Secular Buddhism Podcast

#40

Dealing Mindfully With Grief And Loss

In this episode, I explore how to mindfully deal with grief and loss, which are universal human experiences that arise from the impermanence of all things. I discuss the common five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—but emphasize that grief is rarely linear and can be cyclical. A key takeaway is that mindfulness helps us accept whatever stage we are in, rather than trying to rush through the process, and it anchors us in the present moment to fully experience our emotions without resistance. The story of Kissagotami illustrates how clinging to the idea of permanence, like refusing to accept a child's death, intensifies suffering, while accepting impermanence, as the Buddha taught her, allows for healing. Ultimately, practicing self-compassion and preparing for inevitable loss through contemplating impermanence, as demonstrated in a guided meditation, can help us navigate these difficult experiences with greater wisdom and equanimity.

May 9, 2017

131 episodes found

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Dealing Mindfully With Grief And Loss

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