Growth from Grief
Grief is something we all experience; it's the natural reaction to loss. Grief is individual, and can be different for each loss you have. Grieving is also something most people don't want to talk about! Well, we talk all about it here - the hard stuff but also the light stuff too. We'll explore tools and techniques like yoga, meditation, ritual, journaling and more so you can begin to move from grief pain, heal, discover joy again and grow from your grief.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Trusting the Rhythm of Grief
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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. 💛
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Lessons I've Learned From Listening
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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...
The Body Remembers: Somatic Signs of Seasonal Grief
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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...Creating Safe Havens for Grieving Families: A Conversation with Erin Nelson
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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...
Gratitude and Grieving
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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...The Strength of Love: Healing After Trauma and Loss
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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. H...
Remembering Our Loved Ones – A Day of Remembrance
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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...Finding Life After Loss: Conversations on Growing through Grief
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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...Food, Memory, and Healing: A Grief Journey
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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.
Restorative Stillness: Why Restorative Yoga Heals a Grieving Heart
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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...The Unspoken Side of Grief: What We Don't Say Out Loud
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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...
Anchors In The Day: How Routine Can Hold Us In Grief
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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...Building a Grief Sensitive Community - with Dr. Kim Mead-Walters
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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...
Grief & The Body: What Your Physical Self is Trying to Tell You
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen explores the intricate relationship between grief and the body. She emphasizes that grief is not just an emotional experience but also manifests physically, affecting our nervous system and overall well-being. Through various techniques, including breathing exercises and body awareness practices, Susan guides listeners on how to navigate their grief journey while fostering healing and self-care.
Takeaways:
Grief is a physical experience as much as an emotional one.The body holds onto grief, leading to...Honoring Loss & Raising Awareness: Jill’s Journey of Healing
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In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, this episode of Growth from Grief shares the deeply moving story ofJill Maiorana. She shares her profound journey through loss, including the deaths of her children's father and her son, Joey from substance abuse disorder. She discusses the isolating experience of grief, the importance of community support, and the healing modalities that helped her cope. Jill also reflects on her decision to become a grief coach, emphasizing that grief is not something we move past but rather something we carry and g...
Walking Lightly - Embracing the End of Summer
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen invites listeners to embrace the end of summer by walking lightly through their days, even while carrying heavy emotional loads. She emphasizes the importance of being present in nature, allowing emotions to surface, and finding moments of lightness amidst grief. The conversation encourages listeners to set intentions for self-care and to seek resources for healing as they navigate their emotional journeys.
Takeaways
Embrace the end of summer with intention.Walking lightly means being present...Gold Scars: Healing Through Grief and Vulnerability With Sylvia Moore Meyers
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In this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, host Sue Andersen speaks with Sylvia Moore Myers, author of 'Gold Scars', about her journey through grief and trauma after the loss of her son. Sylvia shares her insights on the importance of addressing unresolved grief, the impact of trauma on relationships, and the healing power of vulnerability and laughter. She introduces her seven steps to healing and emphasizes the significance of reframing memories to aid recovery. The conversation highlights the necessity of sharing scars to help others with...
The Seasons of Grief: Releasing the Heat of Summer
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen explores a cyclical perspective on grief, contrasting it with the traditional linear model. She emphasizes the importance of understanding grief through the lens of seasons, particularly focusing on summer as a time of emotional heat and overwhelm. Susan offers practical strategies for managing these feelings, including movement, breathwork, and creating a calming environment. The episode concludes with a guided heart practice aimed at providing relief and fostering a sense of joy amidst grief.
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Book Review: The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O'Connor, PhD
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen reviews key insights from the book 'The Grieving Brain' by Mary Frances O'Connor. In the book Dr O'Connor explores the neuroscience behind grief, highlighting the importance of understanding how our brains process loss and the practical applications of these insights in supporting those who are grieving. Sue explores how this book has impacted her own healing and how she incorporates this information into her work with students.
Takeaways
Grief is an overwhelming wave, whi...Navigating the Layers of Loss: With Teresa Quinn, LCSW
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In this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, host Susan Andersen speaks with Teresa Quinn, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in grief, trauma, and chronic illness. They explore the intersection of grief and spirituality, the nuances of trauma and grief, and the importance of body awareness through yoga and breathwork. Teresa shares insights on expressive arts as a therapeutic tool, discusses the creation of her grief journal, and emphasizes the non-linear nature of grief, including the concept of secondary losses. The conversation highlights the importance of...
Happy 1st Birthday "Growth From Grief" Podcast
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In this special episode, Susan Andersen celebrates the one-year anniversary of her podcast, reflecting on the journey of creating 50 episodes. She shares insights on the challenges and successes of podcasting, highlights memorable episodes that resonated with listeners, and discusses her goals for the upcoming year, including a focus on more interviews and valuable content for her audience.
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Navigating Grief With Levity & Love - A Conversation with Howard Miller
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Sue Andersen speaks with Howard Miller about his experiences caring for aging parents and the emotional complexities that arise during this journey. They discuss the themes of anticipatory grief, the role of humor in coping, and the challenges posed by the pandemic. Howard shares personal anecdotes about his parents, their resilience, and the guilt that often accompanies loss. The conversation emphasizes the importance of family dynamics, communication, and finding comfort in small moments as one navigates the difficult terrain of...
Old Wounds, New Grief
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen explores the complex relationship between old wounds and new grief. She shares her personal experiences with grief, particularly following the loss of her son, and discusses how unresolved emotions from past losses can resurface during new periods of grief. Andersen emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these feelings and finding supportive environments to process them. She also highlights insights from experts on grief and introduces somatic therapy as a method for healing. The episode concludes with an invitation for...
May Brings Tender Shoots...And Hope
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen discusses the complexities of grief during the month of May, particularly around Mother's Day. She draws parallels between gardening and self-care, emphasizing the importance of nurturing oneself and finding support during vulnerable times. Susan shares grounding practices and encourages listeners to cultivate hope and resilience, reminding them that they are not alone in their grief.
Takeaways
May can be a difficult month for those grieving.Gardening teaches us about nurturing and support.We need a...Goodbye, My Sweet Girl: Grieving the Loss of a Beloved Pet
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In this heartfelt episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen shares her personal journey of grieving the loss of her beloved dog, Queenie. She explores the universal experience of pet loss, the deep emotional bonds we form with our animal companions, and the importance of allowing ourselves to grieve. Through her story, Susan emphasizes the significance of unconditional love, the challenges of making end-of-life decisions for pets, and the various ways to navigate the grieving process, including rituals and breathwork. Ultimately, she reminds listeners that grief is a...
The Power of Sharing Stories: A Conversation With Dana Day
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Sue speaks with Dana Day, a builder and remodeler, about her journey through grief after the loss of her sister. They discuss the importance of sharing stories, the impact of mental health, and the role of faith in healing. Dana shares her personal experiences with guilt and regret, the healing power of social media, and her journey in the construction industry as a woman. The conversation also touches on the significance of community support and Dana's exciting experience with HGTV.
Calm Is Closer Than You Think
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen delves into the significance of the vagus nerve and its role in regulating our nervous system, especially during times of grief and anxiety. She discusses various techniques, including breathwork, cold exposure, and sound, to stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation. The episode emphasizes the power of self-regulation through breath and mindfulness practices, providing listeners with practical tools to enhance their emotional resilience and healing process.
Takeaways
The vagus nerve connects the brain to vital...Silencing the Inner Critic: A Journey Through Breathwork w/Mary Clare O'Brien
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen speaks with Mary Clare O'Brien about elemental breathwork, a transformative practice that integrates breathwork with mental health counseling. They discuss the importance of breath in regulating the nervous system, the experience of breathwork sessions, and how it can lead to emotional healing and personal breakthroughs. The conversation also covers the science behind breathwork, different types of breathwork, and the integration of breathwork with talk therapy. Listeners are encouraged to explore breathwork as a tool for self-discovery and healing.
Spring: Renewal & Change in Grief
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Sue Andersen discusses the emotional complexities of transitioning from winter to spring while grieving. She reflects on how the season of renewal can evoke mixed feelings for those who have experienced loss, particularly if it occurred in spring. Sue emphasizes the importance of honoring one's grief while also embracing moments of joy and renewal. She offers practical advice on setting boundaries with social expectations, connecting with nature, and creating personal rituals to navigate the grieving process. The...
Breakthrough Breath: A Transformative Step on My Grief Journey - Exploring Healing Modalities
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In this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, host Susan Andersen shares her transformative journey with breathwork as a healing modality in her grief process. She discusses various breath techniques that have helped her navigate the emotional turmoil following the loss of her son, emphasizing the importance of finding the right methods for individual healing journeys. Susan also recounts her recent experience with a breakthrough breath workshop, highlighting its energetic and emotional release aspects, and encourages listeners to explore different techniques that resonate with them.
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Reframing Words: The Language of Grief
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SummaryIn this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, host Susan Andersen explores the profound impact of language on the grieving process. She discusses three specific words—perseverance, strong, and okay—that have taken on new meanings for her in the wake of her son's death. Through personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the importance of choosing words carefully, both in self-talk and in conversations with others who are grieving. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own language and its effects on their grief journey.
Takeaways
Wo...Filling the Void: Navgating the Emptiness of Grief
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen discusses the profound emptiness that accompanies loss and offers insights on navigating this challenging journey. She emphasizes the importance of allowing oneself to sit in the emptiness, engage in rituals, and find creative outlets as part of the healing process. Susan encourages listeners to embrace the normalcy of feeling empty after a loss and to seek support through community and shared experiences. She concludes with resources for further assistance in the grief journey.
Takeaways
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Astrology as a Tool for Understanding Grief: Exploring Healing Modalities
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Laurie Latimer shares her personal journey through grief and loss, discussing the various ways individuals can navigate their healing process. The conversation explores the significance of personal development, the role of astrology in understanding grief, and the importance of community support. Laurie reflects on her experience of starting a podcast as a means to find purpose after the loss of her son, Greg, and how this journey has evolved over time. The discussion emphasizes the transformative power of grief, the quest...
My First Astrology Reading - Exploring Healing Modalities
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In this episode of the Growth from Grief podcast, host Susan Andersen explores various healing modalities, focusing on her personal journey with astrology and crystals. This is the second in a series focused on exploring healing modalities. She shares her experiences with grief and how alternative healing practices have helped her navigate her emotions. The conversation delves into the significance of astrological readings and the transformative power of crystals in the healing process.
Takeaways
Exploring Healing Modalities for Grief
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In this episode, Susan Andersen, a grief guide and yoga teacher, shares her personal journey through grief and the various healing modalities she has explored over the years. She emphasizes the importance of finding safe spaces for healing, the evolution of grief, and the integration of both traditional and alternative approaches to support individuals on their healing journey. Susan encourages listeners to remain open to different modalities and to trust their intuition as they navigate their unique paths of grief.
Takeaways
Grief is...Honoring Loss: The Bereavement Tea Ceremony and Spiritual Healing
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Susan Andersen speaks with Heathclyff St. James DeVille about his profound journey through grief after losing his partner to suicide. They discuss the unique challenges of grieving a suicide loss, the importance of support groups, and various healing modalities. Heathcliff shares his experience with a bereavement tea ceremony, a unique ritual that helped him connect with his grief and reflect on his loss. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, personal healing practices, and the ongoing journey of grief.
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Building Inner Strength: The Power of Positive Self-Talk
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, host Sue Andersen discusses the journey of healing from grief, emphasizing the importance of positive self-talk and mental strategies. She introduces techniques such as strength-based self-talk, visualization, and the use of mantras to combat negative thoughts and promote emotional wellness. Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to recognize and reframe self-defeating thoughts to foster a more positive mindset and support their healing journey.
Takeaways
Marking the Milestones: Grieving Through Birthdays and Anniversaries
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen discusses the challenges of navigating grief, particularly during special days such as birthdays and anniversaries. She shares personal experiences and coping strategies, emphasizing the importance of planning, emotional awareness, and creating meaningful rituals. The conversation highlights the complexity of emotions associated with grief, including joy and guilt, and the physical responses that may arise. Susan encourages listeners to reflect on their experiences and express gratitude for the time spent with their loved ones, reminding them that there...
Clearing the Way: Moving Forward into a New Year
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summary
In this heartfelt episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen reflects on the transition into a new year, offering guidance and comfort for those navigating this time—especially those grappling with loss. Through the metaphor of a quiet walking path, Susan explores the challenges and possibilities of stepping into the unknown.
✨ Key Takeaways:
Navigating Transitions in Grief: The shift from one year to the next can feel heavy, particularly for those mourning a loss. Susan reassures listeners that moving forward doesn’t mean leaving loved...Light Up the World Through the Gifts Within You
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In this episode of Growth from Grief, Susan Andersen, a grief guide and yoga teacher, discusses the importance of embracing and sharing the inner light that exists within each individual, even amidst grief. She emphasizes the significance of self-love and the gradual process of cultivating this light through emotional release and reconnecting with passions. The episode encourages listeners to recognize their inner flicker of light and to share it with others, fostering a sense of connection and healing.
takeaways
