, especially in oncologic care.  You know, I'll never forget my first day of internship at Massachusetts General Hospital. A faculty lecturer shared this really sage insight with us that left this indelible mark. She shared, “As physicians and healers, your very self is the primary instrument of healing. Our being is the median of the medicine.” So, our very selves as embodied, relationally grounded people, that's the median of the medicine and the first most enduring medicine that we offer. That has really borne fruit in the evidence that we see around the therapeutic alliance. And we see this in oncologic care, that in advanced cancer, a strong alliance with one's oncologist truly improves a patient's quality of life, treatment adherence, emotional well-being, and even surpasses structured interventions like psychotherapeutic interventions. Dr. Hope Rugo: That's just incredibly helpful information and actually terminology as well, and I think the concept of suffering differs so much. Suffering comes in many shapes and forms, and I think you really have highlighted that. But many oncologists struggle with knowing what to do when patients are suffering but can't be fixed, and I think a lot of times that has to do with oncologists when patients have pain or shortness of breath or issues like that. There are obviously many ways people suffer. But I think what's really challenging is how clinicians understand suffering and what the best approaches to respond to suffering are in the best patient-centered and therapeutic way. Dr. Keri Brenner: I get that question a lot from my trainees in palliative care, not knowing what to do. And my first response is, this is about how to be, not about knowing what to do, but how to be. In our medical training, we're trained often how to think and treat, but rarely how to be, how to accompany others. And I often have this image that I tell my trainees of, instead of this hierarchical approach of a fix-it mentality of all we're going to do, when it comes to elements of unavoidable loss, mortality, unavoidable sufferings, I imagine something more like accompaniment, a patient walking through some dark caverns, and I am accompanying them, trying to walk beside them, shining a light as a guide throughout that darkness. So it's a spirit of being and walking with. And it's so tempting in medicine to either avoid the suffering altogether or potentially overidentify with it, where the suffering just becomes so all-consuming like it's our own. And we're taught to instead strike a balance of authentic accompaniment through it. I often teach this key concept in my palli-psych work with my team about formulation. Formulation is a working hypothesis. It's taking a step back and asking, “Why? Why is this patient behaving in this manner? What might the patient's core inner struggle be?” Because asking that “why” and understanding the nuanced dimensions of a patient's core inner struggle will really help guide our therapeutic interactions and guide the way that we accompany them and where we choose to shine that light as we're walking with them. And oftentimes people think, “Well Keri, that sounds so sappy or oversentimental,” and it's not. You know, I'm just thinking about a case that I had a couple months ago, and it was a 28-year-old man with gastric cancer, metastatic disease, and that 28-year-old man, he was actually a college Division I athlete, and his dad was an acclaimed Division I coach. And our typical open-ended palliative care questions, that approach, infuriated them. They needed to know that I was showing up confident, competent, and that I was ready, on my A-game, with a real plan for them to follow through. And so my formulation about them was they needed somebody to show up with that confidence and competence, like the Division I athletes that they were, to really meet them and accompany them where they were on how they were going to walk through that experience of illness. Dr. Hope Rugo: These kinds of insights are so helpful to think about how we manage something that we face every day in oncology care. And I think that there are many ways to manage this.  Maybe I'll ask Dr. Sławkowski-Rode one question just that I think sequences nicely with what you're talking about.  A lot of our patients are trying to think about sort of the bigger picture and how that might help clinicians understand and support patients. So, the whole concept of spirituality, you know, how can we really use that as oncology clinicians to better understand and support patients with advanced illness, and how can that help patients themselves? And we'll talk about that in two different ways, but we'll just start with this broader question. Dr. Mikołaj Sławkowski-Rode: I think spirituality, and here, I usually refer to spirituality in terms of religious belief. Most people in the world are religious believers, and it is very intuitive and natural that religious beliefs would be a resource that people who help patients with a terminal diagnosis and healthcare professionals who work with those patients appeal to when they try to help them deal with the trauma and the stress of these situations.  Now, I think that the interesting thing there is that very often the benefit of appealing to a religious belief is misunderstood in terms of what it delivers. And there are many, many studies on how religious belief can be used to support therapy and to support patients in getting through the experience of suffering and defeating cancer or facing a terminal diagnosis. There's a wealth of literature on this. But most of the literature focuses on this idea that by appealing to religious belief, we help patients and healthcare practitioners who are working with them get over the fact and that there's a terminal diagnosis determining the course of someone's life and get on with our lives and engaging with whatever other pursuits we might have, with our job if we're healthcare practitioners, and with the other things that we might be passionate about in our lives. And the idea here is that this is what religion allows us to do because we sort of defer the need to worry about what's going to happen to us until the afterlife or some perspective beyond the horizon of our life here.  However, my view is – I have worked beyond philosophy also with theologians from many traditions, and my view here is that religion is something that does allow us to get on with our life but not because we're able to move on or move past the concerns that are being threatened by illness or death, but by forming stronger bonds with these things that we value in our life in a way and to have a sense of hope that these will be things that we will be able to keep an attachment to despite the threat to our life. So, in a sense, I think very many approaches in the field have the benefit of religion upside down, as it were, when it comes to helping patients and healthcare professionals who are engaged with their illness and treating it. Dr. Hope Rugo: You know, it's really interesting the points that you make, and I think really important, but, you know, sometimes the oncologists are really struggling with their own emotional reactions, how they are reacting to patients, and dealing with sort of taking on the burden, which, Dr. Brenner, you were mentioning earlier. How can oncologists be aware of their own emotional reactions? You know, they're struggling with this patient who they're very attached to who's dying or whatever the situation is, but you want to avoid burnout as an oncologist but also understand the patient's inner world and support them. Dr. Keri Brenner: I believe that these affective, emotional states, they're contagious. As we accompany patients through these tragic losses, it's very normal and expected that we ourselves will experience that full range of the human experience as we accompany the patients. And so the more that we can recognize that this is a normative dimension of our work, to have a nonjudgmental stance about the whole panoramic set of emotions that we'll experience as we accompany patients with curiosity and openness about that, the more sustainable the work will become. And I often think about the concept of countertransference given to us by Sigmund Freud over 100 years ago. Countertransference is the clinician's response to the patient, the thoughts, feelings, associations that come up within us, shaped by our own history, our own life events, those unconscious processes that come to the foreground as we are accompanying patients with illness. And that is a natural part of the human experience. Historically, countertransference was viewed as something negative, and now it's actually seen as a key that can unlock and enlighten the formulation about what might be going on within the patient themselves even. You know, I was with a patient a couple weeks ago, and I found myself feeling pretty helpless and hopeless in the encounter as I was trying to care for them. And I recognized that countertransference within myself that I was feeling demoralized. It was a prompt for me to take a step back, get on the balcony, and be curious about that because I normally don't feel helpless and hopeless caring for my patients. Well, ultimately, I discovered through processing it with my interdisciplinary team that the patient likely had demoralization as a clinical syndrome, and so it's natural many of us were feeling helpless and hopeless also accompanying them with their care. And it allowed us to have a greater interdisciplinary approach and a more therapeutic response and deeper empathy for the patient's plight. And we can really be curious about our countertransferences. You know, a few months ago, I was feeling bored and distracted in a family meeting, which is quite atypical for me when I'm sharing serious illness news. And it was actually a key that allowed me to recognize that the patient was trying to distract all of us talking about inconsequential facts and details rather than the gravitas of her illness.  Being curious about these affective states really allows us to have greater sustainability within our own practice because it normalizes that human spectrum of emotions and also allows us to reduce unconscious bias and have greater inclusivity with our practice because what Freud also said is that what we can't recognize and say within our own selves, if we don't have that self-reflective capacity, it will come out in what we do. So really recognizing and having the self-awareness and naming some of these emotions with trusted colleagues or even within our own selves allows us to ensure that it doesn't come out in aberrant behaviors like avoiding the patient, staving off that patient till the end of the day, or overtreating, offering more chemotherapy or not having the goals of care, doing everything possible when we know that that might result in medically ineffective care. Dr. Hope Rugo: Yeah, I love the comments that you made, sort of weaving in Freud, but also, I think the importance of talking to colleagues and to sharing some of these issues because I do think that oncologists suffer from the fact that no one else in your life wants to hear about dying people. They don't really want to hear about the tragic cases either. So, I think that using your community, your oncology community and greater community within medicine, is an important part of being able to sort of process. Dr. Keri Brenner: Yes, and Dr. Rugo, this came up in our ASCO [Education] Session. I'd love to double click into some of those ways that we can do this that aren't too time consuming in our everyday practice. You know, within palliative care, we have interdisciplinary rounds where we process complex cases. Some of us do case supervision with a trusted mentor or colleague where we bring complex cases to them. My team and I offer process rounds virtually where we go through countertransference, formulation, and therapeutic responses on some tough cases.  You know, on a personal note, just last week when I left a family meeting feeling really depleted and stuck, I called one of my trusted colleagues and just for 3 minutes constructively, sort of cathartically vented what was coming up within me after that family meeting, which allowed me to have more of an enlightened stance on what to do next and how to be therapeutically helpful for the case. One of my colleagues calls this "friend-tors." They coined the phrase, and they actually wrote a paper about it. Who within your peer group of trusted colleagues can you utilize and phone in real time or have process opportunities with to get a pulse check on where what's coming up within us as we're doing this work? Dr. Hope Rugo: Yeah, and it's an interesting question about how one does that and, you know, maintaining that as you move institutions or change places or become more senior, it's really important.  One of the, I think, the challenges sometimes is that we come from different places from our patients, and that can be an issue, I think when our patients are very religious and the provider is not, or the reverse, patients who don't have religious beliefs and you're trying to sort of focus on the spirituality, but it doesn't really ring true. So, Dr. Sławkowski-Rode, what resources can patients and practitioners draw on when they're facing death and loss in the absence of, or just different religious beliefs that don't fit into the standard model? Dr. Mikołaj Sławkowski-Rode: You're absolutely right that this can be an extremely problematic situation to be in when there is that disconnect of religious belief or more generally spiritual engagement with the situation that we're in. But I just wanted to tie into what Dr. Brenner was saying just before. I couldn't agree more, and I think that a lot of healthcare practitioners, oncologists in particular who I've had the pleasure to talk to at ASCO and at other events as well, are very often quite skeptical about emotional engagement in their profession. They feel as though this is something to be managed, as it were, and something that gets in the way. And they can often be very critical of methods that help them understand the emotions and extend them towards patients because they feel that this will be an obstacle to doing their job and potentially an obstacle also to helping patients to their full ability if they focus on their own emotions or the burden that emotionally, spiritually, and in other ways the illness is for the patient. They feel that they should be focusing on the cancer rather than on the patient's emotions. And I think that a useful comparison, although, you know, perhaps slightly drastic, is that of combat experience of soldiers. They also need to be up and running and can't be too emotionally invested in the situation that they're in. But there's a crucial difference, which is that soldiers are usually engaged in very short bursts of activity with the time to go back and rethink, and they often have a lot of support for this in between. Whereas doctors are in a profession where their exposure to the emotions of patients and their own emotions, the emotions of families of patients is constant. And I think that there's a great danger in thinking that this is something to be avoided and something to compartmentalize in order to avoid burnout. I think, in a way, burnout is more sure to happen if your emotions and your attachment to your patients goes ignored for too long. So that's just following up on Keri's absolutely excellent points. As far as the disconnect is concerned, that's, in fact, an area in which I'm particularly interested in. That's where my research comes in. I'm interested in the kinds of connections that we have with other people, especially in terms of maintaining bonds when there is no spiritual belief, no spiritual backdrop to support this connection. In most religious traditions, we have the framework of the religious belief that tells us that the person who we've lost or the values that have become undermined in our life are something that hasn't been destroyed permanently but something that we can still believe we have a deep connection to despite its absence from our life. And how do you rebuild that sense of the existence of the things that you have perceivably lost without the appeal to some sort of transcendent realm which is defined by a given religion? And that is a hard question. That's a question, I think, that can be answered partly by psychology but also partly by philosophy in terms of looking at who we are as human beings and our nature as people who are essentially, or as entities that are essentially connected to one another. That connection, I believe, is more direct than the mediation of religion might at first suggest. I think that we essentially share the world not only physically, it's not just the case that we're all here, but more importantly, the world that we live in is not just the physical world but the world of meanings and values that helps us orient ourselves in society and amongst one another as friends and foes. And it is that shared sense of the world that we can appeal to when we're thinking about retaining the value or retaining the connection with the people who we have lost or the people who are helping through, go through an experience of facing death. And just to finish, there's a very interesting question, I think, something that we possibly don't have time to explore, about the degree of connection that we have with other people. So, what I've just been saying is something that rings more true or is more intuitive when we think about the connections that we have to our closest ones. We share a similar outlook onto the world, and our preferences and our moods and our emotions and our values are shaped by life with the other person. And so, appealing to these values can give us a sense of a continued presence. But what in those relationships where the connection isn't that close? For example, given the topic of this podcast, the connection that a patient has with their doctor and vice versa. In what sense can we talk about a shared world of experience? Well, I think, obviously, we should admit degrees to the kind of relationship that can sustain our connection with another person. But at the same time, I don't think there's a clear cutoff point. And I think part of emotional engagement in medical practice is finding yourself somewhere on that spectrum rather than thinking you're completely off of it. That's what I would say. Dr. Hope Rugo: That's very helpful and I think a very helpful way of thinking about how to manage this challenging situation for all of us.  One of the things that really, I think, is a big question for all of us throughout our careers, is when to address the dying process and how to do that. Dr. Brenner, you know, I still struggle with this – what to do when patients refuse to discuss end-of-life but they're very close to end of life? They don't want to talk about it. It's very stressful for all of us, even where you're going to be, how you're going to manage this. They're just absolutely opposed to that discussion. How should we approach those kinds of discussions? How do we manage that? How do you address the code discussion, which is so important? You know, these patients are not able to stay at home at end-of-life in general, so you really do need to have a code discussion before you're admitting them. It actually ends up being kind of a challenge and a mess all around. You know, I would love your advice about how to manage those situations. Dr. Keri Brenner: I think that's one of the most piercing and relevant inquiries we have within our clinical work and challenges. I often think of denial not as an all-or-nothing concept but rather as parts of self. There's a part of everyone's being where the unconscious believes it's immortal and will live on forever, and yet we all know intellectually that we all have mortality and finitude and transience, and that time will end. We often think of this work as more iterative and gradual and exposure based. There's potency to words. Saying, “You are dying within days,” is a lot higher potency of a phrase to share than, “This is serious illness. This illness is incurable. Time might be shorter than we hoped.” And so the earlier and more upstream we begin to have these conversations, even in small, subtle ways, it starts to begin to expose the patient to the concept so they can go from the head to the heart, not only knowing their prognosis intellectually but also affectively, to integrate it into who they are as a person because all patients are trying to live well while also we're gradually exposing them to this awareness of mortality within their own lived experience of illness. And that, ideally, happens gradually over time. Now, there are moments where the medical frame is very limited, and we might have short days, and we have to uptitrate those words and really accompany them more radically through those high-affective moments. And that's when we have to take a lot of more nuanced approaches, but I would say the more earlier and upstream the better. And then the second piece to that question as well is coping with our own mortality. The more we can be comfortable with our own transience and finitude and limitations, the more we will be able to accompany others through that. And even within my own life, I've had to integrate losses in a way where before I go in to talk to one of my own palliative care patients, one mantra I often say to myself is, “I'm just a few steps behind you. I don't know if it's going to be 30 days or 30 years, but I'm just a few steps behind you on this finite, transient road of life that is the human experience.” And that creates a stance of accompaniment that patients really can experience as they're traversing these tragedies. Dr. Hope Rugo: That's great. And I think those are really important points and actually some pearls, which I think we can take into the clinic. I think being really concrete when really the expected life expectancy is a few days to a couple of weeks can be very, very helpful. And making sure the patients hear you, but also continuing to let them know that, as oncologists, we're here for them. We're not abandoning them. I think that's a big worry for many, certainly of my patients, is that somehow when they would go to hospice or be a ‘no code', that we're not going to support them anymore or treat them anymore. That is a really important process of that as well. And of course, engaging the team makes a big difference because the whole oncology team can help to manage situations that are particularly challenging like that. And just as we close, I wanted to ask one last question of you, Dr. Brenner, that suffering, grief, and burnout, you've really made the point that these are not problems to fix but dimensions that we want to attend to and acknowledge as part of our lives, the dying process is part of all of our lives. It's just dealing with this in the unexpected and the, I think, unpredictability of life, you know, that people take on a lot of guilt and all sorts of things about, all sorts of emotions. And the question is now, people have listened to this podcast, what can they take back to their oncology teams to build a culture that supports clinicians and their team at large to engage with these realities in a meaningful and sustainable way? I really feel like if we could build the whole team approach where we're supporting each other and supporting the patients together, that that will help this process immeasurably. Dr. Keri Brenner: Yes, and I'm thinking about Dr. Sławkowski-Rode's observation about the combat analogy, and it made me recognize this distinction between suppression and repression. Repression is this unconscious process, and this is what we're taught to do in medical training all the time, to just involuntarily shove that tragedy under the rug, just forget about it and see the next patient and move on. And we know that if we keep unconsciously shoving things under the rug, that it will lead to burnout and lack of sustainability for our clinical teams. Suppression is a more conscious process. That deliberate effort to say, “This was a tragedy that I bore witness to. I know I need to put that in a box on the shelf for now because I have 10 other patients I have to see.” And yet, do I work in a culture where I can take that off the shelf during particular moments and process it with my interdisciplinary team, phone a friend, talk to a trusted colleague, have some trusted case supervision around it, or process rounds around it, talk to my social worker? And I think the more that we model this type of self-reflective capacity as attendings, folks who have been in the field for decades, the more we create that ethos and culture that is sustainable because clinician self-reflection is never a weakness, rather it's a silent strength. Clinician self-reflection is this portal for wisdom, connectedness, sustainability, and ultimately transformative growth within ourselves. Dr. Hope Rugo: That's such a great point, and I think this whole discussion has been so helpful for me and I hope for our audience that we really can take these points and bring them to our practice. I think, “Wow, this is such a great conversation. I'd like to have the team as a whole listen to this as ways to sort of strategize talking about the process, our patients, and being supportive as a team, understanding how we manage spirituality when it connects and when it doesn't.” All of these points, they're bringing in how we process these issues and the whole idea of suppressing versus sort of deciding that it never happened at all is, I think, very important because that's just a tool for managing our daily lives, our busy clinics, and everything we manage. Dr. Keri Brenner: And Dr. Rugo, it's reminding me at Stanford, you know, we have this weekly practice that's just a ritual where every Friday morning for 30 minutes, our social worker leads a process rounds with us as a team, where we talk about how the work that we're doing clinically is affecting us in our lives in ways that have joy and greater meaning and connectedness and other ways that might be depleting. And that kind of authentic vulnerability with one another allows us to show up more authentically for our patients. So those rituals, that small 30 minutes once a week, goes a long way. And it reminds me that sometimes slowing things down with those rituals can really get us to more meaningful, transformative places ultimately. Dr. Hope Rugo: It's a great idea, and I think, you know, making time for that in everybody's busy days where they just don't have any time anymore is important. And you don't have to do it weekly, you could even do something monthly. I think there's a lot of options, and that's a great suggestion. I want to thank you both for taking your time out for this enriching and incredibly helpful conversation. Our listeners will find a link to the Ed Book article we discussed today, which is excellent, in the transcript of this episode. I want to thank you again, Dr. Brenner and Dr. Sławkowski-Rode, for your time and for your excellent thoughts and advice and direction. Dr. Mikołaj Sławkowski-Rode: Thank you very much, Dr. Rugo. Dr. Keri Brenner: Thank you. Dr. Hope Rugo: And thanks to our listeners for joining us today. Please join us again next month on By the Book for more insightful views on topics you'll be hearing at the education sessions from ASCO meetings and our deep dives on new approaches that are shaping modern oncology. Disclaimer: The purpose of this podcast is to educate and to inform. This is not a substitute for professional medical care and is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of individual conditions. Guests on this podcast express their own opinions, experience, and conclusions. Guest statements on the podcast do not express the opinions of ASCO. The mention of any product, service, organization, activity, or therapy should not be construed as an ASCO endorsement. Follow today's speakers:      Dr. Hope Rugo @hope.rugo Dr. Keri Brenner @keri_brenner Dr. Mikolaj Slawkowski-Rode @MikolajRode Follow ASCO on social media:      @ASCO on X (formerly Twitter)      ASCO on Bluesky     ASCO on Facebook      ASCO on LinkedIn      Disclosures:     Dr. Hope Rugo: Honoraria: Mylan/Viatris, Chugai Pharma Consulting/Advisory Role: Napo Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, Bristol Myer Research Funding (Inst.): OBI Pharma, Pfizer, Novartis, Lilly, Merck, Daiichi Sankyo, AstraZeneca, Gilead Sciences, Hoffman La-Roche AG/Genentech, In., Stemline Therapeutics, Ambryx Dr. Keri Brenner: No relationships to disclose Dr. Mikolaj Slawkowski-Rode: No relationships to disclose    

From 6 years in isolation to sounding the alarm, Buddhist Gelong Thubten reveals the hidden epidemic no one is talking about with Stress, Depression, Buddhism, Meditation, Mental Health and more. Thubten is one of the UK's most influential meditation teachers, who spent 6 years in isolated meditation retreats, including one which lasted 4 years. He is also the bestselling author of books such as, ‘Handbook for Hard Times: A Monk's Guide to Fearless Living'. He explains: The hidden mental health crisis that's silently destroying your emotional well-being. Why Western culture increases anxiety, depression, and disconnection The biggest myths about meditation and how to meditate properly.  The real reason your meditation practice isn't working. How screen time and phone addiction are hijacking your brain and inner peace. Why rejecting pleasure can lead to lasting connection and clarity. How unresolved trauma controls your mind and how mindfulness can free you. 00:00 Intro 02:32 Why Is Thubten's Message More Important Now Than Ever Before? 03:02 Thubten's Concerns About Western Society 03:51 Where Does Life Purpose Come From? 05:15 Is Search for Purpose a Misplaced Pursuit? 06:28 Why Is Western Society Increasingly Unhappy? 08:55 Is It Wrong to Find Meaning in the Pursuit of Goals? 11:38 What Led Thubten to Become a Monk? 13:50 Gelong's Difficult Past and Its Impact on His Mind 18:06 Where Do Negative Internal Voices Originate From? 19:03 Who Influenced Thubten to Go to a Monastery? 19:53 Thubten's Heart Condition 20:49 Key Aspects of Living as a Monk 22:25 What Are the Advantages of Celibacy? 24:23 Is Abstinence Sufficient to Overcome Compulsive Behaviour? 27:06 What Is Buddhism? 29:43 Thubten's Journey of Healing 31:33 What Is Meditation? 36:38 Benefits of Buddhist Practices 41:12 Can a Buddhist Mindset Go Hand in Hand With Effectiveness at Work? 46:45 Ads 48:41 How Does Buddhism Think About Victimhood and Trauma? 51:51 Breaking Free From Suffering 58:16 Can We Run Away From Our Pain? 1:04:49 How to Love Yourself When You Feel Broken 1:05:56 Coping With Grief and Loss 1:10:21 Focusing on the Pain in a Loving Way 1:13:17 The Practice of Forgiveness 1:20:16 Ads 1:22:12 Are We Living in a Culture of Fear? 1:25:06 How to Protect Yourself From Fear 1:27:13 The Gap Between Impulse and Action 1:28:13 Incorporating Meditation Into Your Daily Life 1:31:21 Live Meditation 1:38:21 How Can Meditation Change Your Life 1:41:39 Why Did Thubten Take Vows for Life? 1:42:26 Does Working on Your Mind Ever End? 1:43:15 The Gap Between Knowing and Doing 1:45:17 Is Meditation Retreat a Good Idea to Get Started? 1:45:54 Is Buddhism a Solution to the Current World Problems? 1:47:54 Question From the Previous Guest Follow Thubten:  Instagram - https://bit.ly/3FOxXlg  Website - https://bit.ly/45s6Zu0  Books - https://bit.ly/4ebqBF9  You can purchase Thubten's book, ‘Handbook for Hard Times: A Monk's Guide to Fearless Living', here: ⁠https://bit.ly/3ZDPwuU⁠  You can purchase Thubten's book, ‘A Monk's Guide to Happiness: Meditation in the 21st century', here: https://bit.ly/45xFE9O  The Diary Of A CEO: Join DOAC circle here -https://doaccircle.com/ The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb Sponsors: Shopify - https://shopify.com/bartlett Vivobarefoot - https://vivobarefoot.com/DOAC with code DIARY20 for 20% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Health & Wellness In Focus Episode #19 – Coping With Grief & Loss: “Light in Your Valley”
Host: Dr. Bryan Hudson | Guest: Dr. Stephen E. Gardner Program Summary Dr. Gardner’s links: LinkedIN, www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-e-gardner-edd-ma-ct-6823b4b Everyday Consulting, www.everydayconsulting.org Crown of Hope International. www.crownofhope.org In this insightful episode of Health & Wellness In Focus, Dr. Bryan Hudson interviews Dr. Stephen E. Gardner—a pastor, theologist, veteran advocate, transformational coach, and independent scholar—on the theme “Coping With Grief & Loss: Light in Your Valley.” Key Highlights: 1. The Multifaceted Nature of Dr. Gardner’s Work: Dr. Gardner views his roles beyond the pulpit, engaging with the community on issues like death, loss, and personal transformation. His work with veterans especially involves shifting from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth. 2. Understanding Grief Beyond Death: Loss includes not only death but also life transitions like job loss, shifting beliefs, or health setbacks. Grief is both emotional and neurological—highlighted by Dr. Gardner’s recommended book The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor. 3. The Four Tasks of Mourning (based on Dr. William Worden): Accept the Reality of the Loss – Acknowledge what has happened, even if heart and mind aren’t in sync. Process the Pain of Grief – Embrace emotions like guilt and sadness without rushing to “move on.” Adjust to a World Without the Deceased – Including identity changes, especially for spouses or long-term caregivers. Find a Way to Maintain Connection While Moving Forward – Through legacy, memory, or service. 4. Harmful Coping Practices: Telling people to “snap out of it” is unhelpful and often stems from discomfort or fear. Over-spiritualizing grief or using shallow platitudes can invalidate real feelings. 5. Integrating Faith with Mental Health: Faith is essential but must be paired with informed mental health practices. Spiritual responses should not replace therapy or professional help. Ministry of presence—being there without words—is often more healing than scripture alone. 6. Cultural Competence in Counseling: One-size-fits-all approaches fail across cultural lines. Dr. Gardner advocates for respectful, “user-centered” care that adapts to clients’ cultural and spiritual contexts. Professionals should ask: “How can I help you in a way that respects your culture?” 7. Encouraging Mental Health Careers: There's a great need for more culturally competent professionals, particularly from underrepresented communities. Churches and pastors should present these fields as mission and kingdom work. 8. Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health: Many avoid counseling due to fear of judgment or appearing “broken.” Seeking help should be normalized like seeing a doctor for a broken arm. 9. The Power of Meaning-Making: Healing accelerates when people can find purpose or meaning in their loss. Dr. Gardner shared his personal story of losing his mother at 18 and how he found strength through understanding her legacy and completing his life mission. Final Thoughts: Dr. Gardner stresses the importance of community, competent care, and courageous vulnerability when facing grief. Pastor Hudson reinforces that churches should be wellness hubs that connect people to the full range of care they need. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to share the episode to help others who may be experiencing grief or loss.

Ahead of Mother's Day, we're bringing awareness to challenges faced by Black working mothers. Plus, how to navigate feelings of grief and loss tied to Mother's Day.

Grief is... Real. Big. Better Shared Episode #42 Baptist Centers For Good Grief 

In this powerful episode, Robbie Parker shares his deeply personal journey after losing his six-year-old daughter Emilie in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012. Robbie reflects on cherished memories of Emilie and how her loving, creative nature brought joy to their family. He opens up about the emotional challenges he faced in the aftermath, including harassment and conspiracy theories that disrupted his grieving process.Despite these challenges, Robbie's journey toward healing has been one of resilience, self-reflection, and learning to connect with others through vulnerability. Through therapy, spiritual growth, and even plant-based medicine, Robbie found new ways to move forward without forgetting the daughter he loves so dearly.This heartfelt conversation explores the power of love, the courage to heal, and the importance of creating safe spaces for grief. Whether you're navigating your own loss or supporting someone through theirs, Robbie's story will leave a lasting impact.To order A FATHER'S STORY: TAKING ON ALEX JONES AND RECLAIMING THE TRUTH ABOUT SANDY HOOK - go to https://www.ourdeaddads.com/book-recommendationsRobbie's website: https://www.robbieparker.net/You may contact Robbie through his website, and you may also buy his book through his website.GIVE THE SHOW A 5-STAR RATING ON APPLE PODCASTS! FOLLOW US ON APPLE OR YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM! BOOKMARK OUR WEBSITE: www.ourdeaddads.com FOLLOW OUR DEAD DADS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourdeaddadspod/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourdeaddadspod TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourdeaddadspod Twitter / X: https://x.com/ourdeaddadspod YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmmv6sdmMIys3GDBjiui3kw LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ourdeaddadspod/

Grab the tissues because this may be our most emotional episode ever.In this conversation, Danielle and Eva explore the complexities of navigating grief as solopreneurs. They discuss personal experiences with loss, the emotional toll it takes, and the importance of setting boundaries while managing professional responsibilities. The conversation highlights the differences between grieving in a corporate environment versus as a self-employed individual, and the challenges of balancing personal struggles with work demands. They also discuss the stigma surrounding divorce, the impact on identity, and the struggle to maintain a work-life balance. The conversation highlights the hustle mindset that often leads to burnout and the importance of self-care and gratitude amidst chaos.Be part of the conversation – follow us @ghostbosspodcast on Instagram!

In this episode of the Widowed AF podcast, host Rosie Gill-Moss speaks with Mark Heazle, a widower who shares his experiences following the death of his wife, Sharon, from a rare form of cancer. Mark discusses the practical aspects of navigating life as a single parent while managing grief. He provides insights into the challenges of parenting after loss, including the dynamics of raising children in a blended family setting.Mark details the process of advocating for his wife's health during her illness, highlighting the importance of understanding medical conditions and the healthcare system. He addresses the impact of cancer on family life and the necessity of mental health support for both himself and his children.The conversation also covers the significance of support networks, including family and friends, in coping with loss. Mark shares how these relationships have played a role in his life and the lives of his children. He discusses the balance between remembering a loved one and moving forward with life, including how to acknowledge significant dates such as anniversaries and birthdays.Listeners will gain practical insights into the realities of widowhood, parenting, and the formation of blended families. This episode serves as a resource for those who are widowed, as well as for individuals who support someone experiencing loss.Connect with Us: Follow us on Instagram @widowedAF Email: theshow at widowedAF.com Web: (https://www.widowedaf.com) Watch on (YouTube)

How do you allow yourself to grieve when the world makes it uncomfortable? In this episode, I explore the stages of grief and how to navigate them with self-compassion and grace. Healing isn't about rushing the process—it's about giving yourself permission to feel, even when others don't understand. I'll be sharing insights, coping strategies, and practical ways to navigate grief.  Tune in for a heartfelt discussion...  

Trigger warning: this episode contains mention of child loss. This week, Jordana and Dr. Naomi discuss how to feel comfortable in your skin without being totally put together. Our Overshare comes from a Betch whose relationship has been impacted by his career change. Today's Betchicist goes out to a listener feeling slighted after her boyfriend's family excluded her from a trip. Dr. Naomi writes an intention for how to participate in social obligations that remind you of your own devastating loss. And, in our “Sweet Release” segment sponsored by Angry Orchard, we're feeling triggered by group trip planning on uneven budgets and flagrant copycats. If you'd like to get these episodes a day early and ad-free, plus two bonus episodes per month where we answer more emails and have follow-up conversations with listeners for real-time advice, make sure to subscribe at subscribe.betches.com! Check out our episodes under the Oversharing playlist at YouTube.com/@betches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather McMahan knows how to turn grief into comedy, insecurity into confidence, and discomfort into comfort. She sits down to tell us how to know what you truly need & not be afraid to demand it so you can navigate grief, relationships, beauty standards, and more.  Importantly, Heather doles out advice about how to maintain confidence, particularly as a public figure in a world with unending opinions – and how to handle all of it with a sense of humor. 02:28 Red Carpet Fashion Struggles 09:36 Coping With Grief & Loss 25:55 Careers vs. Relationships 32:57 Tips For Long-Distance Relationships 34:20 Navigating IVF & Fertility Challenges 39:39 Communicating Effectively 43:18 Spicing Up Your Sex Life 55:03 Hollywood Beauty Standards & Plastic Surgery For more from Heather, you can find her on Instagram at @heatherkmcmahan or online at www.heatherontour.com. Watch her comedy special, Son I Never Had, on Netflix or listen to her podcast, Absolutely Not. Ready to uplevel every part of your life? Order Liz's book 100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success now!  To join The Liz Moody Podcast Club Facebook group, go to www.facebook.com/groups/thelizmoodypodcast. Connect with Liz on Instagram @lizmoody or online at www.lizmoody.com. Subscribe to the substack by visiting https://lizmoody.substack.com/welcome. This episode is sponsored by: Seed: go to seed.com/lizmoody and use code LIZMOODY for 25% off your first month. Wildgrain: go to Wildgrain.com/LIZMOODY for $30 off the first box - PLUS a free item in every box. The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy. Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast.  This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions. The Liz Moody Podcast Episode 305. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grief expert David Kessler joins us to discuss how understanding grief after losing a loved one can help us make sense of our pain and find meaning again.

Grief expert David Kessler joins us to discuss how understanding grief after losing a loved one can help us make sense of our pain and find meaning again.

01-12-25 Ken Forrest Coping with Grief, Death and Dying

Karine Nassim is the co-founder of DayNew, a new technology platform designed to help people through trauma associated with grief and loss. After experiencing the sudden loss of her spouse, she joined forces with fellow serial entrepreneur Eloise Bune to build an AI-powered community platform that helps users navigate through the challenges that come with unexpected changes. Karine also co-founded with her late husband DogVacay, the “Airbnb for dogs” that raised $47 million and fast expanded before being acquired by Rover. She also founded SHMASK, a Covid-era business producing stylish shirts with masks attached featured on NBC's Today Show.

Grief is... Real. Big. Better Shared Episode #40 Baptist Centers For Good Grief 

01-12-25 Ken Forrest Coping with Grief, Death and Dying

01-05 25 Ken Forrest Coping with Grief, Death and Dying

The holidays are often painted as the happiest time of the year, but what happens when they're not? In this episode, I'm opening up about the challenges of navigating the season when you're missing someone you love or carrying the weight of a tough year. I'll share the lessons I've learned from my own journey, practical tips to help you protect your peace, and comforting advice I wish I had during my first holiday season without my mom. Whether you're grieving, feeling overwhelmed, or just struggling to find joy, this episode is here to remind you that you're not alone, and it's okay to celebrate the holidays on your own terms.

Outlouders, grief has no time for fancy words and clever jokes. In fact, it hasn't a lot of time for words, full-stop. It's a full-body experience that can change you on every level. And at this time of year, loss, be it past or present, can feel all the more raw. That's why this episode of MID feels so important to share today. Interfaith minister, author and death-walker Dr Jackie Bailey has experienced a great deal of loss, and she spends her life walking others through it, helping people prepare for it, and acknowledging it when it happens. If you think that makes for a depressing interview, you'd be wrong. Jackie is insightful, wise and funny, full of both practical and emotional support for the grieving. She's the perfect person to help us through the hard parts. Links for Jackie Bailey: Jackie's tips on writing a eulogyRead Jackie's eulogy for her mum hereYou can buy a copy of Jackie's beautiful book hereHelpful links mentioned in the show: Advanced care planning websiteA link to a printable advanced care directive wallet card hereThe list of questions you can ask someone incase they become non-responsivePalliative care help here. THE END BITS: Share your feedback! Send us a voice message or email us at podcast@mamamia.com.au Follow us on Instagram @MidbyMamamia or sign up to the MID newsletter, dropping weekly here. CREDITS: Host: Holly Wainwright Executive Producer: Talissa Bazaz Audio Producer: Jacob Round Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textToday we grief.Check us out atgraceintheshadowsor.orgdrjonathan@graceintheshadowsor.org(251) 244-4645*If you are searching for a clinical counselor and you live in Alabama, Virginia, or North Carolina, Dr. Jonathan Behler would be happy to see you as a client! He does all counseling virtually through a secure portal. He will also work with you on payments - don't let finances keep you from getting counseling!If you live out of the US or not in Alabama, Virginia, or North Carolina, Dr. Jonathan Behler is an ordained minister and trained in pastoral counseling. If you are seeking pastoral counseling, please reach out as well!Support the show

The holiday season may be known as the ''most wonderful time of the year'', but often for those who have lost loved ones, it can also be a really challenging time of mixed emotions. If you feel that way, I recorded this episode for you to know you're not alone.  It will be my 13th Christmas without my sister here on earth. It's tough. So in this episode I speak openly about how I've learned to better handle grief and sadness during the festive season. I share advice on how to still show up and enjoy Christmas Day, whilst also healthily processing your emotions and honouring your loved one. Merry Christmas to all of my listeners, I am so grateful for you all!

In this episode of Weight Loss Made Simple, Dr. Stacy Heimburger explores the impact of grief on emotional eating during the holiday season and offers practical strategies for managing emotions without turning to food. Whether you're dealing with the loss of a loved one or adjusting to changes in your eating habits, this episode provides actionable tips to cope with sadness, stress, and holiday pressures. Learn how to embrace self-care, acknowledge your feelings, and stay on track with mindful eating and weight loss goals during this challenging time. Tune in for expert advice on navigating grief, emotional eating, and staying balanced through the holidays.Free 2-Pound Plan Call!Want to jump start your weight loss? Schedule a free call where Dr. Stacy Heimburger will work with you to create a personalized plan to lose 2 pounds in one week, factoring in your unique circumstances, challenges, and aspirations. Schedule now! www.sugarfreemd.com/2poundThis episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher.

In this episode, Skip O and Steven Guthrie discuss the critical topics of mental health, wellness, grief, and loss, particularly focusing on the experiences of first responders. Steven shares his personal journey through grief after losing his son, the importance of peer support, and strategies for coping with stress and burnout. The conversation emphasizes the need for community engagement, maintaining physical and mental health, and offers words of wisdom for those struggling with similar issues. Resources for support are also provided.TakeawaysMental health is crucial for first responders.Grief can lead to long-term depression if not addressed.Peer support is essential in coping with loss.Listening can be more helpful than giving advice.Physical health impacts mental well-being.Community engagement fosters support and connection.Taking ownership of one's life is vital for recovery.Stress management techniques can prevent burnout.It's important to talk about mental health openly.There are resources available for those in need.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mental Health and Wellness02:51 Personal Journey Through Grief and Loss05:47 The Importance of Peer Support and Mental Health09:10 Strategies for Coping with Stress and Burnout12:02 Maintaining Physical and Mental Health14:57 Community Engagement and Support17:53 Words of Wisdom for Struggling Individuals21:12 Final Thoughts and ResourcesPLEASE SUPPORT THIS PODCAST BY TAKING A LOOK AT OUR SPONSORSThrottle & Thrive First Responder Addiction Recovery: https://throttleandthrive.com/AdvoCast: https://advocast.mediaPODCAST WEBSITE:https://burntoutpodcast.orgBURNT OUT CREW:Host: Skip OMental Health Minute: Melissa HSunday Support Zoom Meeting Facilitator: Jeff DBonus Episode Host: Capt. Chuck BrayExecutive Producer: Shawn P NealBrought to you by AdvoCastEPISODE HASHTAGS:#firefighter #firstresponder #ems #emt #police #lawenforcement #military #trauma #mentalhealth #USMC #military

Grief is an unpredictable force that reshapes life, much like crashing waves.  In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I open up about my journey through grief and coping with the profound loss of my daughter, Elizabeth. There is no "right" way to grieve—it's a deeply personal journey, and being gentle with yourself is important as you work through the pain. During the holidays, grief can feel especially heavy. Finding ways to incorporate your loved one's presence into your celebrations can bring a sense of connection and help you find moments of joy and peace amidst the sorrow. By sharing our stories and supporting one another, we can find comfort and healing in our shared experiences of loss. There are communities and resources ready to support you, especially during the challenging moments of the holiday season. Reach out to me or comment with your favorite resources. Remember, you are not alone in your grief.    In this episode, you will hear: What impact grief has on memory and emotional well-being. How joining a grief group can help in the healing process. The therapeutic power of storytelling and preserving memories in coping with grief. Advice on setting boundaries and self-care during the holiday season. Engage with us: Join our community: Circle of Care Visit:  https://annettehines.com Read Butterflies and Second Chances LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc  Instagram: @parentingimpossible Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo   Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.  

The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also bring challenges, especially for those grieving the loss of a loved one. In this episode, we are joined by grief therapist Litsa Williams to explore practical and meaningful ways to navigate grief during the holidays. Whether you're struggling to uphold traditions, finding ways to talk to your children during hard moments, or just trying to make it through the “most wonderful time of the year,” this episode offers heartfelt support, actionable tips, and all the things surrounding grief during the holiday season.You'll Learn:Why the holidays can feel heavier after a loss and how to acknowledge and honor those feelings.How to talk to kids about grief and the holidays How to break free from the cookie-cutter holiday template: Redefining traditions and making space for what matters.Identifying your “why” for the season to align your values with how you approach the holidays.Preparing for tough conversations and communicating your needs to family and friends.Three essential pillars to help you move through grief during the holidays.About Our Guest:Litsa Williams is a grief therapist and co-founder of the online grief community What's Your Grief.  Litsa met Eleanor, What's Your Grief's co-founder while supporting families who had lost loved ones to unexpected deaths in Baltimore, MD. Drawing on their personal and professional experience with grief, WYG was built as a resource offering concrete, practical, creative, down-to-earth, and relatable support, founded on the values of psychoeducation and creative coping. She has been interviewed as a grief expert for the Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, NPR, and New York Times. She is co-author of the book What's Your Grief: Lists to Help You Through Any Loss.Episodes Referenced: Experiencing Grief: Episode 43Get $30 off Nuuly! Click here and treat yourself this season.Support the showJoin the ~*Dream Team*~ to support the podcast!Work 1:1 with Holly through mentorship & coachingJoin the FREE *Intentional Living Community* to continue the conversations we have on the podcast with fellow listeners!Give the gift that keeps on giving-- Custom Meditations!Follow @howthewiseonegrows and @hollyzajur on Instagram for more and check out more offerings online.Episode sponsored by Connect Wellness. Connect Wellness empowers people with tools to connect with themselves, others, and the present moment.Be wise-- sign up to be the first to know what's next!

Tatum talks with Jakub, Andrew and Pete about coping with grief, especially when the emotions that come with it are sometimes surprising.  

This week's episode Kenzie sits down with Kelly Rizzo to have a very raw, honest conversation on grief and loss. Kelly Rizzo lost her husband, Bob Saget, in January of 2022 and sits down to give real practical advice and some hope to fellow grievers. If you have lost anyone, we hope this episode provides you comfort and hope. BLOG: https://kenzieelizabeth.coNIGHT CAP CARDS: https://www.shopfriendofmine.comSHOP MERCH OUT NOW: https://shop.dearmedia.com/collections/ilysmSECRET FACEBOOK PAGE: https://bit.ly/2zEx3BMJOIN OUR GENEVA GROUP CHAT: https://links.geneva.com/invite/ab361e92-0405-41ad-9e12-b17b592365bcJOIN THE MAILING LIST: https://bit.ly/2uumkusKenzie's Channel: https://youtube.com/kenzieelizabethKenzie's IG: https://bit.ly/298RzRnKenzie's Twitter: https://bit.ly/2RdtJsEILYSM IG: https://bit.ly/2vlwxXyILYSM YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/2UQ8DUjKEBOOK CLUB: https://www.instagram.com/kebookclub/This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in products, or services referred to in this episode.Put your water to work with Gatorade Hydration Booster, use code BOOST20 on Gatorade.com and get 20% offGet 15% off your order of $100 or more at hillhousehome.com code KENZIE15Visit Carawayhome.com/houseguest to get up to 20% off your next purchaseProduced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We want to work with YOU! 15 Minute Free Consultation  Start healing now! Set up a Coaching Session In this episode of Mr. and Mrs. Therapy, hosts Tim and Ruth Olson delve into navigating the unique challenges that grief presents during the holiday season. With compassionate insights and expert advice, this episode covers how to honor loved ones while finding personal comfort and embracing joy. Listeners will find valuable tips on accepting emotions, creating space for grieving, and setting realistic expectations. Tim and Ruth also discuss the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and seeking support from trusted individuals. Discover how small acts of kindness and engaging in new or old traditions can help honor those lost while moving forward. Whether you're looking to support your own grief journey or help someone else this holiday season, this episode offers practical and gentle guidance. Tim and Ruth remind us that it's okay to hold space for both grief and joy, taking things one day at a time, and simplifying holiday activities to focus on what's truly meaningful. Join us as we explore these essential strategies for navigating grief during the festive season. [Remember, our podcast is here to spark conversations and offer insights. Join our community on our Mr. and Mrs. Therapy Podcast Group, share your experiences at podcast@mrandmrstherapy.com, and if you're seeking more personalized advice, consider booking your free coaching consultation. Please note, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment.] {Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide diagnosis or treatment. For personalized support, please seek professional help or call the National Suicide Hotline at 988 if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide or needs emotional support.}

This taboo topic is one that often gets swept under the rug in the spirit of not wanting to "bring other people down" or "be a buzz kill" during what is considered a festive time of year. Let's talk about grief, overwhelm, seasonal sadness, why it's ok and what to do for yourself and those you love. In this episode, we dive into the often-hidden emotional struggles that come up during the holidays. While the world around us celebrates, many feel the sting of loss and the weight overwhelm, anxiety or hard times. Whether you're navigating personal grief or feeling an inexplicable heaviness, this conversation offers insights and tools to find peace and honor your feelings in a season that can feel anything but Merry and Bright.Listen in for a compassionate guide to navigating grief, anxiety and hard times while  finding moments of light during the season of connection and reflection.Takeaways:Honor Your Grief: the holiday season can intensify emotions in ourselves and those we care about. Normalize, listen, offer grace.Navigate Seasonal Sadness: Tools for managing the “holiday blues” and recognizing what triggers them.Find Healing Rituals: Simple practices to feel connected and grounded.Compassion in Action: practice self-compassion, honor emotions, and support others dealing with loss, anxiety and sadness.Practical tips: Creating a supportive inner circle, connecting to healthy resources, what to say during the holidays.Embrace Moments of Light: Tips to welcome joy, even in the shadows of grief.Get the FREE “Anchor for Peace” meditation designed to ease the heaviness of hard times. 

In this all-new session, Dr. John Gartner and Dr. Harry Siegel enlighten us with a raw discussion about the current state of America, following last week's shocking election results. Along with our guest, renowned psychologist Dr. Drew Weston, we'll discuss the damaging implications of Trump's bizarre cabinet picks and look at how it reflects a broader effort by Donald to dismantle our institutions. Make sure you join us here on Patreon to support our work and gain access to exclusive perks: patreon.com/ReallyAmericanMedia Our site: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/shrinking-trump  Subscribe on iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shrinking-trump/id1745797271 Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4xuuqHxzruLEsQXtTuJjP4 Subscribe on Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a101a15a-8b18-49c8-b556-c201aece30ee/shrinking-trump Subscribe on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-shrinking-trump-175213669/ This 29th episode of Shrinking Trump marks a crucial moment in addressing the collective unease felt nationwide. We'll open the show with a reflection on the core psychological concerns that inspired this podcast series: Donald Trump's apparent cognitive decline and malignant narcissism. Dr's. Gartner and Siegel recap the importance of recognizing how Trump's dementia is intertwined with a pathological narcissism—a combination that leaves no room for empathy, morality, or humility.  Our guest Dr. Weston provides an unmatched expert perspective on the current political climate, and emphasizes the need for understanding the systemic issues that led to our current situation. Dr.'s Gartner and Siegel stress the potential for radical acceptance—a psychological term for facing reality as it is, without denying or fighting against it. And together, they urge our listeners to remain informed and engaged, but also to maintain a balance in their lives, nurture their mental health, and find moments of joy wherever possible. We'll share feedback from our viewers and listeners from across the country, revealing a nation dealing with fear, grief, and an overpowering sense of loss. We'll also draw parallels to the therapeutic approaches for trauma, where naming and acknowledging emotions is a key step in healing. Our hosts also introduce the concept of radical acceptance—a psychological term for facing reality as it is, without denying or fighting against it. And along with Dr. Weston, They encourage our listeners to remain informed and engaged, but also to maintain a balance in their lives, nurture their mental health, and find moments of joy wherever possible. To conclude, the episode extends a call to action, using historical lessons to remind us all that adversity can forge a powerful resilience. In what seems like very dark times, our hosts encourage listeners to band together as symbols of hope, truth, and unwavering commitment to democracy. Join us next week as we continue to uncover the psychological layers of these unprecedented times, helping us all navigate whatever lies ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11-03-24 Ken Forrest - Coping with Grief, Death and Dying

In this episode of the Running Wine Mom podcast, Samantha Cieslinski discusses grief counseling, dealing with grief, and mental health, specifically how to talk to children about losing someone they love. Drawing from personal experiences, she explores the emotional and neurological aspects of grief, offering strategies for parents to support their children at various developmental stages. The conversation emphasizes the importance of open communication, understanding grief's impact on both children and parents, and the necessity of self-care during difficult times.

Wouldn't you love to know how Dr. Gina Williams, an amazing physical therapist, has been guided by dreams and spirit to bring healing to so many? With over 20 years of experience, she combines physical therapy and a deep understanding of people's emotional journeys through grief and trauma. In this beautiful conversation, she shares how her online telehealth sessions can help you recover—even from home! Whether it's a knee injury or emotional pain, her heart-centered approach, covered by insurance, offers true healing. Reach out to Gina for an appointment at: https://mobilityhealthpt.com/-----------✨ My new anthology book, Good to the Last Drop! Embracing Your Life's Third Chapter, is now available on Amazon.✨ Get the audiobook version of my book, They Serve Bagels in Heaven for FREE when you sign up for Audible's FREE 30-day trial using my link: https://amzn.to/4dG4l4w✨ For a curated collection of my favorite books, music, healing events, and self-care essentials, head over to kit.co/GriefandRebirth.✨ Find your next source of healing and inspiration at the Grief and Rebirth Bookshop.Listen to all episodes of the Grief and Rebirth Podcast HERE:Apple PodcastSpotifyGrief and Rebirth Podcast PageFind Irene on social media:InstagramFacebookXTikTok✨ Get your copy of Irene's book: They Serve Bagels in Heaven: One Couple's Story of Love, Eternity, and the Cosmic Importance of Everyday Life Get access to The Live Your Most Evolved Life Summit Replay, where we showcase a synergy of talent that will heighten your intuition and will undoubtedly illuminate, enlighten, and spark your soul on your evolutionary journey towards ascension.✨ Sign up for the Grief and Rebirth newsletter to stay up-to-date on forthcoming episodes, events, healing tools, and announcements.Grief and Rebirth LLC is an affiliate, and we may earn a commission from purchases made through recommendations of products and services mentioned on the website, email, and social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube. This commission helps to support the podcast and allows us to continue providing valuable information and resources to our audience. We only recommend products and services that we have personally used or thoroughly researched and believe will be helpful to our community. It will never cost you more to use our affiliate links and sometimes it will even save you money. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Express to de-stress, and know that you are loved through difficult times.Text me at 972-426-2640 so we can stay connected!Support me on Patreon!Twitter:  @elliottspeaksInstagram: @elliottspeaks  Text me at 972-426-2640 so we can stay connected!Support me on Patreon!Twitter: @elliottspeaksInstagram: @elliottspeaks

Season 4/Ep.2 of The Movement Podcast is out now on all of our platforms and on OZmedia313.com.On today's episode The Movement Podcast crew sat down with Ahmed Said, who is the brother of fallen Melvindale Officer Mohamed Said.In July, Mohamed was shot and killed while on duty for the Melvindale Police Department. Today, his brother Ahmed sits down with us to talk about what life has been like for him and his family after this sudden tragedy. This show was sponsored by:-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com-Hanley International Academy Hanleyacademy.com-Jabal Coffee House jabalcoffeehouse.com-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com-BMI Towing -Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com

Presented at the 2024 National Convention. 

We may or may not have heard the word "lament" before. But what does it really mean? Even more, what does it mean for us when it comes to suffering or struggle? Are we allowed to be angry, even angry at God, when things don't go as we expected? Today on Everyday Theology, Brandon shares with us how lament can be a good thing and how it can help us in times of discouragement. Be sure to check it out!ResourcesLament for a Son | https://bit.ly/47oVbYsLearning the Song of Lament | https://bit.ly/4graNhYSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode we answer a question from a listener who has always been a journaler, but doesn't feel interested or able to journal about grief. We also talk about the risks of comparison in grief and coping.  Visit whatsyourgrief.com for hundreds of free articles we've written about all things grief and loss. If you like the podcast, we think you'll love WYG Grief Support Hub. It's our online membership community that brings grievers together for learning, creativity, and support. You don't have to navigate grief alone - participate in grief conversation sessions and groups, a discussion forum, grief support webinars, creativity projects, community writing sessions, and more. You can learn more here and join.  If you're a grief professional, we have a community for you too. https://whatsyourgrief.com/grief-professionals-community/ You can also make a donation here at any time to help us keep the lights on.  Get Lessons to Write On: A Guided Grief Journaling Intensive here.  https://whatsyourgrief.ck.page/products/lessons-to-write-on-grief-journaling Pick up the What's Your Grief Book Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble Amazon Books A Million IndieBound

In this episode, we sit down with Kaleen, a mom from Montreal, Canada, who shares her heartfelt journey raising her 8-year-old daughter, diagnosed with Autism at 3.5 years old. This episode is about overcoming obstacles, self-advocacy, and Kaleen's unwavering dedication to giving her daughter the best care possible. Her story serves as an inspiration to all parents navigating the challenges of autism while managing their own emotions. Kaleen is a Certified Hairdresser and owner of More Hair Montreal. Connect with Kaleen: Follow Kaleen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morehair_montreal/ If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who could benefit from Kaleen's insights. Make sure to follow and subscribe to the Autism for Badass Moms podcast so you never miss an episode! Connect with Us: Website: https://www.autismforbadassmoms.com Instagram: @theabmpodcast Facebook: @theabmpodcast Subscribe on YouTube: @theabmpodcast

AJ Coleman is the author of Keep Those Feet Moving — A Widower's 8-Step Guide to Coping With Grief and Thriving Against All Odds. Throughout AJ's life, he has had to overcome tremendous challenges. As a child, AJ was frequently bullied for his hearing impairment. Instead of letting social challenges define him, AJ strived to overcome them. In 2009, AJ faced the most painful challenge of all—losing his wife Cory to brain cancer—when their daughter was just one-year-old. AJ started the Keep Those Feet Moving blog in 2013 to share his advice, experiences, and philosophical wisdom with the world. He was inspired to write by the encouragement of close friends and family members, who were all astonished by how AJ was able to stay strong after losing Cory. Today, AJ lives in a suburb of Chicago. He is remarried with a blended family and focuses his time on raising his family and helping others overcome challenges. AJ is an avid Florida Gator fan who enjoys traveling, learning languages, and playing soccer. When he isn't writing, he always looks for opportunities to self-educate. AJ's story is truly an inspiration for all of us to Keep Those Feet Moving, no matter how difficult it may seem at the time. And He is back to talk to us about how he started dating after losing his wife.   Find AJ at: https://keepthosefeetmoving.com/our-story

Click here to watch on YouTube. The Christi Center is a free grief counseling center in Austin, Texas. The Center has groups for Loss to Suicide, Loss to Overdose, Pregnancy and Infant Loss, Crime Victims, Teen Group, as well as a general adult group. Featured in this episode are Ana-Christina Gonzalez, a fundraising consultant for the Christi Center; Executive and Clinical Director Jocelyn Chamra Barrera; Peer Support Coordinator Christi Neville, and Board President Julio Mendoza-Quiroz. The Christi Center has its annual fundraiser, Heart Connections, on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Norris Conference Center. If you are interested in purchasing tickets, a table, or sponsoring the event, please click here. If you're interested in learning more about the Christi Center, including joining any of its grief groups, please click here. The Christi Center offers numerous resources for parents in how to help their children through grief. To access these resources, including the downloadable PDF "Coping with Grief," click here. The Christi Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. To make a tax-deductible donation, click here.

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Sweta Vikram is an International Speaker, Best-selling Author, and Ayurveda-based Health & Mindset Coach. She grew up in an Indian home that used Ayurvedic healing sciences in day-to-day life. Sweta's latest book (her 14th ) is The Loss that Binds Us: 108 Tips on Coping with Grief and Loss. It is a grief manual that helps when you lose someone to death but also a loss of a relationship or job. She sheds light on the various stages of grief and coping with it, emphasizing emotional and mental wellbeing, providing readers with practical suggestions to cope with, embrace and live through grief. Heather and Sweta talk about ayurvedic healing principles, the holistic view of mind, body and spirit and the journey through grief. Sweta is a Doctor of Ayurveda who graduated from Columbia University. As a trusted source on health and wellness, she appears in a documentary with Dr. Deepak Chopra. Her work has appeared in The New York Times and other publications across nine countries on three continents. She was voted as "One of the Most Influential Asians of Our Times" and winner of the "Voices of the Year" award (past recipients have been Chelsea Clinton). She also teaches yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence as well as incarcerated men and women. Social Media: IG: https://www.instagram.com/iamheathert/ You Tube: https://youtube.com/@iamheathert?si=ZvI9l0bhLfTR-qdo SPONSOR: Wash your OUAI to healthier hair Go to www.theouai.com and use code INMYHEART for 15% off entire purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send Victoria a text message!Let me support you in this week's episode by guiding you through a journey of understanding grief—especially when someone close doesn't seem to be handling a family death well. This isn't just another conversation but an invitation for introspection and growth.Key Highlights:The episode is thoughtfully structured around three pivotal areas:Coping Perspectives: It challenges us to question societal grieving norms and consider what constitutes healthy coping.Relationship Dynamics: Every bond with the departed is unique. Energy & Focus Direction: Looking inward at our own healing rather than outward in judgment.Open dialogue about grief within families can lead to personal healing and generational change. This isn't easy, but it's necessary for healthy healing to continue within family dynamics —and ultimately transform generational trauma and beliefs that are not in anyone's highest good. I invite you to engage further, ask probing questions about your own experiences with grief, and explore resources for guidance on this tender path.This episode goes beyond mere discussion—it offers deep insights that may help you unlock something deep within that, perhaps, you've never realized before hearing this episode. If you find it helpful, please share this episode with someone you know and love, for it may unlock something for them, too. And who knows...it may be a catalyst for conversation as well.

Jesus is “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). The experience of loss is unique to each person, and it's not easy navigating the complexity of grief. Yet in our pain, God comforts us and walks with us. Jesus understands grief and gives us hope. In this episode, Haley and Dustin share biblical truths that can anchor you in times of grief. They also discuss their personal stories of loss, and misconceptions about grief, and provide practical guidance on what it looks like to grieve with hope and help others who are mourning a loss. Subscribe to the podcast and tune in each week as Haley and Dustin share with you what the Bible says about real-life issues with compassion, warmth, and wit.   So you have every reason for hope, for every challenge in life. Because hope means everything.   Hope Talks is a podcast of the ministry of Hope for the Heart.   Listen in to learn more :   (06:32 - 07:56) Finding Hope Through Loss (11:13 - 12:01) Facing Loss and Finding Hope (15:22 - 16:58) Understanding and Coping With Grief (23:29 - 25:30) Finding Comfort in Biblical Verses (39:30 - 40:40) Influences and Life Lessons From TV (43:24 - 44:28) Finding a Place for Grief -------------- Helpful links and resources Connect with us on social!  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hopefortheheart  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopefortheheart    Learn more about the ministry and resources of Hope for the Heart: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/     Learn more about Hope Talks and submit a question for Haley and Dustin: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/podcast      Want to talk with June Hunt about a difficult life issue on Hope in the Night? Schedule a time here: https://resource.hopefortheheart.org/talk-with-june-hope-in-the-night   ​​Free download on grief: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Gods-Heart-On-Grief.pdf Video course on grief: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/product/grief-course/  Book on grief: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/product/grief/    God's plan for you and what it looks like to follow Christ: https://www.hopefortheheart.org/gods-plan-for-you/ -------------- Bible verses mentioned in this episode   Isaiah 53:3-4 – “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.”   Psalm 30:11 – “You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy”   Psalm 62:8 – “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”   Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 – “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance”   John 11:21-26, 32-35 -- “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” … When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. Jesus wept.”   1 Thessalonians 4:13-4, 17 – But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep … and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words.   Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”   Revelation 21:4 – “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Meet Thomas Rose Bio Throughout his career, Tom has worked in advertising and marketing, and he still does today with his son at Rose and Rose Associates. In addition to his professional work, Tom, after the death of his wife Joyce, authored "Balloon In A Box, Coping with Grief, with the assistance of his son Brock. Since the release of the first edition Tom & and his son have produced a second edition of the book describing their experiences as they traveled the region making presentations. Tom has told his story to over 2500 people. His mission is to help those dealing with grief, not to fix it, but to help them discover a path to a new normal. Tom is available for speaking engagements and presentations. https://www.thomaslrose.com/

In today's weekend episode of the Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan presents an excerpt touching on grief and the 10 timeless strategies read by voice actor Micheal Reid. If you want to spend time with more dedicated Stoics, if you want to join a culture full of people rising together, we invite you to join the 2024 Daily Stoic New Year New You Challenge. We did the first New Year New You Challenge in 2018, and year after year, we've realized more and more that one of the core benefits of the challenge is the community dynamic. Change and improvement comes fastest through culture, results through accountability, and wisdom through exposure to new people and new ideas.If you're ready to join our own version of the Scipionic Circle, if you want to surround yourself with like-minded individuals and people who will push you, sign up to join this year's group of Stoics taking on the New Year New You Challenge!Participants will receive:✓ 21 Custom Challenges Delivered Daily (Over 30,000 words of all-new original content)✓ Three live Q&A sessions✓ Printable 21-Day Calendar With custom daily illustrations to track progress✓ Access to a Private Community PlatformThese aren't pie-in-the-sky, theoretical discussions but clear, immediate exercises and methods you can begin right now to spark the reinvention you've been trying for. We'll tell you what to do, how to do it, and why it works. And when adversity inevitably comes around, you'll be ready.✉️ Sign up for the Daily Stoic email: https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail