Seeing Death Clearly

Meloney, a first-generation BVI islander from Tortola in the Caribbean, shares her unique cultural background, heavily influenced by her Jamaican roots. She highlights the diverse religious and cultural landscape of Jamaica, including the presence of various ethnicities and religions. Despite being predominantly Christian, Jamaican culture is a fusion of different beliefs and practices.

She delves into the intersection of Christianity and African spirituality in her upbringing, emphasizing the blend of Christian teachings with African rituals like Obia or Voodoo. Meloney recounts her experiences with death, particularly the tradition of "nine nights" celebrations before funerals, where families gather to honor the deceased with food, music, and storytelling, turning grief into a celebration of life.

Reflecting on encounters with spirits, Meloney shares anecdotes from her life, including sightings of black bats symbolizing departed spirits and eerie experiences in church. She discusses the significance of facing mortality and the fear of unfinished business, drawing from personal struggles and losses in her journey toward mental health advocacy.

Meloney candidly discusses her battle with bipolar disorder and the impact of witnessing classmates' suicides. These experiences prompted her to create a safe space through her blog, "The Between and the Rocks," where she promotes mental health awareness and offers support to others facing similar challenges. Additionally, Meloney is a serial entrepreneur and a devoted mother, cherishing her role as a parent despite past traumas like miscarriages and the loss of her child's father.

In the face of grief and loss, Meloney finds solace in memories and acknowledges the bittersweetness of remembrance. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of embracing life's uncertainties and cherishing every moment, guided by the understanding that while death is inevitable, the way we choose to live is within our control.

Blog: www.dopamineontherocks.com 

Facebook.com/dopamineontherocks

Instagram.com/dopamineontherocks

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Dr. Kim Harms has encountered numerous challenges throughout her 67 years. She endured the tragic losses of her mother, son, and husband, all to different circumstances. These losses prompted her to delve into the topic of death, exploring how individuals manage it and the impact it has on their lives.

In her reflections, Kim highlights the unexpected nature of grief, especially when it comes to losing a child. She emphasizes the importance of confronting grief head-on and not allowing it to consume one's life. Kim observes societal attitudes toward death, noting a prevalent sense of control and avoidance, particularly in Western culture.

Through her experiences and observations, Kim advocates for embracing life with joy, even in the face of grief. She stresses the significance of cherishing moments with loved ones and fostering connections. Kim shares insights from her journey of healing and encourages others to navigate their grief with resilience.

In her book, Kim explores the concept of legacy, emphasizing the impact of everyday interactions on shaping one's legacy. She delves into discussions about death and dying, challenging common fears and misconceptions. Drawing from diverse perspectives, she encourages open dialogue about the end of life and practical preparations for it.

Kim shares personal anecdotes, including her husband's peaceful passing and her son's impactful funeral, which brought communities together in support. She discusses forgiveness and reconciliation as essential aspects of coping with loss and fostering healing.

Ultimately, Kim's message is one of hope and empowerment, urging individuals to confront their mortality with courage and preparation. Her book serves as a guide for navigating the complexities of grief and preparing for the inevitable, offering practical advice and heartfelt reflections.

https://www.drkimberlyharms.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHG23HD5

drkim@pinelakelawfirm.com

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

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Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

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Isabel Knight, also known as The Death Designer, operates a unique business focused on end-of-life planning. She employs principles of human-centered design to assist individuals in navigating the complexities of death care. This approach involves co-creating systems and products with users to ensure they meet their needs effectively. 

Isabel emphasizes the importance of making death care more human-centered, aiming to alleviate the stress and confusion often associated with the process. She guides people in obtaining death certificates, understanding funeral options, and initiating difficult conversations about end-of-life preferences.

Isabel acknowledges that her clientele extends beyond those planning for themselves to include caregivers and family members of terminally ill individuals. She observes a cultural reluctance to engage in discussions about death, which she attributes to societal attitudes toward self-worth and aging. Isabel challenges these perceptions, advocating for the celebration of individuals' lives and the recognition of caregiving as a reciprocal act.

In addition to her consultations, Isabel advocates for more sustainable and inclusive practices within the death care industry. She discusses alternative methods of disposition, such as water cremation and natural organic reduction, which offer environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional burial and cremation. Isabel also addresses the need for greater inclusivity in death care, particularly for marginalized communities like the polyamorous and non-monogamous.

Through workshops and collaborative initiatives, Isabel facilitates discussions among diverse groups to identify gaps and biases in existing death care systems. By centering the experiences of vulnerable populations, she aims to create resources that benefit everyone. Isabel emphasizes the collective wisdom of communities in shaping more equitable and compassionate approaches to death care.

https://www.open-love.org/end-of-life-planning

https://www.thedeathdesigner.com/

https://www.instagram.com/thedeathdesigner/

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

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Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

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Jen Henry was born and raised in Riverside, California, where she still resides. Her mission, which she refers to as lifestyle recovery, stems from her upbringing as an only child, where everything was handed to her without understanding the value of need or want. Despite having both parents, she felt disconnected and misunderstood, with her emotional intensity often overwhelming those around her.

Tragedy struck early in Jen's life with the loss of numerous family members and friends, leading her to question the purpose of life and indulge in reckless behaviors, including drug use. Despite her intelligence and early academic prowess, she found herself bored and disconnected in school, eventually succumbing to substance abuse by her teenage years.

Jen's descent into addiction led to a cycle of arrests and incarcerations, which she initially saw as a form of salvation but ultimately realized worsened her situation. Despite attempts at rehabilitation through programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, she struggled with codependency and a lack of self-identity, leading to relapses and further turmoil.

Over the past 13 years, Jen has navigated the challenges of choosing life over addiction, grappling with existential questions and shifting her perspective on death. She acknowledges the support of her ancestors and believes in their continued presence, guiding her through life's struggles.

Despite skepticism from others, Jen's beliefs have propelled her to success, including financial stability, entrepreneurial ventures, and recognition as a bestselling author and motivational speaker. She urges others to focus on what they can control in life, rather than dwelling on external factors beyond their influence.

https://www.unleashingresilience.com

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Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

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Meet Iris Van Nespen, a Belgian emergency room physician turned life coach. She's on a mission to help women, and people in general, reclaim their joy and self-acceptance. Iris emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's own beauty, believing that it leads to a more fulfilling life and, ultimately, contributes to world peace.

Iris delves into the challenge of judgment, both self-judgment and judging others. Drawing from her experience in the emergency room, she emphasizes the need for compassion, especially for patients. Her self-discovery and awareness journey have led her to a more compassionate approach, influencing those around her to do the same.

Reflecting on the healthcare system, Iris sheds light on the paradox doctors face—being overworked, lacking psychological training, and losing a sense of self. She shares a personal story about ignoring health concerns due to her dedication to work, emphasizing the importance of self-care for healthcare professionals.

Iris passionately advocates for a shift towards understanding the reasons behind people's behaviors rather than passing judgment. She touches on the disconnect from nature and the profound impact it has on mental health. Iris encourages reconnecting with the beauty of the planet and embracing our role as part of nature's cycle.

In a poignant moment, Iris shares her experience harvesting apples in France, underscoring the abundance of beauty in the world that often goes unnoticed. Her message resonates with the essence of being present, appreciating life's moments, and acknowledging our interconnectedness with the planet.

Iris van Nispen's journey, from emergency room physician to life coach, highlights the transformative power of self-awareness and compassion. Her insights provide a roadmap for listeners to reclaim joy, foster understanding, and contribute to a more harmonious world.

https://linktr.ee/reclaimyoursparkle

https://www.facebook.com/irisvannespen

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My guest this week is Deborah Grassman and for 30 years, she served as a hospice nurse practitioner within the Department of Veterans Affairs. While trained as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, her focus shifted towards hospice care, where she unearthed a unique revelation about trauma's transformation at life's end, an aspect not formally identified before.

In her discussions, she shed light on the distinct challenges veterans faced during their end-of-life reflections, often linked to military service, moral injuries, and life reviews.

Veterans exhibited unique needs, and her observations prompted the Hospice Veteran Partnership, later adopted by NHPCO. Her journey accelerated into webinars, films, books, and nationwide training, emphasizing veterans' distinctive end-of-life experiences.

She founded a non-profit, Opus Peace, addressing unexplored aspects of trauma at life's end. Veterans expressed not only PTSD but also a deeper soul injury, feeling lost or disconnected. Recognizing a pattern, she termed it a "soul injury," a wound separating individuals from their authentic selves.

Stoic facades often crumbled at life's end, revealing three impediments: unwarned loss and hurt, unforgiven guilt and shame, and fear of helplessness and loss of control. Recognizing these, her mission became helping people heal their relationship with themselves.

Opus Peace, her non-profit, aimed to propagate the soul injury message, offering tools and concepts. Two books, "Peace at Last" (focused on veterans) and "The Hero Within," focused on healing one's internal hero, could be accessed on their website.

Opus Peace conducted four-day virtual training sessions, providing resources for workshops on soul injury. Online courses, titled "MasterPEACE," covered various topics and holistic tools, making education accessible. Donations were encouraged to support their pioneering work.

https://opuspeace.org/

https://courses.opuspeace.org/

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Meet Brenda, a Londoner who, at 59, has dedicated most of her career to the charity sector, specifically working with Friends of the Earth, an environmental lobbying organization. Around four or five years ago, Brenda faced a challenging period at work, compounded by issues with her eye health and the onset of menopause. This stress took a toll on her physical health, leading to a month-long absence from work, during which she struggled to eat and experienced an undiagnosed illness.

Reflecting on this stressful time, Brenda and her husband now believe it was primarily stress-related. This experience served as a wake-up call, prompting Brenda to delve into self-development, counseling, and coaching sessions provided by her workplace. Finding coaching immensely helpful, she decided to retrain as a coach and well-being trainer, specializing in mental health awareness, menopause awareness, and stress management.

Transitioning into her mid-fifties, Brenda embraced a new career path, focusing on one-on-one coaching sessions and workshops that empower individuals to plan for their future and approach menopause positively. She also emphasizes the diversity of experiences during menopause, acknowledging that each person is unique.

Brenda discusses her experiences with grief, having faced the loss of her parents,  highlighting the different dynamics of grieving for a mother versus a brother. She emphasizes the importance of dealing with grief in a thoughtful and resilient manner, drawing on the tools she has developed through her own stress management and mental health awareness work.

Having navigated grief personally, Brenda values open conversations about the universal human experience of loss. She recognizes the privilege of having had a strong relationship with her parents and aims to instill gratitude in her own children for the positive experiences they share as a family.

As Brenda approaches her 60th birthday, she reflects on the changing perspectives that come with age. Her newfound sense of purpose and the skills she has acquired allow her to view life with optimism and the belief that doors can open even in later stages. Brenda acknowledges the importance of discussing topics like grief openly and appreciates platforms like podcasts for providing valuable insights into the diverse ways people cope with life's challenges.

https://stresslesscoach.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/thestresslesscoach/

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In the 1970s, Elizabeth Kubler Ross and Dame Cicely Saunders revolutionized our approach to death. While Kubler Ross emphasized the neglect of the dying in America, Saunders proposed a novel philosophy with her Hospice program. The focus shifted from mere medical treatment to a holistic approach of embracing life during the dying process.

Our guest, Barbara Karnes,  a registered nurse, embarked on her hospice journey driven by Saunders' vision. Inspired by the idea of creating a space for living, Barbara started volunteering for hospice.  The original essence of hospice, existing outside the medical model, has been gradually absorbed, and Barbara sees the emergence of end-of-life doulas as a refreshing return to that independent, compassionate approach.

She envisions a future where end-of-life doulas integrate into the hospice model, providing the crucial gift of time that medical professionals often lack. Barbara emphasizes the importance of educating communities about the distinctive role of doulas, urging them to connect with churches, senior citizen communities, and nursing facilities.

The conversation delves into the societal perception of death as a medical emergency and the reluctance to let go. Barbara advocates for a shift in mindset, facilitated through community education and open dialogue about death. She believes that normalizing death will lead to a more balanced approach to living.

Reflecting on historical shifts in how death is handled, Barbara notes a cyclical pattern. From deaths at home to hospital settings and now a return to a preference for dying at home, education plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes. She encourages parents to discuss death openly with their children, contributing to a more informed and accepting future.

Barbara's philosophy underscores life as a continual learning process, emphasizing the importance of expressing love regularly. Drawing parallels between life's tightrope walk and our attempts to balance experiences, she stresses the significance of never leaving words unspoken. In the realm of end-of-life care, expressing love becomes a profound and essential practice, echoing the fundamental truth that life is, indeed, a school of learning.

https://bkbooks.com/ for all of Barbara's books and resources

https://www.instagram.com/barbarakarnesrn/

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My guests today are Kathleen McGee, Elder Care Coordinator and Director of Care Coordination at Rothkoff Law Group and Chelsea Duckers, one of the care coordinators at Rothkoff Law Group.

In an ideal world, we'd all proactively plan for future challenges, especially as our needs change with age. Reality often sees us facing issues reactively. Rothkoff clients range from those in good health to those in crisis, spanning the entire spectrum. From recognizing fall risks and home modifications for the healthy and independent, to navigating hospital stays and acute healthcare changes for those in crisis, our care coordination steps in at every stage.

Since the pandemic, they have noticed a positive shift. More people are coming in earlier, expressing a desire to plan ahead rather than waiting for a crisis. The uncertainty and fear during the pandemic have normalized conversations around death, prompting earlier considerations for end-of-life planning.

The pandemic served as a stark reminder that unexpected health challenges can happen at any age. While discussing death remains a societal taboo, the pandemic forced us to confront the idea, challenging us to be a part of our own conversations and make our wishes known. It emphasized the importance of early planning to avoid emotional decision-making during crises.

There is a cultural discomfort with openly discussing death, a discomfort that Rothkoff Law Group aims to alleviate through education around death. Kathleen and Chelsea encourage families to select agents confidently and have conversations with loved ones to avoid the shock of discovering unspoken wishes during times of crisis.

While we understand the societal aversion to discussing death, embracing these conversations can lead to a healthier relationship with the idea of mortality. Creating a dialogue around death can have a profound impact on living more present and fulfilling lives. It's an ongoing journey towards breaking the stigma and embracing the inevitability of death with grace and preparedness.

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In this episode, my guest is Narinder Bazen, founder of the Nine Keys Death Midwifery Apprenticeship.

In her twenties as a Kundalini yoga and meditation teacher, Narinder found herself officiating weddings, blessing babies, and attending deaths within her community. Embracing her mystic roots, she began offering death care, grief care, and trauma care. 

Our discussion evolves into the challenges of death work in a society that often views it as women's work, carried out freely without adequate support or compensation.

We talk about the current state of holistic death care and Narinder raises concerns about their sustainability, noting a lack of real support and financial viability. There is a need for a fundamental shift in the narrative around death work. 

Narinder advocates for acknowledging the financial realities, addressing systemic pressures, and ensuring that death workers can find sustainability in their vital roles emphasizing the urgency to reevaluate and rework the systems for a more effective and sustainable future.

https://www.narinderbazen.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/narinder.bazen.death.life

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

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Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

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In this end-of-2023 episode, my husband Stephen Wilson takes on the role of interviewer, leading a conversation where we explore our intertwined paths and how they've led us to appreciate life's impermanence. Drawing parallels with our careers in food service, we find beauty in life's temporary nature.

The conversation turns personal as we discuss our polyamorous lifestyle and the complexities of navigating aging and end-of-life discussions with multiple partners, prompting introspection on relationships and priorities.

I ask Stephen questions about life, death, and the impact of our discussions on his perspective. The dialogue delves into the intricacies of relationships and the uncharted territory of discussing end-of-life matters with partners.

I am taking a break for the rest of December 2023, I'll return with a new episode on January 7th, 2024. 

Don't miss the upcoming announcements for 2024 offerings by signing up for my newsletter. The link is in the show notes, where you can also grab a copy of my free workbook Living a Better Life.

If you are looking for a small business to support this holiday season, you can subscribe to the paid subscription feature or make a one-time donation to me using Venmo.  

I hope everyone has a safe holiday season and I will be back in 2024!  

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

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Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

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Patricia Ayers is the Director of Clinical Services at Coras Wellness & Behavioral Health and she spent several years working for hospice and home care agencies. Eventually, she found herself teaching hospice at Stockton University for nine years, a role that she thoroughly enjoyed.

In this episode we talk about how people misunderstand hospice, thinking it's a place to go rather than a program that comes to you wherever you are. Learning about hospice sparked her interest because it seemed like a program everyone should know about. She taught it as a general studies course, attracting students from nursing, physical therapy, mental health, psychology, and social work backgrounds. Over the years, the class gained popularity, and many students found it beneficial, particularly nursing students who faced a significant hospice component in their certifications.

A recurring frustration in her work was witnessing clients sent home on hospice without a clear understanding of what they were signing up for. This lack of communication often led to tense situations when the hospice team explained the program, and families were caught off guard. Sometimes, clients were discharged too late, almost actively dying, causing confusion and distress for families.

One crucial point often overlooked is the relationship between pain and survival. Pain can keep individuals alive due to anxiety, and providing pain control allows them to relax, offering a chance for a peaceful passing. Unfortunately, families often misunderstood this, thinking the team had hastened the process.

The lack of clear communication about hospice and the reluctance to address death in our society bothered her. Patients and families were denied the opportunity to have important conversations and prepare for the inevitable. She designed an exercise for her students to simulate doctor-patient conversations about terminal diagnoses, highlighting the difficulty on both sides.

Patients often had questions about their treatment, side effects, and how it would affect their quality of life. However, discussions about timeframes and how to talk to their families remained challenging for both doctors and patients. Our society tends to avoid discussions about death, preferring to place individuals in nursing homes or hospitals rather than allowing the natural process to unfold at home.


This episode emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and accepting the natural progression of life.

https://coraswellness.org/

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In today's episode my guest is Nancy Alterman, a therapist with a focus on helping adults navigate relationship challenges. Nancy believes that nothing matters more in life than our relationships. She brings a wealth of experience, with over 35 years dedicated to families facing medical crisis.

Nancy emphasizes the immediate impact of clear objectives in the improvement process. Her expertise lies in strengthening communication and coping skills, guiding clients to address unresolved relationship struggles amid life's overwhelming difficulties.

One key aspect of Nancy's journey stems from a profound loss at the age of 12 when her mother passed away. This experience set her on a path to explore grief-related careers. Despite the challenges of early isolation, she found purpose in supporting others through geriatric care management and addressing various life changes beyond death.

A recurring theme in Nancy's work revolves around helping individuals live life to the fullest without regrets. Drawing from her own experiences, she encourages families to establish a support system to avoid isolation and remorse. Her unique perspective, shaped by personal loss and resilience, provides invaluable insights into aging, caregiving, and end-of-life issues, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's and dementia care.

Incorporating a spiritual practice into her life has been transformative for Nancy. She believes in the energy of creation, finding comfort and guidance in accepting outcomes beyond her control. This perspective allows her to be present for those who are suffering, a significant contribution rooted in her memories of isolation during grief.

As a therapist, Nancy's skills in suspending personal agendas, cultivating curiosity, and asking insightful questions shine through. She highlights the importance of not being overly eager or invested in a specific agenda during the therapeutic process, allowing individuals to discover their own wisdom.

Join us as Nancy shares her wisdom on topics such as aging, emotional health, well-being, and self-care. Learn how her unique journey has shaped a compassionate approach to helping others navigate the challenges of aging, death, and caregiving, ensuring they can face these realities with greater understanding and without regrets.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/nancy-m-alterman-lcsw-cherry-hill-nj/220502

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Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

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In this podcast episode, we talk with Deb Driscoll, an author, spiritual teacher, and speaker, whose life has been a testament to the transformative power hidden within profound loss. Deb's story is about the  heart-breaking tragedy of losing her 10-year-old son, Sage, a pivotal moment that shattered her world and set her on an unexpected path of healing and growth.

As Deb shares her personal evolution through grief, the importance of embracing loss not merely as a source of pain but as a profound opportunity for personal growth. She found solace in the idea that the healing journey is not a fixed destination but a continuous process.

Deb's work, rooted in Heart Repair and the transformation from big life loss to what she terms as "BIG LIFE MAGIC," highlights the intricate connection between significant loss and profound personal growth. She believes that our big life losses, whether through death, divorce, diagnosis, or unrealized dreams, offer a pathway to discovering the magic within ourselves.

The podcast also delves into the importance of preparing for grief and loss in advance, acknowledging the difficulty of conversations about life, death, grief, love, and joy. Deb shares a story about her sister's end-of-life journey, emphasizing the crucial role of open dialogues in building resilience when facing significant life losses.

Debra Driscoll's journey serves as a beacon for those navigating the complexities of grief, illustrating how turning loss into Big Life Magic is not only possible but a profound opportunity for self-discovery and transformation. Through intuitive guidance, spiritual practice, and storytelling, Deb invites others to tap into their own magic, believing that in doing so, they can become not only the best healers for themselves but also for others. Ultimately, her message resonates with the idea that every loss or challenge offers a lesson, an opportunity to strengthen our energetic hearts, and invite more love and magic into our lives.

Website - https://biglifemagic.com/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/BigLifeMagic

IG @biglifemagic

Book: A Series of Surrenders - https://bit.ly/ASeriesofSurrenderstheBook

A FREE resource for listeners. Heart TRepair Meditation & Journal Prompts - https://bit.ly/HeartRepairHelp

Big Life Magic Membership

https://biglifemagic.com/magic-membership/

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In this episode, I have a conversation with Eryn Johnson, a Philadelphia-based writer and facilitator, about her journey from a religious upbringing to her current spiritual beliefs. Eryn, whose work has graced publications like Well + Good, Insider, and Tilted House Magazine, brings a unique perspective to her exploration of queerness, mental health, spirituality, and healing.

Eryn's background is rooted in a Southern Baptist Christian environment, where faith played a central role in her life. She shares how growing up with a strong belief in God and a family whose core values were deeply entwined with Christianity profoundly shaped her worldview.

We explore how religious beliefs can be a source of both comfort and anxiety. Eryn shares her journey of transitioning away from her faith, which began during high school she discovered new spiritual practices, such as yoga and tarot, embarking on a path of spiritual exploration.

One key message that emerges from our conversation is the importance of fluidity and openness in Eryn's evolving spirituality. Her current beliefs encompass the idea that individuals return to the universe or energy after death, with potential connections to the energy of ancestors. She believes in souls embarking on a journey, processing, and reflecting on life.

Our discussion sheds light on the complexity of religious upbringing, the transformative power of personal exploration, and the significance of finding one's unique spiritual path. It encourages listeners to reflect on their own beliefs and the meaning they choose to create in their lives.

Eryn also offers facilitation services, specializing in supporting individuals, especially those from religious backgrounds they've shed, in embracing their emotions, connecting with their bodies, and fully embodying themselves. Eryn's training in trauma-informed care, breathwork, yoga, meditation, and energy work equips them to provide valuable support.

For those interested in Eryn's work, they have developed a "religious trauma workbook" available on their website, designed to help individuals reclaim their autonomy from dogmatic religious experiences. Eryn is also available for facilitating breathwork in retreats and groups.

If you'd like to contact Eryn or learn more about their services, you can contact them at erynjohnsonfreelance@gmail.com.

https://joynotes.substack.com/

https://erynjohnson.com/

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Jeanette Sealy, a dedicated Yoga Therapist, loving mother of four, and a veteran of the United States Air Force, is on a mission to bring healing and transformation to people's lives. Her profound personal journey through complex trauma has given her a deep understanding of the healing potential of Yoga and Ayurveda. 

Since 1993, she has been unwaveringly committed to exploring the science of Yoga. As an Internationally Certified Yoga Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist, and Transformational Retreat Leader, she is the founder of Metta Bhav, a School Of Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, and Thai Massage. Jeanette is also a death doula and Ayurvedic postpartum doula, using her wisdom and compassion to guide others on their path to healing and an extraordinary quality of life.

After becoming a hospice volunteer, Jeanette quickly fell in love with the sense of purpose, the people she met, and the profound impact she could have on their lives. It wasn't just a job for her; it was a profound calling. For 26 years, she dedicated herself to working in various healthcare settings, including nursing homes, hospice, and long-term care.

Already a dedicated yoga practitioner, she introduced the healing power of yoga to the populations she served. In 2003, she embarked on a transformative journey to become a certified yoga therapist, aiming to learn techniques for bringing yoga to individuals, even those on their deathbeds. In Jeanette's perspective, yoga is not limited to modern postural practices but is a holistic system of teachings and practices designed to help individuals find inner peace and self-discovery.

This journey led her to transition away from the corporate healthcare world and focus on working one-on-one with individuals in grief support. Today, she wears multiple hats as a yoga therapist, Ayurvedic doula, and massage therapist. Yet, her overarching mission remains constant across her many roles: helping people tap into their inner resources and discover their true selves, thereby empowering them to make more informed choices in life.

https://www.jeanettesealy.com

https://www.instagram.com/jeanettesealy

https://www.facebook.com/jeanettesealyyoga

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Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

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Our guest, Sam Ruth, originally from Michigan but now in Colorado, shares her journey as a psychologist, author, and speaker. 

She met her husband in Michigan at 24, and they reconnected later but tragically, he passed away in Colorado at 46, just four years later.

Sam turned to nature and the beauty of Colorado to heal. Sam's deep connection to spirituality emerged following her loss. 

In her work as a psychologist, Sam encounters many individuals dealing with practical and financial aspects following a loss. She encourages people of all ages to consider these matters, even if it's not a pleasant topic to dwell on. Her husband's logical approach to these matters and planning ahead brought her some comfort when she needed it most.

Sam, a naturally restless thinker, initially struggled with meditation and yoga. Unable to even read, she turned to audiobooks while walking her dog, hoping to find some relief. 


She ventured into meditation, vision boards, and other unconventional methods. Over time, she transformed as a person, incorporating meditation as a non-negotiable routine in her life.

Recognizing the need for support after her loss, Sam created a community called "Griefhab." Drawing on her background as a psychologist, she designed this community to provide the support she couldn't find elsewhere. 

It offers a safe space for healing, where individuals are encouraged to heal in their unique ways. Sam also shares resources and support through her website, SamanthaRuth.com, where you can find her books, tools, and tips.

samantharuth.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/griefhab7/

https://samantharuth.com/team-ruthless

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-be-ruthless-show/id1554585454

https://mailchi.mp/744821c8f40c/healing-together-through-the-holidays?fbclid=IwAR3KTxKiLb0Qo30FLqviSze22eZtXO-CtjinnSkHqP7nX1SXO_7LrPJc9Eo

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast.

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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This week, we're deviating from our usual guest interviews due to a hectic week. Sometimes, life throws unexpected challenges our way. 

One such challenge happened to me recently when my minivan was struck by a drunk driver. It could have been much worse, but we're grateful that no one was hurt. This incident reaffirmed my deep appreciation for life and the importance of living in the moment.

I've always emphasized the significance of mindfulness and death awareness, and this experience underscored their value. By practicing mindfulness and contemplating death, we can better grasp what truly matters in life.

The accident and not getting an episode done made me realize that getting stressed over minor inconveniences doesn't serve us. 

In the past, I might have been anxious about not meeting expectations, but I've learned that it's okay to let go of that stress and focus on what's genuinely important.

I will also be taking a break in December, as both my children have birthdays and we celebrate Christmas. It's a time for reflection and spending time with loved ones. But don't worry; we'll be back in January with season 2 and some exciting guests.

Thank you for your support and understanding, and remember to cherish every moment.

You can subscribe to our podcast and support us financially to keep it ad-free. Your contribution, whether big or small, is greatly appreciated. You'll find the subscription link in the show notes, and you can make a one-time contribution via Venmo.

Thank you for being part of our "Seeing Death Clearly" community, and we can't wait to reconnect with you in the upcoming episodes.

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast.

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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In this podcast episode, I'm joined by Tony Lynch, the founder of The Global Grief Network, a worldwide community of grief workers, mental health practitioners, and coaches. This community is all about raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and providing support to each other.

During our conversation, Tony shares his personal journey of spiritual growth, self-acceptance, and self-discovery, all while facing the challenges of grief. We delve into the importance of self-reflection, understanding the origins of our habits, and the crucial process of addressing trauma and mental health issues.

Tony embraces diverse backgrounds and beliefs, promoting acceptance. He emphasizes the value of learning from others, regardless of their beliefs, and suggests that incorporating positive aspects from various belief systems can make us more enlightened individuals.

Tony advocates for everyone to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Over time, we accumulate habits from our surroundings that may no longer serve us as we grow older. Digging deep within ourselves helps us understand why certain habits no longer work and allows for personal growth.

Addressing trauma, PTSD, and mental health issues is essential, and it's never too late to heal and grow. This process has provided Tony with a better understanding of his past, present, and future.

Tony's work with men, helping them break free from mental struggles and witnessing their healing process, brings him immense joy. This work fills his heart with gratitude, making him both personally and altruistically fulfilled.

https://www.facebook.com/griefsupportformen

Fb- The Global Grief Network https://www.facebook.com/groups/695890305913338

Ig- https://www.instagram.com/mensgriefsupport/

Linkedin- https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-lynch-8035b6173/

LinkedIn group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14250521/

Podcast host - Grief Let’s Talk About It podcast -YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@griefletstalkaboutit/videos

#1 international Amazon best-selling Author - Relentless -Stories of Overcoming Adversity

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Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast.

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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My guest this week is Casey Stevens. We had a heartwarming conversation about her incredible journey. High school was a turning point in her life, marked by a profound loss and her parents played a pivotal role in helping her navigate this grief by openly discussing death and grieving.

This experience, along with her volunteer work with people at the end of life, set her on a path to a career in spiritual psychology. Casey helps others break free from unproductive patterns and undergo radical transformations through conscious awakening.

Casey cherishes the memories of her great-grandmothers, who provided a strong presence during her childhood. When a close friend tragically took her own life in high school, Casey's parents supported her through the grief. They created space for her to process her emotions and involved teachers and friends in commemorating the friend's life.

Her mom's deep bond with her grandmother and her subsequent grief taught Casey the importance of openly sharing emotions. Her mother's willingness to talk about her sadness helped Casey process her own feelings.

During her school years, Casey engaged in community service and had a significant encounter with a hospice for people with HIV/AIDS. This experience had a profound impact, influencing her decision to pursue a career in psychology later in life.

She also shared a unique connection with an individual at Bailey-Boushay House in Seattle during her high school years. Despite his preference for solitude, they formed an extraordinary bond and had meaningful conversations. This experience helped Casey appreciate the value of human connection and the positive impact of giving one's time to help others.

You can find Casey by following the links below.

https://www.instagram.com/shrinkbigger/

https://linktr.ee/shrinkbigger

Support the show financially by doing a paid monthly subscription, any amount large or small help to keep the podcast advertisement free. https://www.buzzsprout.com/2092749/support

Subscribe to Seeing Death Clearly and leave a 5-star review if you are enjoying the podcast.

I appreciate the support and it helps get the word out to more people that could benefit from hearing the podcast.

Don’t forget to check out my free workbook Living a Better Life.

You can connect with me on my website, as well as all major social media platforms.

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