The Brian Keane Podcast

#487: Grief and Loss Expert David Kessler on The Importance of Witnessing Grief and Finding Meaning From Break Ups, Divorce and Death Of Loved Ones!

May 27, 2024

53:04

David is one of the world’s foremost experts on grief and loss.

His experience with thousands of people on the edge of life and death has taught him the secrets to living a happy and fulfilled life, even afterlife’s tragedies.

He is the author of six books, including his most recent bestselling book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief. He co authored two books with Elisabeth Kubler Ross, including On Grief and Grieving updated her 5 stages for grief. His first book, The Needs of The Dying received praise from Saint (Mother) Teresa.

David’s personal experience as a child witnessing a mass shooting while his mother was dying in a hospital helped him begin his journey. For most of his life, David has taught physicians, nurses, counselors, police, and first responders about the end of life, trauma, and grief.

He facilitates talks, workshops and retreats for those experiencing grief. However, despite his vast knowledge on grief, his life was turned upside down by the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son. It inspired him to write his newest book, Finding Meaning.

He is someone whose work has had a profound impact on my life in recent months and the world is truly a better place because of him being here.

He is also the founder of www.grief.com which has over five million visits yearly from 167 countries.

Here are some of things we talked about in today’s podcast:

The worst loss is the one you're going through; comparing losses only harms yourself.
Heartbreak is a form of grief, and all endings are a type of death.
The stages of grief are not a linear process; everyone experiences them differently.
Changing the story we tell ourselves about grief can help in the healing process.
Grief must be witnessed by others; isolation only prolongs the healing journey. Our true essence is love, and all other voices are our old wounds.
Allow yourself to walk through the pain and face it, as running from it will only prolong the healing process.
Grief is messy and non-linear; it's important to allow the messiness and be with where you are.
Be with your grief but don't let it become your identity; find healing by not letting past events control your decisions and actions.
Finding meaning in grief and loss is about who we become and how we show up in the world.