We begin and end this conversation with the topic of happiness. 

In our culture, we’re taught that happiness is the pinnacle of life, and when we aren’t happy, we have somehow failed. But what if life is meant to provide more than just happiness? What if it’s the view of the hills and valleys, the experiences of our journey that make up the rich tapestry of feelings and experiences that constitute a life? 

We explore how some really deep and brilliant moments are born from intense pain and grief. Experiences like grief can create an opening that connects us to our higher selves and allows us to feel everything, including joy, more richly. Is judging those moments more valuable than fully feeling them? 

But what do we do when we feel disconnected, lonely, or lost? How do we remind ourselves that we are not alone? 

The beautiful, and sometimes paradoxical, part of life is that many different elements can coexist at once without negating one another; we can be thriving, and also devastated or heartbroken. Rather than searching for happiness, maybe we can just let ourselves feel our feelings and move towards what we love and what makes us whole.

Each of the guests shares their strategies for reconnecting, grounding themselves, and regaining perspective.

We hope you enjoy this episode and that you’ll join the conversation and share your experiences for the enrichment of all of us!

Podcast Guests

Sukie Baxter
Barbara Schulte
Christine Dickson
Jane Pike
Carla Bauchmueller

Music by Mark Rashid
Photography by Crissi McDonald