This book, first published in 1994, serves as a foundational guide to mindfulness and meditation. Jon Kabat-Zinn combines his research and medical background with his spiritual knowledge to help readers find peace and change their lives. The book emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the moment and making intentional, mindful choices. It includes a new introduction and afterword in the updated edition, along with factual updates to reflect changes in research and knowledge since its original publication.
In *The Grieving Brain*, neuroscientist and psychologist Mary-Frances O’Connor, PhD, offers a fascinating new window into one of the hallmark experiences of being human. The book addresses why it’s hard to understand that a loved one has died, why grief causes various emotions, why grieving takes so long, the distinction between grief and prolonged grief, why we ruminate after loss, and how to restore a meaningful life while grieving. Based on O’Connor’s trailblazing neuroimaging work, research in the field, and real-life stories, the book combines storytelling, accessible science, and practical knowledge to help navigate loss with more ease and grace.
This book offers expert advice on how to limit self-criticism and offset its negative effects, enabling readers to achieve their highest potential and a more contented, fulfilled life. Dr. Neff provides practical exercises and action plans based on state-of-the-art research, helping readers deal with various emotionally debilitating struggles such as parenting, weight loss, and everyday challenges. The book emphasizes the importance of self-compassion over self-esteem, promoting emotional resilience, personal growth, and a deeper sense of inner peace and happiness[1][4][5].
What would it look like if we were more open to grief?
This week, as promised, we are joined by our resident psychologist Dr Emily Musgrove to talk through grief from a clinical perspective.
Grief is proof of life, and proof of love. And while it is an incredibly unique experience for each person, there is a universality to it as well.
Dr Em walks us through how grief impacts the brain on a neurological level, and unpacks its unpredictable, non-linear path.
Explaining the difference between grief and grieving, Em reminds us about the importance of turning towards the pain and how to learn to ride the waves of grief, rather than expecting them to disappear.
And on a practical level, Ryan asks about what you can actually do for someone in grief to show them love and support.
If you’d like to watch this full episode on YouTube, follow this link: https://bit.ly/4jKdlco
If you would like to pre-order Em’s book Unstuck, click here: https://bit.ly/4bhmCp2
🫖 Other Imperfects episode’s mentioned in this episode
📖 Things to read
💻 Things to check out
☎️ If you, or someone you know, is struggling with grief, Griefline 1300 845 745 is a great place to start
🩷To host your own Vulnerabilitea House, purchase the Vulnerabilitea House Cards here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP
🩵To purchase our journal (or your novel) My Imperfect Life, click here - https://bit.ly/3Cx4tGP
🩷To subscribe to the Vulnerabilitea-mail weekly newsletter, join through our website - www.theimperfects.com.au
🩵To join our patreon community, A Little More Imperfect, follow this link - patreon.com/theimperfects
The Imperfects is not a licensed mental health service and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, treatment or assessment. The advice given in this episode is general in nature, but if you’re struggling, please see a healthcare professional, or call lifeline on 13 11 14.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Imperfects 
