Growth from Grief

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What do you say when someone you love is grieving? And just as importantly, what should you avoid saying?

In this heartfelt conversation, I sit down with grief educator, author, and speaker Heidi Dunstan, whose own experience of suddenly losing her husband inspired her mission to teach others how to support grieving people with compassion and confidence. Together, we explore why so many people disappear, say the wrong thing, or simply don't know how to show up—and how even small acts of kindness can make a profound difference.

Whether you are grieving yourself or want to better support someone you love, this episode offers practical wisdom, heartfelt stories, and gentle reminders that grief is ultimately a reflection of love.

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 explores the familiar phrase “Time heals all wounds” and shares why, in her experience, healing after loss takes more than time alone. Using the analogy of recovering from a broken bone, she reflects on the emotional, physical, and mental work of grief—and how the scars we carry can become reminders of both love and resilience.

Time alone doesn’t heal grief.
Healing often requires intention, support, and a willingness to engage with what hurts. 

Grief affects the whole person.
Loss can impact your emotions, physical health, mental clarity, and sense of identity. 

Healing often mirrors physical recovery.
Just like a broken bone needs diagnosis, care, rest, and rehabilitation, grief often asks for attention, patience, and support. 

Avoiding pain can delay healing.
When emotions are ignored or pushed away, grief may continue to show up in other ways—through the body, thoughts, or relationships. 

Scars are part of healing—not proof you’re broken.
Emotional scars may leave tender places in the heart, but they can also reflect love, resilience, and the life-changing impact of loss.

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

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In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Sue sits down with a dear friend and fellow yoga teacher, Mary Mullin to explore her unique work supporting widows through Kundalini yoga and grief.

We talk about what Kundalini yoga really is and how it differs from Hatha yoga and how it can gently support the nervous system during times of deep loss. Mary also shares a simple, approachable understanding of the chakra system and how these energy centers relate to emotional healing and grief.

Mary opens up about her own journey as a widow—and how her personal experience has shaped the offering she now brings to others walking a similar path.

We talk about her free guide and she gives a preview of her upcoming summer program designed specifically for widows, live partners or fiances seeking connection, support, and healing.

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, I reflect on the phrase “one step forward, two steps back” through the lens of Spring, a simple dance step, and the grief journey. As nature shifts between warmth and cold, we’re reminded that healing doesn’t move in a straight line. If you’ve ever felt like you were making progress only to be pulled back into grief, this gentle conversation offers a compassionate reframe—you’re not going backwards, you’re moving in a natural rhythm of healing. 💛

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

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Susan returns to her podcast "Growth From Grief" after a break and discusses the importance of listening to oneself, particularly for those experiencing grief. She emphasizes that her podcast is a safe space for listeners who are newly bereaved or have been grieving for a while. Susan encourages listeners to find ways to express their feelings and move forward during challenging times.

Susan discusses her experience taking a break from grief-related work and activities in the fall of 2025, finding it necessary due to personal and global challenges affecting her energy. She explored self-care practices, including writing, knitting, and meditation, which helped her reconnect with her intuition and needs. 

Susan emphasizes the importance of listening to oneself, allowing time for stillness, and moving the body to release stress and emotions. She shared her new project, a prayer shawl ministry at her church, as an example of merging her passions with community service. Susan encouraged others to take time for self-care and reflection, especially in times of grief or feeling overwhelmed.

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 somatic signs of seasonal grief, emphasizing how our bodies respond to grief during the changing seasons. She discusses the physical symptoms associated with grief, the importance of connecting with our body's memories, and offers practical techniques for self-care and mindfulness. The episode encourages listeners to listen to their bodies with compassion and provides resources for further support.

Takeaways

• As the seasons change, our bodies may respond before our minds do.
• Fatigue, tightness, and restlessness are common physical signs of grief.
• Listening to our bodies without judgment is crucial for healing.
• Compassionate self-care is vital 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 this episode of Growth from Grief, Erin Nelson, the executive director of Jessica's House, shares her personal journey through grief after losing her husband, mother, and son and how these experiences led to the creation of a supportive community for grieving families. The conversation explores the importance of community support, the unique ways children and adults grieve, and the therapeutic approaches used at Jessica's House to help children process their grief. Erin emphasizes the significance of modeling grief for children, the necessity of being present for those who are grieving, and offers practical advice for coping with grief, especially during the holiday season.

Takeaways

• Grief is a complex journey that can affect the entire family.
• Children often grieve in bits and pieces, allowing for natural breaks.
• Modeling grief for children helps them understand and express their emotions.
• Jessica's House provides a safe space for grieving families to connect and heal.
• Therapeutic approaches, like play and art, help children process their grief.

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

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Summary

In this conversation, Susan Andersen explores the intricate relationship between gratitude and pain, emphasizing that while gratitude can serve as a bridge to hope, it is often misinterpreted in our culture as a remedy for grief. She highlights the importance of acknowledging pain and sorrow without the pressure to feel grateful, as this can invalidate genuine emotions.

Takeaways

• It's hard to be grateful when you're in so much pain.
• Tiny, small pieces of gratitude can become a bridge back to hope.
• Our culture sometimes treats gratitude as an antidote to pain.
• Living alongside pain is essential rather than trying to fix it with gratitude.
• Cultural pressures can distort our understanding of gratitude.

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, Jenny Brandemuehl, the author of Forever Fly Free:  One Woman's Story of Resilience and the Power of Hope and Love shares her profound journey of love, trauma, and resilience following her husband's devastating plane crash. She discusses the power of community, the importance of vulnerability, and how to navigate the complexities of caregiving during traumatic times. Jenny emphasizes the significance of hope, routine, and self-compassion in the healing process, while also exploring how to rediscover purpose and embrace life after loss. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength of love and the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Takeaways

• The power of community can provide immense support during difficult times.
• Hope is not just expectation but a belief in possibilities.
• Rediscovering purpose can lead to healing after loss.
• Self-compassion is essential for emotional well-being.
• Love can have a ripple effect, inspiring others.

Jenny's book is available on November 4th, 2025

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

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Summary
In this episode, Susan Andersen discusses the importance of creating personal rituals for remembrance and how these practices can help in the grieving process. She emphasizes that remembrance can happen at any time, not just on traditional dates, and shares various ways to honor loved ones, including lighting candles, creating altars, and writing letters. These acts serve as a means to express grief and keep the memory of those who have passed alive.

Takeaways

• To remember is to love again.
• Lighting a candle can be a meaningful act of remembrance.
• Creating a sacred space can help in the grieving process.
• Sharing memories helps keep the spirit of loved ones alive.
• Grief can be expressed in various personal and meaningful ways.

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