Finding Meaning

The Sixth Stage of Grief

By: David Kessler

Narrated by: David Kessler

Length: 10 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In this groundbreaking and “poignant” (Los Angeles Times) book, David Kessler — praised for his work by Maria Shriver, Marianne Williamson, and Mother Teresa — journeys beyond the classic five stages to discover a sixth stage: meaning.

In 1969, Elisabeth Kübler-Ross first identified the stages of dying in her transformative book On Death and Dying. Decades later, she and David Kessler wrote the classic On Grief and Grieving, introducing the stages of grief with the same transformative pragmatism and compassion. Now, based on hard-earned personal experiences, as well as knowledge and wisdom gained through decades of work with the grieving, Kessler introduces a critical sixth stage: meaning.

Kessler’s insight is both professional and intensely personal. His journey with grief began when, as a child, he witnessed a mass shooting at the same time his mother was dying. For most of his life, Kessler taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about end of life, trauma, and grief, as well as leading talks and retreats for those experiencing grief. Despite his knowledge, his life was upended by the sudden death of his 21-year-old son.

How does the grief expert handle such a tragic loss? He knew he had to find a way through this unexpected, devastating loss, a way that would honor his son. That, ultimately, was the sixth stage of grief - meaning. In Finding Meaning, Kessler shares the insights, collective wisdom, and powerful tools that will help those experiencing loss.

“Beautiful, tender, and wise” (Katy Butler, author of The Art of Dying Well), Finding Meaning is “an excellent addition to grief literature that helps pave the way for steps toward healing” (School Library Journal).

©2019 David Kessler (P)2019 Simon & Schuster

Favorite Qoute

“We often believe grief will grow smaller in time. It doesn’t we must grow bigger. We must be the architects of our lives after loss.” David Kessler

SO TIMELY

An excellent and through understanding of the impact of grief on the life and living of the bereaved. Especially the final chapter when the author shared his own journey over the loss of his son. A respectful, honest and humble manuscript.

Thanks for this wonderful book, David Kessler!

I loved each part of this audio book. I enjoyed all the teachings. Will listen to it again and again

Must read! So comforting

Out of all the grief books I read or listened to, this was by far the best and most helpful one!

Best grief book ever!

I have read and listened to many grief books since my wonderful husband, Bill, passed away in 2022. I savored every word of this book.. such good, sound advice and perspective. I hope to attend a retreat one day.

The author related personal experience with real life situations that helped me immensely.

I thought this book was so helpful whether recently experiencing grief and loss or having experienced it a while back. My heart healed in a way I didn’t think was possible. Thank you for the guidance.

I really enjoyed hearing other people’s stories

This book has been so helpful for me in my own work, grief recovery coaching! I can help people get to new levels of joy because I have read this book! This has guided me to new insights in meanings surrounding loss. Thank you!

Wonderful and moving

I have no words just a bigger heart after listening to this amazing book . Very grateful to have encountered such a wise and kind person. David Kessler has comforted so many people with this book.
Thank you

Helpful and moving

A wonderful book with lots of research based and lived through information. A great follow up to grief and grieving. Love that it is narrated by the author (honestly all books should be) So much useful info packed in here. I have had some loss in my life but am not in the throes of grief presently and found it a good way to reflect on how to tackle the next loss that comes.

very helpful book for folks who are grieving

David Kessler again does a remarkable job of calmly walking those of us who've lost someone how we can rebuild our lives and live authentically. His stories of how different people have struggled are like lights on the footpath of this new life without our loved one.
Thank you, David for everything.