Healing Our Grieving Hearts Podcast
40 Episodes
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I’m Kay Fontana, and have faced profound loss throughout my life, giving me a deep understanding of the pain it brings. My journey began with the loss of my brother to cancer when I was just nine, altering the dynamics of our family as my parents grappled with grief. Later, I experienced the anguish of losing my mother to Alzheimer’s and my father to cancer shortly after his diagnosis. The most heartbreaking of all was the death of my husband and soul mate of 40 years in January 2023 due to multiple health challenges. These losses, including many others - from...
Anchoring Yourself: Practices for Calming Anxiety and Overwhelm
#81
Yesterday at 5:00 PM
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
Understanding Grief-Related Anxiety [02:05]Returning to the Present Moment [03:33]Gentle Grounding Practices [05:07]The Spiritual Dimension of Anchoring [08:32]Integrating Calm into Daily Life [11:09]Closing [13:45]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaHonoring Your Loved One By Living Fully
#80
10/11/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
My Personal Reflection [01:47]The Spiritual Meaning of Living Fully [04:03]Practical Ways to Live Fully After Loss [06:50]Sound, Breath, and Presence [10:47]Living Fully as Your Sacred Yes [14:22]Closing [17:04]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaSacred Signs: How to Recognize the Love That Still Surrounds You
#79
10/04/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
What are Sacred Signs? [02:37]How Signs Speak Through Nature [06:07]The Role of Dreams and Intuition [08:00]Everyday Coincidences and Synchronicities [09:40]How to Open to Sacred Signs [12:05]Closing [14:00]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Whisper of Dreams - What They May Be Telling You
#78
09/27/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
Why Dreams Matter [01:04]Common Dream Themes [03:01]The Whisper vs. the Shout [05:16]How to Work with Dreams [07:15]Dreams in Times of Grief [09:15]Closing Reflection [10:55]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaBreathing with Spirit: Simple Practices for Calming the Heart
#77
09/20/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
Why Breath Matters in Grief [02:06]The Calming Power of Breath [03:41]Simple Practices for Calming the Heart [04:39]Breathing with Spirit in Daily Life [07:02]Personal Reflection [08:01]Guided Breathing Practice [09:52]Closing [11:12]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaTrusting the Unknown: Finding Peace Without All the Answers
#76
09/13/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
The Questions We Carry [02:00]The Invitations of the Unknown [03:30]Finding Anchors in Uncertainty [05:00]A Personal Reflection [06:40]An Invitation [08:03]Closing [09:40]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Soul’s Compass: Finding Direction When the Path Feels Lost
#75
09/06/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
The Lost Path [ 02:50]The Soul's Compass [04:57]Finding Bearings in Daily Life [07:00]My Story [08:54]Invitation to Reflect [10:10]Closing [12:25]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaFrom Numbness to Aliveness: Reconnecting with Your Senses
#74
08/30/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
Understanding Numbness in Grief [02:25]Why Reconnecting with the Senses Matters [03:50]Gentle Ways to Reawaken the Senses [05:15]Personal Reflection [07:26]Integrating Sensory Practices into Daily Life [09:32]Closing [10:54]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaFinding Your Light in the Shadows- Balancing Grief and Daily Life
#73
08/23/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
Understanding the Shadows of Grief [01:18]Daily Life as a Balancing Act [03:09]Finding Light in Small Ways [05:18]Practical Tools for Balancing [07:21]The Light Within [09:31]Closing [11:32]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaReclaiming Joy Through Small Acts of Self-Care
#72
08/16/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
Grief and joy can flow together [02:16]Simple acts of self-care [03:51]Caring for your spiritual and emotional well-being [04:41]Loving act you can do today [05:58]Turning acts of self-care into gentle rituals [06:46]Journaling prompts to support you [07:50]Affirmation [09:32]Conclusion [10:02]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaMoments of Grace - How to Notice Beauty in the Everyday
#71
08/09/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
Beauty and Grace [01:23]How beauty shows up [03:22]How beauty helps with grief [03:54]Soft practices to tune into grace [04:49]Sometimes beauty feels far away [08:28]Moment of stillness [09:08]Conclusion [09:40]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Gentle Art of Beginning Again- Steps for a Tender Rebirth
#70
08/02/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
What it means to begin again. [01:49]Tender barriers to renewal [03:44]Six gentle steps to guide you in beginning again [06:11]Brief meditation [10:52]Conclusion [12:15]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaGrief and the Seasons - How Nature Reflects Our Emotions
#69
07/26/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:56]Main Topics
Spiritual metaphors of the seasons [01:42)Autumn and the sacred art of letting go [02:22]Winter as a sacred pause [04:15]Spring arrives with a whisper [06:28]Summer when the earth is alive [08:12]Invitations to connect with nature and grief [10:17]Conclusion {11:05]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaHow to Have Difficult Conversations About Death
#68
07/19/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [00:57]Main Topics
The truth about sacred conversations [01:22]My story [02:03]Trust your intuition [04:46]Prepare the space [05:08]Questions to ask when the time is right [05:57]Dealing with emotions [07:48]Practices to support your energy, clarity, and resilience [09:21]Closing [10:52]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Role of Scent in Memory and Healing
#67
07/12/2025
03:2803:2Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
How our bodies are triggered by scent [01:41]Personal experiences with scent after a loss [02:27]How to use scent to support healing [03:49]Creating your own healing rituals with scent [05:35]Journaling prompt for today [07:27]Today's affirmation [08:24]Today's poem [08:39]Closing [09:25]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.comhttps://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaGrief and the Elements: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air in Healing
#66
07/05/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Earth [02:01]Water [03:35]Fire [05:13]Air [06:54]Which element resonates with you? [08:28]Closing blessing [10:56]Conclusion [11:21]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://purpose.healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaFinding Strength in Solitude: Embracing Alone Time
#65
06/28/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
My personal story after loss [01:27]Sacred gifts found in solitude [03:01]The fears in solitude [05:50]Simple practices to easy into the space [06:30]A moment to pause [07:20]Recap [08:40]Conclusion [09:49]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Role of Therapy and Counseling in Healing
#64
06/21/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
The difference between therapy, grief coaching, and spiritual supportOur responses to griefThe role of the therapistThe role of the grief coachThe role of the spiritual guideChoosing the right kind of supportRecapConclusionAdditional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaExploring the Connection Between Grief and Intuition
#63
06/14/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
My story [ 01:52]The teaching of Religious Science [05:00]How grief heightens our intuitive awareness [06:09]Grief opens the heart [09:38]Conclusion [11:40]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaGrief and Minimalism: Letting Go of Physical Possessions
#62
06/07/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
My story of letting go [02:12]What minimalism means when grieving [03:54]A few sacred practices for release personal belongings [06:03]Recap [09:01]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaHow Your Animal Friends Can Help You Heal
#61
05/31/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Emotional bonds between humans and animals [01:32]The healing power of animals [02:41]Characteristics of different animals to contribute to healing [04:49]How to benefit from animals without owning a pet [06:20]Conclusion [09:56]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaEpisode 60 - Motherhood and Loss: Managing Grief as a Single Parent
#60
05/24/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Jamie's story of 20 years ago [01:20]Being honest with children [04:24]Hiding our emotions [07:51]The need to handle death in our society [09:58]Handling anniversaries [12:21]Waiting to discard his belongings [14:50]Finding support communities [18:35]Conclusion [21:34]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaWriting as a Tool for Processing Grief
#59
05/17/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
How writing can help process grief [01:38]Different types of writing for grief [03:16]Developing a regular habit of writing [05:42]Notable writers who have written about grief [08:32]Summary and Conclusion [09:30]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.podia.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaPain is Inevitable, but Suffering is Optional
#58
05/10/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Pain x Resistance = Suffering [01:43]Pain [02:39]Resistance [03:31]Suffering [04:20]Acceptance and mindfulness [07:57]Cognitive-behavioral strategies [08:45]Conclusion [10:40]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaUnderstanding Ancestral Grief
#57
05/03/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Personal grief vs. ancestral grief [01:50]Historical trauma [02:32]Transgenerational trauma [03:19]Emotional symptoms of ancestral grief [04:05]Family dynamics [05:20]Cultural symbols and rituals [06:10]Questions to ask yourself [06:50]Therapeutic practices for healing ancestral grief [07:24]The Emotion Code [08:47Summary and conclusion [11:04]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Role of Nature in the Healing Process
#56
04/26/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Research study about complicated grief, COVID-19, and connection to nature [02:06]Nature's positive effects on physical health [03:52]Biophilia [04:34]Getting actively involved in nature [05:23]Enjoying nature passively [06:10]Practicing mindfulness in nature [06:44]Ecotherapy [07:22]Challenges to experiencing the healing benefits of nature [08:14]Incorporating nature into your home [08:46]Accessibility issues [9:40]Conclusion [10:16]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaRituals of Remembrance
#55
04/19/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
The significance of rituals [01:40]Personal rituals [03:05]Community rituals [03:47]Cultural traditions [04:26]Virtual rituals [05:08]Intentions behind rituals [06:17]Symbols in rituals [06:50]Timing and frequency [07:43]Finding new meaning after loss [09:28]Conclusion [10:46]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Connection Between Grief, Loss, and Food
#54
04/12/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
The role of food during times of loss and grief [01:48]Cooking or baking as an outlet when grieving [03:23]Comfort foods [04:45]Cooking as a way of expressing emotions [05:31]Childhood memories [07:28]Emotional eating [08:12]The dangers of children thinking food is a fix for feelings [09:26]Mindful eating [10:11]Being mindful when trying to be helpful [11:11]Conclusion [12:12]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Role of Forgiveness in the Grieving Process
#53
04/05/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
What is forgiveness? [02:31]What forgiveness is not [03:39]How to begin the forgiveness process [06:18]Forgiveness as a journey [08:50]The benefits of forgiving others [09:23]Recap of today's episode [10:06]Conclusion [10:48]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaUnderstanding the Grief of Caregivers
#52
03/29/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Caregiver types and their roles[01:54]Grief and how it can affect caregivers [05:06]Establishing self-care routines among caregivers [06:35]Practicing mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques [07:26]My experience as a caregiver [08:06]Resources available [09:45]Conclusion [11:27]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaCoping with Grief During Major Life Transitions
#51
03/22/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
The loss of a loved one [01:36]Divorce [03:40]Job changes [05:52]Relocation [07:55]Health changes [09:54]Coping Strategies [11:51]Conclusion [15:02]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaExploring Grief Through Movies
#50
03/15/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Film as a powerful medium to explore emotions like grief [01:27]Cinematography's role in shaping emotions [02:19]"Dead Poets Society" [03:57]"What Dreams May Come" [04:58]"The Fault in Our Stars" [05:57]"Remember Me" [06:46]"All My Life" [07:30]Other films about grief [08:17]Movies as a powerful means for healing [09:16]Selecting movies to watch [10:03]Conclusion [10:55]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Intersection of Grief and Spirituality
#49
03/08/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Spirituality and how people interpret their life experiences [01:56]Incorporating spiritual practices [04:08]The search for meaning [05:50]The concept of mysticism and the connection to grief and spirituality[10:51]Summary and conclusion [13:35]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaHow to Talk to Children About Death
#48
03/01/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
How children perceive death at different ages [01:19]When my brother died [02:35]Tips for initiating conversation with children about death [05:19]Experience with a grief group for children [08:48]Considerations around conversations with children [09:32]Resources available [12:32]Conclusion [13:28]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaGrief and Community Service: Turning Pain into Purpose
#47
02/22/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Discover organizations that resonate with your grief experience [02:55]Organizations that support grieving individuals [03:50]Organizations related to specific diseases or ailments [07:48]Where to find volunteer opportunities [09:35]Consider creating your own initiative [11:50]Hurdles that may arise in the process [12:51]Summary and conclusion [13:48]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaThe Role of Storytelling in Healing from Grief
#46
02/15/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Storytelling for expressing ideas, emotions and experiences [01:38]Traditional stories and folklore [04:17]Writing as a powerful outlet [07:11]Support groups for storytelling [08:21]Platforms for sharing stories [11:50]When to seek support [13:53]Conclusion [14:39]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaWhat Triggers You?
#45
02/08/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Common triggers of grief: anniversaries and milestones [01:56]Sensory triggers [03:23]Social triggers [05:55]Emotional triggers [06:43]Managing triggers: mindfulness techniques [07:28]Preparing for impending triggers [08:01]Creating new traditions [08:01]Self-care [09:39]Seeking support [10:19]Conclusion [10:56]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaGrief and Relationships: Love After Loss
#44
02/01/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Understanding the desire to date [02:02]Emotional Readiness [04:24]Challenges that can complicate the dating process [06:40]Recognizing when someone is ready [08:07]Open and honest communication [09:41]Conclusion [10:25]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaUnderstanding Grief Through Books
#43
01/25/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown [01:48]On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler [03:33]Grief One Day at a Time by Alan Wolfelt [05:34]Bearing the Unbearable by Joanne Cacciatore [07:08]It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Divine [09:02]The Grief Recovery Handbook by John W. James and Russell Friedman 10:37]Conclusion [12:22]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontanaNavigating Grief Anniversaries and Special Dates
#42
01/18/2025
Introduction
Topic Introduction [01:01]Main Topics
The complex emotions surrounding significant dates [01:30]Personal responses to important dates [04:04]Common reactions to significant dates [05:00]Preparation before the date [06:07]The day itself [07:01]After the date has passed [07:49]My anniversary date experience [08:45]Summary and conclusion [10:23]Additional Resources
https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/https://healingourgrievinghearts.com/mediahttps://www.facebook.com/kay.fontana
