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Feeling overwhelmed by grief? In this episode, Susan Andersen offers practical, actionable steps to help you navigate the complexities of loss. Discover seven powerful techniques to release grief pain, including:

• Mindfulness and breathing exercises to calm the mind and body.
• Self-care strategies to prioritize your well-being.
• Emotional release techniques like journaling and physical movement.
• Cultivating gratitude to shift your perspective.
• Spreading kindness to connect with others and find purpose.

Learn how to transform grief into growth with these simple yet effective tools.

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Ever wondered what grief would look like if you could take it out of your body? In this episode of Growth from Grief, Sue Andersen explores the concept of the "Grief Blob," a constantly shifting shape that embodies the many emotions we experience after loss. Sue discusses how the Grief Blob can change in intensity and texture, and how acknowledging the emotions within it can help us move through our grief journey. You can also see a video of the ​Grief Blob​ on my YouTube channel.

Leave your comments (I want to hear!) here or email me sue@sueandersenyoga.com

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In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Sue Andersen talk about the five stages of grief and explores other intriguing research on the topic. Although not a clinician, Sue's perspective as a yoga teacher provides valuable insights into the physical, mental, and spiritual effects of grief. She discusses Elizabeth Kübler-Ross's model, its influence on our understanding of grief, and the misconceptions surrounding the linear progression of these stages.

Sue also touches on recent research that examines grief from both clinical and biological standpoints, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to healing. She shares personal experiences and practical advice on managing grief, emphasizing the non-linear nature of the grieving process and the importance of mindfulness and breathwork in calming the body.

Call to Action: Share your thoughts on Sue's idea of the "grief amoeba" and request the graphic she created to visualize these concepts. Connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, or through her website to give your feedback and continue the dialogue.

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In this special Independence Day episode of Growth from Grief, host Sue Andersen shares a poignant and empowering message for those navigating the complex emotions of grief, especially during holidays. Recognizing that July 4th can be particularly challenging for those who have lost loved ones, Sue introduces a "Bill of Rights for Grievers."

Sue's insightful discussion covers the following rights:

1. Express Yourself in Your Own Way: Whether you cry publicly, privately, or not at all, your expression of grief is valid.
2. The Right to Silence: It's okay to not talk about your loss until you're ready.
3. The Right to Rest: Grief is exhausting; listen to your body and take the rest you need.
4. Ignore Other People's Suggestions: Well-meaning advice can be overwhelming. Do what feels right for you.
5. Not to be Rushed: Grief takes time. Move at your own pace.
6. Make New Traditions: Create new ways to celebrate that honor your feelings and your loved one.
7. Reach Out for Help or Not: Seek support if and when you need it, whether through group therapy, individual counseling, or community resources.
8. Create Your Own Healing Rituals: Establish personal rituals that bring comfort and connection.
9. Experience Joy: You have the right to feel happiness, even amidst grief.
10. Honor Your Feelings: Trust and honor your emotions every day.

Sue also highlights additional resources, including Megan Devine's RefugeInGrief.com and the Center for Loss and Life Transition, providing further support for listeners.

Tune in to this episode for a heartfelt and supportive guide to navigating grief with compassion and self-care.

Resources Mentioned:

• Megan Devine's website: RefugeInGrief.com
• Center for Loss and Life Transition: centerforloss.com

Show Notes: Links to the Bill of Rights graphics and more resources available in the show notes.

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In this episode, I delve into a topic that many of us have pondered: "Is there a correct way to grieve?" Grief is an intensely personal experience, unique to each individual, and it manifests in myriad ways. I discuss the common misconceptions about the grieving process, such as the idea that there's a "proper" way to grieve or specific stages everyone must go through.

We explore cultural, societal, and personal influences on our perceptions of grief and how they shape our expectations. We'll talk about the famous Kubler-Ross model and its limitations, emphasizing that grief doesn't follow a neat, linear path. You'll hear about the various emotional, physical, and behavioral expressions of grief and the importance of respecting each person's unique journey.

Join me as I discuss the importance of listening without judgment, supporting others in their grief, and giving yourself the grace and time needed to navigate your own grief. Whether you find solace in talking about your feelings or prefer solitude, remember that your way of grieving is valid.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of grief and how we can better support ourselves and others through these challenging times.

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Welcome to another heartfelt episode of Growth from Grief. I'm your host, Sue Andersen. Today, we delve into a deeply personal question: What's the hardest part of your grief? Whether it's the financial stress from losing a job, the identity crisis that follows, or the profound void left by a loved one's death, grief manifests in many challenging ways.

In this episode, I explore various facets of grief, from the compounded losses faced by one of my Yoga for Grief students to my own experiences of losing friends and family members. I discuss how grief can leave us feeling isolated, the importance of allowing ourselves to feel our emotions, and practical steps like therapy and physical activities that can aid in the healing process.

Join me as we navigate these complex emotions, share personal stories, and offer insights on finding ways to cope and eventually grow from grief. Don’t miss tips on using breath work to calm the mind and why it's crucial to give yourself permission to rest.

Listen in and discover strategies to help you manage the hardest parts of your grief journey. For additional support,
download my free guide at www. sueandersenyoga.com/guide.

Remember, your grief is unique, but you are not alone. Reach out and share your story with us.

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Welcome to this episode of Growth from Grief. I'm your host, Sue Andersen.

Today, we delve into the profound ways grief manifests physically in our bodies. Discover how emotional pain can lead to tangible physical symptoms, from increased heart rate and high blood pressure to altered sleep patterns and physical ailments like shoulder pain and headaches.

We'll explore the scientific studies behind these phenomena, including broken heart syndrome, and discuss practical techniques to alleviate these symptoms.

Join us as we learn about breath work, gentle movements, and the importance of talking and journaling in releasing the physical manifestations of grief.

Tune in for valuable insights and tips on navigating the physical aspects of grief.

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In this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, your host Sue Andersen delves into the profound lessons she has learned throughout her grieving journey. Having navigated the painful path of loss multiple times, Sue shares the five most impactful insights that have helped her and may provide solace and guidance to others facing similar challenges.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Intensity of Grief: Sue discusses the overwhelming emotions that accompany loss and emphasizes that while the intensity is initially very strong, it does lessen over time. She also explores how different types of losses can affect us in varied ways.
2. The Stages of Grief Aren’t Linear: Reflecting on Elizabeth Kubler-Ross's five stages of grief, Sue explains that grieving is not a straightforward process. She candidly shares her experience with long-held anger and how emotions can resurface, requiring continuous processing.
3. People’s Expectations Can Be Unrealistic: Sue highlights the often unrealistic expectations people have of those who are grieving. She recounts her own experiences with friends and family who expected her to move on quickly, and offers advice on how to navigate these external pressures.
4. Each Loss Is Different: Through personal anecdotes, Sue illustrates how each loss is unique and how grief is expressed differently depending on the nature of the loss. She stresses the importance of giving oneself and others grace during these times.
5. You Will Amaze Yourself: Sue provides encouraging words about the resilience and strength we can discover within ourselves as we move through grief. She shares practical steps she took, such as joining support groups and adopting calming techniques, which helped her find a way forward.

Join Sue as she provides heartfelt insights and practical advice for those on their own grief journey, reminding listeners that while the path is challenging, there is hope and strength to be found along the way.

Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on dealing with grief and to feel supported in your own journey. Don't miss this impactful episode of Growth from Grief.