We all lose people and experiences we hold dear; nothing we love lasts forever. Grieving is part of being human. Grief can hit us quickly like a bolt of lightning or it can silently creep up on us before we even know we're in its grip. Many of us try to deny what we’re feeling in an attempt to stay positive or stop the pain. According to Claire B. Willis, to heal from loss we cannot dissociate or refuse to feel the depth of our despair. She contends that genuine grieving requires us to be present with the anguish and to be open to the pain of our heartbreak, and even embrace our sadness. Claire talks about how we can open up to grief in order to find peace. Claire is a clinical social worker who has been working in the fields of oncology and bereavement for more than 20 years. As a lay Buddhist chaplain, she focuses on contemplative practices for end-of-life care. She is the author of, Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life, and co-author of Opening to Grief: Finding Your Way from Loss to Peace.

Music: www.purple-planet.com