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Summary

In this episode of Growth from Grief, Dr. Kim Mead-Walters, the Executive Director of Sharing Kindness, shares her personal journey following the loss of her son to suicide and how it led to the creation of Sharing Kindness, an organization focused on suicide awareness and grief support. The conversation explores the importance of community support, the need for grief-sensitive services, and the various programs offered to individuals of all ages. Kim discusses the Hope Squad initiative, which empowers students to support their peers in mental health crises, and highlights the unique challenges faced by the Cape Cod community regarding grief and loss. The episode concludes with a vision for the future of Sharing Kindness and an invitation for community involvement.

Takeaways

• Kim's personal story highlights the need for suicide awareness.
• Sharing Kindness was born from a community need for support.
• The organization offers grief support across all age groups.
• Hope Squad empowers students to help peers in crisis.
• Cape Cod has a higher rate of bereaved children than the national average.
• Community partnerships enhance the effectiveness of grief support.

Thank you for listening! Visit www.sueandersenyoga.com for Yoga for Grief classes and additional resources.

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Summary:

In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen explores the intricate relationship between grief and the body. She emphasizes that grief is not just an emotional experience but also manifests physically, affecting our nervous system and overall well-being. Through various techniques, including breathing exercises and body awareness practices, Susan guides listeners on how to navigate their grief journey while fostering healing and self-care.

Takeaways:

• Grief is a physical experience as much as an emotional one.
• The body holds onto grief, leading to physical symptoms like fatigue and pain.
• It's important to address the physical aspects of grief to prevent long-term issues.
• Creating a safe space for emotions can aid in processing grief.
• Breathing techniques can help alleviate the physical burden of grief.
• Gentle movements and stretches can release tension caused by grief.
• Self-kindness and compassion are essential during the grieving process.

Thank you for listening! Visit www.sueandersenyoga.com for Yoga for Grief classes and additional resources.

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Summary

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, this episode of Growth from Grief shares the deeply moving story ofJill Maiorana. She shares her profound journey through loss, including the deaths of her children's father and her son, Joey from substance abuse disorder. She discusses the isolating experience of grief, the importance of community support, and the healing modalities that helped her cope. Jill also reflects on her decision to become a grief coach, emphasizing that grief is not something we move past but rather something we carry and grow around. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and compassion towards those affected by addiction and the stigma surrounding it.

Thank you for listening! Visit www.sueandersenyoga.com for Yoga for Grief classes and additional resources.

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Summary

In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen invites listeners to embrace the end of summer by walking lightly through their days, even while carrying heavy emotional loads. She emphasizes the importance of being present in nature, allowing emotions to surface, and finding moments of lightness amidst grief. The conversation encourages listeners to set intentions for self-care and to seek resources for healing as they navigate their emotional journeys.

Takeaways

• Embrace the end of summer with intention.
• Walking lightly means being present in nature.
• Allow emotions to surface without dwelling on them.
• Nature can improve mood and reduce stress.
• Collect moments of lightness each day.
• Give yourself permission to move at your own rhythm.

Thank you for listening! Visit www.sueandersenyoga.com for Yoga for Grief classes and additional resources.

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Summary:

In this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, host Sue Andersen speaks with Sylvia Moore Myers, author of 'Gold Scars', about her journey through grief and trauma after the loss of her son. Sylvia shares her insights on the importance of addressing unresolved grief, the impact of trauma on relationships, and the healing power of vulnerability and laughter. She introduces her seven steps to healing and emphasizes the significance of reframing memories to aid recovery. The conversation highlights the necessity of sharing scars to help others with their wounds and provides resources for those seeking support in their grief journey.

Thank you for listening! Visit www.sueandersenyoga.com for Yoga for Grief classes and additional resources.

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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen explores a cyclical perspective on grief, contrasting it with the traditional linear model. She emphasizes the importance of understanding grief through the lens of seasons, particularly focusing on summer as a time of emotional heat and overwhelm. Susan offers practical strategies for managing these feelings, including movement, breathwork, and creating a calming environment. The episode concludes with a guided heart practice aimed at providing relief and fostering a sense of joy amidst grief.

Thank you for listening! Visit www.sueandersenyoga.com for Yoga for Grief classes and additional resources.

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Summary:

In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen reviews key insights from the book 'The Grieving Brain' by Mary Frances O'Connor. In the book Dr O'Connor explores the neuroscience behind grief, highlighting the importance of understanding how our brains process loss and the practical applications of these insights in supporting those who are grieving. Sue explores how this book has impacted her own healing and how she incorporates this information into her work with students.

Takeaways

• Grief is an overwhelming wave, while grieving is how it evolves over time.
• The brain expects our loved ones to return, creating a conflict in understanding loss.
• Grief can trap us in regret, but healing begins in the present moment.
• Returning to the present helps us integrate our loss and emotions.
• Love shapes our brain, and our loved ones remain part of our mental wiring.
• Grief doesn't disappear; we learn to live with it over time.
• Understanding the science of grief can provide comfort and insight.

Thank you for listening! Visit www.sueandersenyoga.com for Yoga for Grief classes and additional resources.

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Summary

In this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, host Susan Andersen speaks with Teresa Quinn, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in grief, trauma, and chronic illness. They explore the intersection of grief and spirituality, the nuances of trauma and grief, and the importance of body awareness through yoga and breathwork. Teresa shares insights on expressive arts as a therapeutic tool, discusses the creation of her grief journal, and emphasizes the non-linear nature of grief, including the concept of secondary losses. The conversation highlights the importance of self-compassion and the various modalities available for healing.

Takeaways

• Grief is a complex and messy process that varies for everyone.
• Spirituality can play a significant role in the grieving process.
• Trauma and grief are interconnected but not always the same.
• Yoga and body awareness can aid in processing grief.
• Breathwork techniques can help regulate emotions during grief.
• Expressive arts provide a creative outlet for grief expression.
• Creating a grief journal can facilitate reflection and healing.
• Secondary losses are often overlooked but are important to acknowledge.
• Grief does not follow a linear path; it changes over time.
• Self-compassion is crucial in navigating the grieving process.

Thank you for listening! Visit www.sueandersenyoga.com for Yoga for Grief classes and additional resources.