In this episode, we explore how creative expression helps us process and navigate loss in a meaningful way. Dr. Jan hosts special guest Christine Hiester, a spiritual director and grief companion, and the creator/teacher of a new class offered by The Metta Center, Translating Our Grief: Creativity as a Language for  Exploring Experiences of Loss.*  Christine is a musician and self-taught artist who has guided creative and contemplative workshops and retreats for 15 years.

Topics of discussion include:
-Why we might want to tap into our creativity when we are grieving or while in mourning
-Why creativity be more effective than other methods of catharsis
-What forms of creative expression are helpful
-Why you don't need to be an artist to be creative
- Why words have limits that other creative languages move beyond
-How the languages of color, shape, form, movement, sound, and imagery, each employ a unique vocabulary of expression for our grief and pain
-How each of us can begin to tap into our unique creativity to better express our feelings of grief and loss

*This course is offered each January through The Metta Center. For updated information visit: https://www.mettacentertraining.com/upcoming-trainings.html

What does it mean to open to grief? To allow the reality of loss and the feelings of grief to sink into our experience? Dr. Jan hosts special guests Christine Hiester and Kelly Gest, both spiritual directors and grief companions, to the podcast to discuss this important topic. 

Together, we explore what allows us to open to our grief, and what prevents us from opening up to this potentially this transformative experience—on a personal level as well as a societal level. Each guest shares what encouraged her to open up to grief (instead of turning away from it or avoiding it), and how doing so became a beautiful journey of healing and growth. A transformation so unexpected that each now finds themselves serving others as grief companions, and helping others open to the deeper invitation of grief and loss too.

Some of the key concepts explored are:
• Why authentically entering into grief appears so difficult
• What we might fear about grieving
• The role of self-care and self-compassion in this process
• How and why standing together in our grief is so helpful

For further information on Grief Companion training, visit:
https://www.GriefCompanionTraining.com

Learn more about Christine Hiester here and how she supports others through Soul Companioning:
https://www.shapingtheriver.com/about

Learn more about Dr. Jan Lundy at her personal website:
https://www.janlundy.com/

Premier episode of the podcast, "Little Losses Everywhere (and some big ones too)" with Dr. Jan Lundy of The Metta Center and special guest Ashley Davis Bush, author and grief counselor. Their conversation focuses on the varieties of non-death losses that people experience throughout their lives; shedding light on the current losses so many people struggle with in these challenging times. Bush proposes a model of care and attention to assist people in recognizing these losses, attending to them with compassionate care, and re-engaging with life in empowered new ways. 

Learn more about The Metta Center which specializes in the training of Grief Companions, preparing compassionate companions to serve a world in need. 
www.griefcompaniontraining.com