Grief is often treated like something to fix—but what if that approach is actually making it harder?

In this episode, we explore a different way of understanding grief: not as a problem to solve, but as an experience to be met with curiosity, compassion, and care. When we stop trying to “fix” grief, we can begin to listen to it, learn from it, and gently integrate it into our lives.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re grieving the “wrong” way or pressured to move on, this conversation offers a more supportive and honest path forward.

Practical conversations about grief, coping and living with loss, Carol and Lisa from Grief Gurus share insights and tools to help you build a healthier relationship with grief and difficult emotions.

👉 Subscribe for more grief support, emotional healing tools, and mindful approaches to loss and visit www.thegriefgurus.com.

#thegriefgurus #carolbanens #lisamcfarland #notbroken

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

When you’re grieving, everything can feel heavy, flat, or far away.

But what if there was a way to shift your brain chemistry—without forcing positivity or “moving on”?

In this 20-minute guided practice, we explore how small acts of generosity can:

•  Give your brain a natural boost of oxytocin and serotonin 
•  Ease isolation (even just a little) 
•  Help you reconnect—at your own pace 

No big gestures. No pressure.
Just small, human moments that can make a difference.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

“Time heals all wounds” is something many grieving people hear—
but for most, it doesn’t feel true.

In this episode, we talk about why grief doesn’t simply fade with time, and why that phrase can feel frustrating, dismissive, or even painful to hear.

Because grief isn’t something that disappears.
It’s something your relationship to changes.

We explore what actually helps when you’re living with loss—and why support, awareness, and connection matter far more than time alone.

If you’ve ever felt like you “should” be further along, or wondered why time hasn’t made things easier… this conversation is for you.

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

What happens when you gently invite your mind to look for something good?

In this 18-minute reflection, we explore a simple shift—guiding your attention toward something positive and noticing what that feels like.

This isn’t about ignoring grief or forcing yourself to feel better.
It’s about creating a little space… and allowing your mind to experience something different, even briefly.

Because where we place our attention matters.

And sometimes, even a small shift can change how a moment unfolds.

If you’ve been feeling stuck in heavy or repetitive thoughts, this is a quiet way to begin.

Take a few minutes, listen, and see what you notice.

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

What do you do when a difficult emotion shows up—especially when it feels like too much?

In this episode, we talk about a simple but powerful practice called the RAIN technique, developed by Tara Brach. It’s a four-step approach—Recognize, Allow, Investigate, and Nurture—that can help you respond to emotions with more awareness, rather than getting pulled under by them.

But more than just explaining the steps, we talk about what this actually looks like in real life—especially in moments of grief, overwhelm, or emotional intensity.

Because difficult emotions don’t need to be fixed or pushed away…
but they also don’t have to take over.

This is a practical way to begin relating to them differently.

If you’ve ever found yourself caught in a wave of emotion and not sure what to do next—this conversation is for you.

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

There are moments that stay with us—
words that were said, or left unsaid, that continue to echo long after they’ve passed.

In this guided meditation, we create a quiet space to gently reflect on one small thing that brought you pain—something heavy that still lingers.

This isn’t about forcing forgiveness or letting go all at once.
It’s about softening your hold on what’s been carried… and allowing a little more space around it.

Through gentle guidance, you’ll be invited to notice, feel, and release—at your own pace, in your own way.

If something has been sitting with you, even quietly, this is a place to begin.

Find a comfortable space, and simply listen.

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

In this episode, you’ll meet Carol Banens—co-host of Grief Gurus and co-creator of our community.

This conversation comes from one of our Guest Guru Live Sessions inside the Grief Gurus community, where we have more personal, in-depth conversations about grief and life after loss.

Carol is a grief and loss counsellor, certified grief educator, coach, and published author who supports people navigating the deep and often complicated experience of loss—especially the loss of a partner.

But more than that, she brings something that can’t be taught—
the understanding that comes from walking through grief herself.

In this conversation, Carol shares the story of the love of her life—her husband, Brian—who died eight years ago.

Together, we take a deeper look at what that loss has meant, how it has changed over time, and what it looks like to continue living with grief while still moving forward.

We talk about:

•  what grief actually feels like beneath the surface 
•  why time alone doesn’t heal 
•  and how having someone beside you can change the experience of loss 

Because grief isn’t something you simply “get through.”
It’s something you learn to live with.

And it becomes more manageable when you don’t have to do it alone.

If you’ve been listening quietly and wondering what it might feel like to have support that truly understands this experience—this conversation is a place to begin.

You can learn more about the Grief Gurus community here:
www.thegriefgurus.com

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

This episode marks a new chapter.

The Healing Path is evolving into The Grief Gurus—a space that goes beyond understanding grief, and into not having to carry it alone.

If you’ve been listening quietly, this is for you.

In this episode, I share what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and why this next step matters—especially for those who have been navigating grief on their own.

Because while listening can help, it’s still something you’re doing by yourself.

And at some point, many people begin to wonder…
what it might feel like to not do this alone anymore.

If that’s something you’ve felt, you’re invited to explore the Grief Gurus community with two weeks of complimentary access:

https://www.thegriefgurus.com/landing/

And if you’re not ready for that, you’re always warmly welcomed here.

Because grief is part of your story… but not the whole story.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

After enduring the unimaginable loss of my children, I've embarked on a journey of healing that I share with you in this deeply personal episode of the Healing Path podcast. My new book, "The Healing Path, Part One: Stay Present" is the first of a transformative three-part series where I explore the first three of ten stepping stones that have been pivotal in my healing. The episode invites you to understand how these steps can universally apply to various forms of loss, not just those of loved ones, but also careers and relationships. By blogging and podcasting for years, I've crafted a narrative that aligns with my goal of building a community grounded in shared experiences of grief and the power of healing together. 

The episode also introduces "Scars 2 Medals," a virtual sanctuary where people across the globe can come together to transform their scars into strength. As I look forward to launching a structured healing course in 2025, I welcome you to join this growing movement through live events and a rich library of recorded content. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to our journey, your involvement can help create a meaningful life out of profound loss. Stay connected by visiting scars2medals.com, and together, let's cultivate a compassionate and supportive community where healing is possible.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.

Ever felt misunderstood while grieving? Join me as I share a touching story about a trip to Costco with my son, Zachary, whose non-verbal cues offer profound lessons in patience and understanding. Tune in for an episode rich with compassionate conversation and invaluable insights into the delicate process of navigating grief.

Show Notes + Resources:

Grief Gurus Healing Community: www.thegriefgurus.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GriefGurus

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thegriefgurus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griefgurus/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriefGurus/

Lisa McFarland: https://lisamcfarland.com/

Carol Banens: https://carolbanens.com/

Information on books written and published by Lisa and Carol can be found on their individual websites, social media profiles and Amazon.