Season 1 Ep. 13 - Walking with Grief - Mariel & Josh

Join Mariel and Josh on the "Probably Important Podcast" as they delve into the multifaceted nature of grief. Mariel shares her perspective of grief as a companion to major life transitions, while Josh relates it more closely to death, highlighting the universal nature of this human experience.

In a deeply personal moment, Mariel opens up about losing her close friend Doug unexpectedly and feeling unsupported in her grief initially. This leads to a poignant conversation about cultural taboos surrounding the expression of emotions like sadness or anger.

The discussion expands to explore cultural differences in the perception of grief, with some cultures viewing it as a natural part of life compared to Western cultures that often perceive it as something to be avoided or rushed through. Mariel shares how her mom’s friend found solace in her presence during her grief, highlighting the power of simply being there for someone without words.

Josh emphasizes the importance of accepting difficult emotions in others and being fully present without the need to fix or solve problems. Mariel's metaphor of emotions having "visiting hours" resonates, illustrating that grief is a process that ebbs and flows over time.

The conversation deepens as they discuss the non-linear nature of grief, emphasizing that it moves through stages like sadness, anger, and acceptance in a rotating fashion. With support, individuals can come to accept loss while still experiencing periods of grief. They caution that unresolved grief can manifest in unexpected ways if not addressed.

Tune in to gain insights into grief as a complex and evolving process, and discover ways to support yourself and others through its challenges on the "Probably Important Podcast."

For support in your grief check out Cat Anderson as a End of Life Doula and Grief Educator at https://www.reachtrauma.com/