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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

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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.

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Summary
In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen speaks with Reverend Krysia Burnham, a hospice chaplain, about her journey from journalism to chaplaincy, the importance of grief support, and the role of hospice care. They discuss personal experiences of loss, the significance of community in grief, and innovative approaches to healing, including expressive writing workshops. The conversation emphasizes the need for open discussions about grief and the potential for joy even in the face of loss.

Takeaways

• Grief is a universal experience that everyone faces.
• The role of a hospice chaplain is to provide spiritual support.
• Anticipatory grief affects both the dying and their families.
• Community support is crucial in the grieving process.
• Expressive writing can be a powerful tool for healing.
• Loss can lead to personal growth and new paths.
• Joy is possible even after significant loss.

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 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.