Part 2: Navigating Grief and Growth - Insights from Christina Rasmussen
Aug 22, 2024
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Christina Rasmussen, an acclaimed grief educator and bestselling author, delves into the nuanced world of grief in this enlightening conversation. She introduces the concept of 'invisible losses' and how they subtly shift our self-perception over time. Listeners learn to identify their inner narratives and the importance of reconnecting with their original selves. Christina also shares insights on navigating past traumas and societal pressures to foster authenticity. Her approach emphasizes compassion, self-exploration, and the transformative power of shared experiences.
Invisible losses can emerge from everyday experiences, significantly impacting our self-perception and connection to our original selves.
Recognizing and differentiating between the survivor self and thriver self is essential for reclaiming authenticity and processing grief effectively.
Deep dives
The Concept of Invisible Loss
Invisible losses often stem from everyday experiences that go unacknowledged, leading to profound grief that many people may not even recognize. Examples include subtle emotional neglect during childhood or feelings of insignificance in social situations, which can alter an individual’s self-perception. These moments of impact create a shift from one’s original self to a 'survivor self', characterized by a protective mechanism that disconnects individuals from their true emotions and identities. Understanding and acknowledging these invisible losses is crucial for individuals to heal and move beyond mere survival into a more authentic existence.
Navigating Personal Narratives
The podcast discusses the importance of recognizing and differentiating between three inner narrators: the survivor self, the thriver self, and the watcher self. The survivor self often dominates thoughts and behaviors, leading individuals to stay stuck in a state of anxiety and fear, while the thriver self represents one’s original, childlike essence. By consciously observing these dynamics, individuals can reclaim their true identity and make choices that align with their authentic selves rather than remaining confined in survival mode. The dialogue emphasizes that self-awareness and mental stock-taking can help bridge the gap between survival instincts and one's true desires.
The Path to Recovery and Self-Discovery
The guest stresses the significance of engaging in therapeutic work to process grief and reclaim the fragmented parts of oneself that may have been lost over time. Through her own journey and experiences, she highlights that overcoming the invisible barriers caused by grief allows for a fuller expression of life and self. The transformative process involves acknowledging past pains, letting go of the need for external validation, and actively pursuing one’s true passions and interests. Ultimately, this serves not only personal growth but also fosters deeper connections and understanding within personal and professional relationships.
Grief takes many forms and can be a complex and individual experience. It’s not limited to major life events. Life is full of small, invisible losses. In part 2 of our conversation with acclaimed grief educator and bestselling author, Christina Rasmussen explains what she means by “invisible losses” and the impact they can have on our lives over time: “our perception of self shifts out of what we know about ourselves and it changes…when that happens, we lose what I call the original self and what the original self is.”
In today’s episode, you’ll learn:
what invisible losses are
how to recognize our three inner narratives, and
the importance of reconnecting with your original self
Tune in for valuable insights on navigating grief and reconnecting with your original self.
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