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Summary:

In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen discusses the challenges of celebrating birthdays and anniversaries after the loss of a loved one. She shares her personal experiences of navigating grief, particularly focusing on her son Ian's birthday. The conversation emphasizes the importance of keeping memories alive through food and shared experiences, while also acknowledging the emotional complexities tied to these rituals. Susan encourages listeners to create new traditions in remembrance of their loved ones and offers resources for those on their grief journey.

Takeaways

• The first year after loss is particularly challenging.
• Food often serves as a powerful memory trigger in grief.
• Creating new traditions can help in the healing process.
• Involving others in remembrance can be comforting.
• Rituals can provide structure and support during difficult times.

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 discusses the journey of healing from grief through restorative yoga. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to rest and the exhaustion that often accompanies grief. Susan explains the principles of restorative yoga, its benefits for the nervous system, and provides practical poses that can be done at home to aid in the healing process. The episode concludes with a reminder of the necessity of rest in the grieving process.

Takeaways

• Grief is exhausting and there is no wrong way to grieve.
• Restorative yoga helps regulate the nervous system, allows for emotional release and healing.
• Scientific evidence supports the benefits of restorative practices.
• Gentle poses can create a safe space for grief.
• Integrating rest into your daily routine is beneficial.

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, a grief guide and yoga teacher, explores the complex emotions associated with grief and loss. She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging unspoken thoughts and feelings, categorizing them into anger, relief, isolation, regret, and irrational fears. Susan shares her personal journey with grief, highlighting the significance of naming these feelings to facilitate healing. She offers practical strategies for coping, including journaling, speaking aloud, and creating rituals. The episode concludes with a message of validation and encouragement for listeners to embrace their emotions and seek support.

Takeaways

• It's normal to have unspoken thoughts during grief.
• Naming feelings can help in the healing process.
• Silence can lead to shame and internal struggles.
• Relief can coexist with grief, and it's okay to feel it.
• Isolation and envy are common feelings in grief.
• Regret and self-blame can resurface over time.
• Journaling is a powerful tool for expressing emotions.
• Creating rituals can aid in the release of difficult feelings.

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 discusses the importance of routine and gentle rhythms in navigating the journey of grief. She emphasizes the need for supportive structures that can help individuals cope with their emotions and find moments of peace amidst the chaos of loss. Through practical examples and personal anecdotes, Susan encourages listeners to create small, manageable rituals that can provide comfort and connection during difficult times.

Takeaways

• Grief can make everyday routines feel overwhelming or meaningless.
• Reframing routines as gentle rhythms can alleviate pressure.
• Creating morning anchors can help set a positive tone for the day.
• Midday pauses can reconnect you with your feelings and needs.
• Evening wind-down rituals can promote relaxation and gratitude.
• Finding kindness in your routines is essential for healing.

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, 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.